It all depends on the bike frames. I have a hard tail Marin and the arms would not fit inside the top tube when I ran a modded Thule SpareMe and 33" tires. One arm was inside the triangle and the other was under the down tube making the bike off center and at a nose down angle when carried. I tried a Yakima TubeTop adaptor but it allows the bike to bounce if it's not bungied down. Try taking your bikes to a shop (REI) and test if the SpareTime arms will fit in the triangle.

I've run various Yakima racks on cars and SUVs since the 90's and like their build quality and design. I ran the Thule since it was what was in stock and the Yak SpareTime was not released when I ran a tire carrier mount. (Thule SpareMe is cheap in design and build quality in contrast to Yakima) And Yakima is a USA company. Currently using Yak HoldUp with a drop hitch extension.

 

Check the out

WNYMBA (Western New York Mountain Bike Association) ----Help---
We need you're votes and help getting the word out about our home town area finalist, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville NY... Info and links

http://www.bellhelmets.com/bellbuilt

http://www.wnymba.org/index.php?opti...tpage&Itemid=1

http://www.meetup.com/WNY-Mountain-B...hread=43974632

 

my lynskey is on the trailer here:

 

WNYMBA (Western New York Mountain Bike Association) ----Help--- We need you're votes and help getting the word out about our home town area finalist, Holiday Valley in Ellicottville NY... Info and links

http://www.bellhelmets.com/bellbuilt


http://www.wnymba.org/index.php?opti...tpage&Itemid=1


http://www.meetup.com/WNY-Mountain-B...hread=43974632

 

So The girlfriend and I are looking into mountain bikes. What would be a good brand to get. We want to get started so we are willing to spend 400-600. Any recommendations?

 

For that price you're probably looking at a basic Giant or Trek with front suspension and v-brakes only if you decide to purchase it new from your local bike shop. Specialized might have something in the price range as well like your basic HardRock.

For $600 you might be lucky to get a disc brake upgrade but keep in mind it's more maintenance especially if you ride off-road a lot and at that price range they usually slap on the cheaper disc brakes (Avid) but since you're just getting into it, that maybe good for the time being.

My ride: 2012 Specialized FSR Stumpjumper

 

Yea for that price I'd suggest looking at used bikes to possibly get a little more bike for your money. I'm really partial to Specialized, but they get pricey. I ride a Specialized 2010 Enduro Comp SL all mountain, and a 2012 Specialized Demo 8 1 Down Hill. My wife rides a women's specific 2011 Specialized Safire Comp SL that she is in absolute love with.

 

True. For about $700-800 he could pick up a 2007-2008 full suspension stumpy (or similar) but only problem is you'd have to shell out extra coin to replace sooner the chain rings, chain, rear casette, upgrade the derailleur wires, overhaul the suspension & bearings, and up-grade the brakes cause the Elixir's are the absolute worst brakes I've ever used.

If he doesn't have the tools or doesn't have the time or isn't willing to do the maintenance, then local bike shops will usually throw in 1 year of free service with a bike purchase. Since he's just getting into it, local bike shop purchase might be the better route.

Having said that, I do prefer to buy used and fix/mod accordingly but I also have the tools, the time, & the interest to do it. A 2012-2013 Enduro will be my next bike.

 

I bought a new cannondale trail 5 from a local shop 2 years ago. It's a hardtail with disc brakes and has a lock out on the front fork (which is great for pumping up hills on blacktop) it cost me $700. I've put it through its paces for sure and everything is holding up great, only modification I've done was getting some good grippy flat pedals and trashed the plastic ones. My buddy got the specialized hard rock around the same time and it doesn't impress me compared to mine. No hate on Specialized just that the hard rock is definitely there bargain bin bike.

 

I picked up a Norco Range B. Good deal on it. Was the shop demo bike for a year, never taken out on trails, upgrades, new brakes, grips, etc. Out the door $2800. New, cost was $4200 retail.