Hey guys, I wanna buy a push bike for my girlfriend and I don't have a clue what to look for.

What brand/features should I look for??

I don't wanna spend much, around $500...

Thanks guys,
Dave

what type of bike? just the normal type mountain bike?

If its bmx or mountain bike you can never go wrong with GT or specialized.

For value for money and quality of components I would recommend Giant, Avanti or Dodson.

I myself currently own a giant, and am completely happy with it.

Mongoose & Diamond Back represent quality, value for money products. GT & Specialized are in the same vein, but cost a bomb.

Actually just got my girlie a decent bike. Mongoose Rockadile FX for $400 with a free helmet.. if you can afford the Rockadile AL (~$500) I recommend it highly.

mabey even look 2nd hand. A good quality bike should last for years if cared for correctly. Stuff like Trek, GT, Fisher etc....would be the goods.

Cant go past a Giant bike!

Yep another vote for GT here....i used to have a GT pro series BMX racing bike that was so light and well made...now i have a Dyno Nitro (still a GT!)... from memory GT make GT/Dyno/Robinson bikes...

yeah gt's are a good brand however the lower end frames are not made in the us like thier top end gear and in some of the warranties for them it states it the bike is taken off road then the warranty is void so be carefully if you break somethign and you feel its a warranty job, dont tell them youve been doing trails. i kno this as i used to work in a bike shop if your after a deal, try and find a bikeshop that hires bikes, they normally have a couple of old season bikes. these are good buys as they have been serviced regualary and are normally of a higher standard for what you would get for your money buying new. for example i found a specialised FSR for my mum for $1000 full xtr running gear and hayes brakes never had any dramas with it

[ October 07, 2003, 20:33: Message edited by: BIGW ]

i got a gt compe bmx/trail bike. it's a gt compe and i'd have to say it is the most solid feeling bike i've had. currently up for sale to.

a little of topic but do any of u guys know wot kinda brands i should be lookin at for road racing bikes. at the moment i have a GT Aggressor but she doesn't really like the 120+ km on straight, flat roads

have a look at ciobolas down at trak cycles at southland EAspeed, handmade top quality magnesium composite frames, otherwise avanti are now making very top end bikes, and then theres the giant tcr,ocr's but they never really buttered my muffin just ask everyone for a demo, most shopd are more than happy for you to test ride them

thanks BIGW