Which Bike for My Boyfriend?

from Kara

Leland, Michigan

Hi Joe,

I am looking to buy my boyfriend a new mountain bike- he’s been before but by no means is he an expert. He’s 6’4″ and roughly 250 lbs, I get pro-deals on the below brands- what would you recommend is the best bang for my buck?

Thank you in advance!

BH Bikes
Topeak
WTB
Tern
Craft
Marin
Leatt
Dakine
Defeet
Xpedo
Raleigh
Redline
Lapierre
Syncros
Yakima
Diamondback
Kenda
Garneau
Rocky Mounts
Gizmo Cycling
Brooks England
One Industries
Rhino Rack
Schwinn
Continental Tire

Which Bike?

by Joe@MTB

Hi Kara,

First of all, thanks for looking at my website and giving me another chance to talk about buying a good mountain bike.

I have been asked the “Which Bike” question many times before and have written posts, such as finding the Best Mountain Bike for You.

Now, your question is a little different than most since you are providing me with a list of products for which you get discounts. Unfortunately, I can not personally recommend any bikes from your list (I only feel comfortable recommending bikes I have ridden). Actually, I have never heard of many of the brand names you have here on your list. But that does not mean your list does not include quality mountain bikes.

I know Marin, Raleigh, Diamondback, and Schwinn make bikes. I have seen bikes by Marin and Diamondback on the trails and know Raleigh and Schwinn are companies that have been around forever. Marin and Diamondback do appear on some of the “Best Bike Brand” lists, but I don’t think I have met any serious mountain bikers on a Raleigh or a Schwinn.

You probably want to surprise your boyfriend, but personally, I would never want to buy a bike I had never tried out. Maybe you can tell him you want to buy him a bike and then go to your local bike stores to try them. Can you get your discount if you buy the bike at the local bike store?

I hope this helps you some.

Joe