Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)11-29-10. This will not be a standard review but will have some helpful hints---hope it will help you.
My Goal was to find (using reviews and ratings) the best dual suspension/disk brake mountain bike
for under 300 dollars
Based on reviews and ratings from different web sites it came down to the following three.
1. GMC Topkick, made by Kent Bicycle.
2. Polaris RMK made by Ming Cycle in Taiwan (seen above)
3. Victory Vegas Low---Ming Cycle
Although the GMC Topkick is a 4-star bike, I ruled it out because it is more bulky looking and it
is a few pounds heavier than the other 2 bikes and there were many reviews claiming a front dérailleur
shifting (inherent) problem and complaints the handlebars could not be raised.
The Polaris RMK comes in with great reviews and a 4 1/2 star rating. But in just one day Amazon raised
its price from 199 dollars to 267 dollars(nov 20,2010). -----After some more investigation it turned out
that the Polaris RMK is exactly the same bike as the Victory Vegas Low only with different colors and name.
The Victory is selling for a lot less than the Polaris and is (as of this date)189 dollars at Meijer,(where
I bought mine, see below).
The Polaris and the Victory are made by Ming Cycle out of Taiwan and distributed by an
American company---Cycle Force Group. Ming Cycle makes different brand name mountain bikes,
like Polaris, Kawasaki, Victory, Mantis, all of these can be found on Amazon and retailers
like Wall Mart, Target and Sears.------As it turns out the Polaris and the Victory are Ming's top
of the line dual suspension mountain bike with upgraded wheels and front disk brake and 19"frame
and generally reviewed and rated better than some of the mountain bikes that sell for more. So based
on reviews and ratings I think for a dual suspension mountain bike with front disk brakes
the Polaris or Victory is the way to go ---except that the Polaris price has been increased too much,
So go with the Victory Vegas Low, its the same bike!!!! and can be found on amazon but It can be bought
as of todays date 11-30-10 at Wall mart or Meijer's for under 200 dollars and with free shipping.
---A review for Victory is a review for Polaris and vise/versa. See my complete review for the Victory
on Amazon and Walmart.----Best dual suspension mountain bike for the money. 5stars
12-12-2010---Now Amazon lowered their price again even lower than the Victory Vegas and you can find it on Miejers for 187 dollars. Apparently Amazon raises the price when Walmart and Miejiers runs out of stock, then when they get restocked and have the lower price Amazon lowers their price------Anyways they are both the same bike so you have your choice of colors and one of them will always have the lower price.
Click Here to see more reviews about:
Polaris RMK Adult Dual Suspension BikeEquipped with an aluminum suspension frame and Shimano's ultra-dependable 21-speed drive train, the Polaris Rocky Mountain King (RMK) is ready for all your on- and off-road adventures. The bike offers such additional features as twist-grip shifters for easy and accurate gear changes, a long-travel suspension fork that guarantees a terrifically smooth ride on tough trails, and a front mechanical disc brake that provides sure stopping power. Add in knobby all-terrain tires and you have everything you need for the road ahead.
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:
The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:
Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.
Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:
Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:
Helmet (this is a must!)
Seat pack
Lock
Hydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage
Spare tubes
Portable bike pump
Gloves
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