Where to buy hard-tailed mtn bikes?

I like the stuff that Sportchek has but I dont like the staff. I bought a iron horse from them a few years ago but want something a little smaller. ie 16 inch frame. Seems like it is cheaper just to buy new rather than refurbish existing bike once chain ring , bearings, etc wear out. Second rear wheel for example would cost me 100 buck to replace including chain ring.

Originally Posted by ctslut

I like the stuff that Sportchek has but I dont like the staff. I bought a iron horse from them a few years ago but want something a little smaller. ie 16 inch frame. Seems like it is cheaper just to buy new rather than refurbish existing bike once chain ring , bearings, etc wear out. Second rear wheel for example would cost me 100 buck to replace including chain ring.

Go to your neighbourhood bike store.

Originally Posted by ctslut

smartass

Actually mate, it was a serious reply. After all, you did ask where to go, did you not? If you want a good bike, you go to your neighbourhood bike store, not the larger chain retailers.

I'll accept your apology when you have the guts to post it.

Originally Posted by iamnotamerican.com

Actually mate, it was a serious reply. After all, you did ask where to go, did you not? If you want a good bike, you go to your neighbourhood bike store, not the larger chain retailers.

I'll accept your apology when you have the guts to post it.

troll

Originally Posted by ctslut

troll

His advice was serious.

I'm in the same boat, looking for a new bike. The ones at Sports Experts and Sportchek are way inflated, then put on sale.

Plus aren't the Diamondbacks there specially built for them with a DB frame and cheaper components?

I was looking at Bushtaka in Ottawa and they have a nice Trek for around $350. Kundstat in Kanata is around that price point as well.

Originally Posted by ctslut

troll

Did you want an adress or what?
I mean his reply is correct...local bike shop is much better bet than a chain store in a freakin' mall.

You can also check out the store Skiis and Biikes.
The prices are a bit high as they carry mid to high end bikes but the quality is definitely a lot better and the staff are super helpful and knowledgable.

Originally Posted by ctslut

troll

I would agree with the local bike shop - it's the end of the season and many bike shops will be clearing stock. It woudl be a great time to buy a hard tail - should be able to get a great deal. I would recommend that over any large retailer. Better bikes and better service.

In Calgary - try Bow Cycle

they also have a classified section - if you don't want to buy a new bike
http://www.bowcycleclassifieds.com/C...nCat.asp?ID=11

You may also wish to check out the bulletin board at the Calgary MEC store

Originally Posted by ctslut

troll

Still waitin' for that apology. It's okay...I'm not holding my breath. Here's a tip for you, newbie: Don't be a dick when someone provides the assistance you ask for, just because they didn't hold your hand, and when you are wrong, admit it. You'll get a lot more help in future.

Originally Posted by iamnotamerican.com

Still waitin' for that apology. It's okay...I'm not holding my breath. Here's a tip for you, newbie: Don't be a dick when someone provides the assistance you ask for, just because they didn't hold your hand, and when you are wrong, admit it. You'll get a lot more help in future.

Recommending a bike shop is like recommending a dealership for an oil change. Not only are you disrespecting everyone here you are disrespecting yourself by such malicious advice. No RFD'er is going to go to a bike shop and pay $500 for a $200 bike so they can have their hand held.

Originally Posted by ctslut

Recommending a bike shop is like recommending a dealership for an oil change. Not only are you disrespecting everyone here you are disrespecting yourself by such malicious advice. No RFD'er is going to go to a bike shop and pay $500 for a $200 bike so they can have their hand held.

Funny...a number of people have agreed that my suggested was the best, so looks like there are RFDers who will go to a bike store to pay for a quality bike with solid, knowledgeable after-sales service. Kinda like - using your analogy - buying a BMW from an authorised BMW dealership as opposed to a private individual listing on Craigslist.

If you want an ill-fitting crap bike with cheap components sold to you by people who know stuff-all and with no post-sale assistance, you go right ahead to places like CT, Wal*Mart or Zellers. If you want a decent bike even at a relatively low price point while dealing with people who know what they are talking about, then a bike shop is what you need.

If that's malicious advice, then I guess it is. But of course we both know it's not...you just don't have the guts to admit you were out of line...that's okay though, since I figured that was you personality from your first reply.

I look forward to getting a chuckle from your next post.

Originally Posted by iamnotamerican.com

Funny...a number of people have agreed that my suggested was the best, so looks like there are RFDers who will go to a bike store to pay for a quality bike with solid, knowledgeable after-sales service. Kinda like - using your analogy - buying a BMW from an authorised BMW dealership as opposed to a private individual listing on Craigslist.

If you want an ill-fitting crap bike with cheap components sold to you by people who know stuff-all and with no post-sale assistance, you go right ahead to places like CT, Wal*Mart or Zellers. If you want a decent bike even at a relatively low price point while dealing with people who know what they are talking about, then a bike shop is what you need.

If that's malicious advice, then I guess it is. But of course we both know it's not...you just don't have the guts to admit you were out of line...that's okay though, since I figured that was you personality from your first reply.

I look forward to getting a chuckle from your next post.

shimano is shimano whether you buy at bike shop or department store. bike mechanics vary in ability but bike shops have just as many incompetent people as anywhere else. putting a bike together is not rocket science.

Originally Posted by ctslut

shimano is shimano whether you buy at bike shop or department store. bike mechanics vary in ability but bike shops have just as many incompetent people as anywhere else. putting a bike together is not rocket science.

Kinda like how Toyota and Lexus are the same kind of cars, right? After all, they are all made by the same company.

If putting a bike together is not rocket science and the parts are the same quality, why don't you just build the bike yourself with such high quality parts...you know, the same parts that are on the $200 bike you seem to love so much? After all, the $200 bike includes labour costs and retailer's profit level, so surely you can buy some really high quality components for a great price.

Oh, wait...you can't build a bike yourself (which is why you were asking about buying one), so apparently it may be rocket science after all (or at least you simply may not have such rudimentary skills)...

Originally Posted by iamnotamerican.com

Kinda like how Toyota and Lexus are the same kind of cars, right? After all, they are all made by the same company.

If putting a bike together is not rocket science and the parts are the same quality, why don't you just build the bike yourself with such high quality parts...you know, the same parts that are on the $200 bike you seem to love so much? After all, the $200 bike includes labour costs and retailer's profit level, so surely you can buy some really high quality components for a great price.

Oh, wait...you can't build a bike yourself (which is why you were asking about buying one), so apparently it may be rocket science after all (or at least you simply may not have such rudimentary skills)...

Buying individual parts is always more expensive than buying the bike assembled. buying at a bike shop means paying double what you pay at a department store for the same thing. bike shops are basically a make work project for people who dont have the personality to get hired by a department store.