I've narrowed my bike choices to 4!

[Mucman]

Giant Ranier
Cannondale F500
Specialized RockHopper Comp
Devinci (forgot it's name 🙁)

The cheapest is the Specialized at $1000cdn The most expensive is $1200. They also had a 2001 Giant ATX870 (I may have mixed up the letters). The salesman said the Cannodale has the best frame, but the 2001 model Giant is nice too. They are all butted frames. The 2001 Giant is a better model than the Ranier but is is the same price because it is last years model.

The weather seems to be warming up a bit, and I may take some test rides next weekend. What should I look for in the test rides? The only things I've ridden have been $200 bikes... I am sure all of these will feel awesome but what distinguishes them from the rest?

I have been to a half a dozen stores now and there are 3 good qualities I like about this place. They half a cute black lab that is the stores mascot 😉, only a couple minutes from my house (all the rest in N Van or in Kits which is too far from PoCo), and the sales staff seemed like they could have talked about bikes to a newb like me all day!

This has been a lot of fun! It's reminding me of when I built my first computer. I've learned so much already and I am looking forward to learn more!

 

[Anubis]

My roomate has teh specialized you lookin at and he loves it its a good solid bike. we go bikeing a lot. only problim i have with it is that i personallythink the specialized tires are peaces of crap but thats just me.
Cannondale makes reallygood bikes dont know about the model you speak of but im guessing its a hard tale with a front suspension. probilly has there funny head shock. all and all they make great bikes
dont know much about giant bikes seeing as the last one i saw was like 10 years ago but im guessing its ust like the other 2
never heard of the Devinci one so i dont know

Personally id get the specialised. I love my specialized FSR its great. and if you get it invest in some good tires like "Kenda Kinetics" or something if you plan on dooin a lot of hard ridin cause the specialized team master and team controll ones will wear out fast.

And overall its up to you if you get a chance to test ride them pick which one feels the best to you

 

[Flat]

imo C-Dale has the best frame & fork by far of those

 

[Mucman]

They are all hardtails, and the Cdale does have the funky shock on it.

So what am I looking for in the ride?

 

[Flat]

If I were you I would cruise the MTBR for a nice used bike, use an escrow service and you can hardly go wrong.

As far as ride, are you looking to ever race? If not, then just get the bike that feels the best, but if you are going to race and not upgrade definetly get the cdale

 

[Mucman]

Since this is my first real bike, I am going to buy new from a shop... Once I learn the ins and outs of bikes I will feel better about buying one used.

My use is the following :

Losts of long distance over different types of trails with the odd foray into the bush for some light mtn biking, and the odd commute now and then. There isn't going to be any jumps, or crazy downhill stuff... I do plan on doing an 800km (I think it's that) trail in the summer time.

 

[N8Magic]

See if you can find a Rocky Mountain dealer.

Excellent bikes, and MADE IN CANADA. 😛

 

[mithrandir2001]

A used bike will indeed give you tons more for your money...bikes depreciate like crazy.

 

[Anubis]

sence you not gonna be dooin any downhilling a hard tale is fine. and any of the bikes are great cannondale does make sweet frames and that bike is a great one. personally i like specialized thats me i like the feel of there FSRs better and i cant afford a Raven. but go and test ride them and choose the one you like

 

[Mucman]

Seems to be like I can't go wrong with any of them 🙂. After looking some specs on the 2001 Giant ATX870 it looks like it has the best frame of them all, but maybe on par with the Cannondale. Then again the Specialized is $200 cheaper than the others too.