What mountain bike brands are good?

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: tkdkid
Giant is a good value brand. Take a step up and get a giant ranier for $600 or so.

Yeah, I forgot about Giant. Go Giant! Raleigh has some worthwhile stuff, too, IMHO. Go Raleigh!

Don't forget to test ride everything that's in the price range you want to pay and pick the one that feels like the best fit for you. Don't worry too much about seat comfort. Most everyone replaces their stock seat in short time, and many stores will work with you on an upgrade at the time of purchase.

Go have fun!

Me <-- Wishes I could buy both a mountain bike and a road bike TODAY, but can't, so he has a hybrid for now.

 

[BeeVo]

I just bought a 2003 Specialized Rockhopper here about 2 weeks ago. I really like it a lot. I rented the Trek 4300 for a day up in Jackson Hole and rode. It was pretty good but the Rockhopper feels a lot better. Feels a little more solid. My only complaint about the Rockhopper is that fork could be a little stiffer.

 

[Sukhoi]

Hmm, I called the bike shop that has the $370 closeout Specialized. The guy said it's a Specialized Hardrock with RockShox Judy shocks. However, according to the Specialized site the MSRP for the Hardrock is only $330. On the $370 I was looking at I could clearly see the original price of ~$480 that had been marked down to ~$420 and then ~$370. So something doesn't add up here. Did Specialized change their pricing schemes for the 2003 model year? Or is it probable that the one at the shop is actually a Hardrock Comp and the guy forgot to tell me about the Comp part of the name? I guess I'll have to call tomorrow and see.

So if it is indeed a Hardrock Comp, is it a good deal for $370?

Edit: Here's the current Hardrock page.

 

[newbiepcuser]

So if it is indeed a Hardrock Comp, is it a good deal for $370?

I paid $399 out the door for it, but I bought all my equipment that day. I bought the helmet, shorts, etc.. See if you can haggle with them, etc.

 

[DanJ]

I like my Gary Fisher Katai

 

[Sukhoi]

Originally posted by: newbiepcuser

So if it is indeed a Hardrock Comp, is it a good deal for $370?

I paid $399 out the door for it, but I bought all my equipment that day. I bought the helmet, shorts, etc.. See if you can haggle with them, etc.

Interesting, I guess it isn't that good of a deal if it's the Hardrock Comp, and a horrible price if it's just the Hardrock.

Edit: I just took a look on the Specialized site and the Hardrock has the RST Capa TL fork while the Hardrock Comp has the RockShox Judy TT, so I think the bike at my shop is indeed the Comp.

 

[Sukhoi]

Ok, I called the shop about that Specialized Hardrock again. Got some interesting news. Turns out the bike is a few years old, so it isn't a Hardrock Comp or Pro or anything like that. But the shop owner (who I tend to believe) said the bike has a frame on it that they sold on $700-$800 bikes. Anyone have any opinions on this weird bike?

I'm heading out this afternoon to the other two shops in my area to do some pricing and see what bikes they have in my size...maybe I'll luck out and get some 2003 models cheap now that the 2004s are out for several manufacturers.

 

[Joony]

North Face at Galyans!

 

[Stark]

Originally posted by: Sukhoi
Ok, I called the shop about that Specialized Hardrock again. Got some interesting news. Turns out the bike is a few years old, so it isn't a Hardrock Comp or Pro or anything like that. But the shop owner (who I tend to believe) said the bike has a frame on it that they sold on $700-$800 bikes. Anyone have any opinions on this weird bike?

I'm heading out this afternoon to the other two shops in my area to do some pricing and see what bikes they have in my size...maybe I'll luck out and get some 2003 models cheap now that the 2004s are out for several manufacturers.

it's probably a demo bike. What are the components on it? If it has at least Deore or LX, it might be ok.
It's a hardtail frame, and the prices on those have fallen over the past two years, so the $700-800 price isn't really a valid reference point today.
Also see if they offer free tuneups for a year (or for the life of the bike at some places).

the best thing to do is go ride it. you can also check mtbr for reviews of older bikes.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Just thought I would chime in here. I have a specialized rockhopper comp - and I love it. If you are looking for something cheaper, I just bought my g/f a g. fishcer wahoo for $300 (last years model - steel frame [a good thing]) , nice bike.

 

[Sukhoi]

Well, I just got back from the two other shops. Their selection was quite disappointing. Shop A had two or three Trek 4500s for $399, but they were all 19.5" frames. I'm 6' so I'd like to get a 21" frame. Shop B had a Specialized Hardrock Comp 21" frame for $430.

I just called the LBS I go to and they do have some Trek 4500s with 21" frames for $399. I think I may be picking one of those up on my way home from work Monday. I've also been looking for some Fisher Marlins or Wahoos, or Giant Yukons, so I'll have to see if the shop happens to have any for less than the Trek 4500s.

 

[Sukhoi]

On Monday I got a Trek 4500 with a 21.5" frame for $399. So far it's great, and I can't wait to do some off-road riding this weekend.

 

[astroview]

Any brands to avoid, I'm looking at getting a hybrid this week and I want to pay $200-300, the cheaper the better.....

 

[Sukhoi]

IMHO don't get front shocks in that price range unless you're up around $300.