Buying a new mountain bike

jkinable

I'm looking for a new mountain bike in de USA. Since I never bought a mountain bike myself (always rented them) I would love to get some advice.

Minimum Requirements:
-front suspension
-proper brakes, no cheap brakes pads

Usage:
-Commuting daily, also when it is snowing. Steep roads.
-Taking it on mountain bike trails.

One of the local bicycle stores offered me a Felt Nine 70 with XL frame (for specs: http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2015/Bikes/mountain/xc-hardtail/nine-70.aspx) for 679$.
Is this a good offer? Does this brand have a reasonable resell value? If you would rather go for a different bike, I would love to know why, and where I should be looking for?
In terms of price range, I was thinking 500-700$. Is this reasonable?

cooldad

This is mainly a UK forum, so doubt many people know US new or second hand values.

And it's brakes. You break if they don't work.

daniel_owen_uk

It's pretty much as budget as budget gets, as long as it's priced accordingly then it's fine.

Considered second hand? Something in a 26" wheel size has dropped a lot in value these days, and yet are still great to ride even if not quite so fashionable.

rockmonkeysc

[url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19627179#p19627179]cooldad[/url] wrote:

This is mainly a UK forum, so doubt many people know US new or second hand values.

And it's brakes. You break if they don't work.

They probably spell it wrong in America, like most of the ENGLISH language they seem to spell wrong.

The Rookie

No they are meant to spell it properly, but the Mericun edjukashun system being what it is......

cooldad

To be fair half the locals on here get it wrong.

Long_Time_Lurker

I used to own a Felt - that was my first 'proper' mtb.
Bombproof frame, but that is as good as it gots.
Bombproof also meant heavy and poorly specced. Doesn't look like they have changed that much either.

Have you got any other options from a different manufacturer?

jkinable

Thanks for all the suggestions!
I got a very nice offer for a second hand Gary Fisher 29er Hi Fi Pro which is in good condition. It's slightly more expensive than a new Felt Nine 70, but seems to be a significantly better bike. Furthermore, the added advantage is that if I ever have to sell it, I can probably get a better price for it than I would get for selling a Felt Nine 70.

Ps. Sorry for spelling brakes wrong

cooldad

Nice bike and welcome to the forum.

ps. You're excused.

daniel_owen_uk

Definitely a much nicer bike. Good decision.