YAMBT: Mountain bike thread...

[vi edit]

I'm looking at these bikes right now:

Gary Fisher Marlin: $469

Trek 4500: $450

Trek 6500: $569

Specialized Rockhopper: $500

I'm going to be doing about 50% trails, 50% on road pavement beating for commuting.

Value wise, the Fisher seems like an awesome deal. It's got virtually identical components to the Trek 6500, but it's $100 less. The only major difference is the Fisher is a couple pounds heavier.

I really liked the front shock of the Trek and the Fisher because they let me lock out the shock which is appealing when riding on pavement. I don't like the mushiness that some of the suspensions provide when hitting smooth surfaces. So that's a plus. No other bikes in my range offered that option.

Going for test rides today to see if how they feel. Just thought it would run it by the guru's here to see if there is any one overwhelming value over another.

 

[GasX]

For casual riding, I'd go with the Fisher.

 

[40Hands]

I have a 2004 Trek 6700 series and I love it. I have been working on upgrading it this season. Not sure how that helps you but you will know what bike you want when you test them out.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
For casual riding, I'd go with the Fisher.

That's kind of what I was thinking. I'm pretty green when it comes to the mountain bike industry. Did Fisher used to be a pretty respected name a while back? Did the brand get watered down badly after Trek bought them out?

Just seems like it's a form of badge engineering between Trek and Fisher, it's basically 90% the same bikes with a little bit different frame.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
For casual riding, I'd go with the Fisher.

Then again, if I thought I'd be getting "into" the sport, I'd take the lighter frame every time.

 

[Brutuskend]

I would go with a Haro V4.
<---Haro Fanboy

 

[Blieb]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
I would go with a Haro V4.
<---Haro Fanboy

That bike looks sexy

 

[kornphlake]

Iron Horse bikes have become known for being a good "value" bike over the last couple years, they tend to spec higher level components than the competition for the same price. Iron Horse dealers can be tough to find though, consider buying online from supergo.com. Cannondale's are also amazing bikes, for $500 you should be able to find one that will meet your needs. I'd suggest looking at used bikes too, www.mtbr.com has an ample classified section, bikes depreciate faster than Hyundai's so if you know what you're looking for you can usually find a bike that's twice as good for half the price. Buying new from a bike shop isn't without benefits though, usually they'll offer a free tune up after 30 days (which you will need) and they might give you a small discount on accessories like a helmet, patch kit, tire pump and whatever else you might need to get started.

 

[DrPizza]

*****
**** Okay, same advice needed, same budget.
Difference = exclusively for trail riding. Quite a hilly area, rocky ground, forested area, etc.

 

[Brutuskend]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
*****
**** Okay, same advice needed, same budget.
Difference = exclusively for trail riding. Quite a hilly area, rocky ground, forested area, etc.

Same answer Haro V4

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend

Originally posted by: DrPizza
*****
**** Okay, same advice needed, same budget.
Difference = exclusively for trail riding. Quite a hilly area, rocky ground, forested area, etc.

Same answer Haro V4

Thank you.
I anticipate a Haro V4, used, for sale shortly after I break a few appendages this summer

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Brutuskend
I would go with a Haro V4.
<---Haro Fanboy

Looks good, but the only Haro dealer within 60 miles of me only sells dirt bikes by them.

After trying out most of the bikes I listed, I like the Fisher the best. It also comes with tires that are slightly more street friendly but still suited for trail use. Which is a plus given my on/off road percentages.

 

[Blastomyces]

Blastomyces rule: Never buy a bike at fulle price.

I picked up a new, two year old (at the time) Rockhopper a1 fs comp for $450 (retail is 850). I ended up selling it for $400 after using it for two years.

I then picked up a used 2001 Trek Fuel 80 for $450 (regular $1100) off of craigslist.
http://itsa.ucsf.edu/~asinha/random/bike1.jpg

I even picked up my new Trek 5000 about $600 off retail during a Congrats Lance Armstrong sale ($2200-->$1600).

My advice, wait for an end of year sale, or go off CL.