I'd like to get back into mtn biking after a 8 year absence, but this time, I'd like to do it right, with a bike that fits my 6'8" frame. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced bike that will fit, as well as be durable enough to handle my weight as well? I tend to destroy bikes...
all bikes come in different sizes you should be fine with a 60 or 61cm frame depending on the manufacturer and you torso to leg length ratio, the most important thing you can do is get fit by a reputable shop
hmmm... when I looked at having a bike custom made a few years ago, I was quoted $3500 to start. my response was "ummm... that comes with a motor, right?" given my present economy, $700 is the most I can afford. is that doable? I don't need the latest & greatest, just something durable enough that i won't destroy it first time out.
kona look at the Kona Hoss http://www.konaworld.com/09_hoss_u.cfm clydesdale class, built strong look around on the web XL size always seam to be on sale
How are Specialized? I've got a friend that works for them & can give me a good deal. I like this one: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=09Rockhopper
sp that looks like a good bike and if you can get a deal great, but remember if if buy a light XC bike you will break/bend stuff quick. the fork springs will be way to soft plus it all depends on where you are going to ride.
yep same as your track bike, stiffer springs, a good fork should have preload, rebound adjustments, some have look out etc make sure it has a good strong set of wheels, some XC have light weight fancy spoke pattern wheels that will not last for you if you get into ruff stuff
They're only like the #1 bike company out there....... A good specialized hardtail (get a 29er hardtail if you can, it's like having an inch of rear suspension) or 26 inch full suspesnion is a bike that you could be proud to own. They make very nice bikes. Rockhoppers are good stuff.
I'm 6'6" and 250. I feel freakishly tall most of the time ESPECIALLY trying to ride a sport bike! I just got a Gary Fisher Kaitai size XL (hard tail as I said in other thead) and it's great. Very comfortable, frame geometry is perfect and there is plenty of room for adjustment, without looking or feeling freaky. The only thing I might do is put a handle bar riser on it. Won't decide until I ride some more... In doing my research the Gary Fisher bike got high marks from big guys especially for the frame size and geometry! They were right!! I got mine from CL for $350 which was about half of original price. It included some shoes, but they were only size 11 LOL!! Check them out for sure! :!: