Mountain Biking - best bang for the buck

I know that everyone has heard this a million times in previous posts, but here it is again. I have been thinking very hard about getting a F/S XC bike. I know that everyone has there own opinion on what brand they like. I have heard very good things about the Spec. Stumpjumper FSR, Trek Fuel, GF Sugar, Cannondale Jekyll. I have also heard some good things about Giant and Kona as well.

Stumpjumper (good) light, good components, strong frame, little or no peddle bob w/horst linkage, made in USA? / (bad) only carries a 1 yr warrenty on the frame...why?

The fuel and sugar (good) light, no peddle bob, lifetime warrenty on frame, made in USA? (bad) bend frames, chain suck, not so good components, customer service

Cannondale (good) very light, liftime warrenty on frame (bad) frames are fragile, costly, cannondale specific shocks and wheels, u either love them or hate them.

These are just some things I have read in reviews. If I buy a $1300+ F/S, I want a bike that will last me a very long time with no head aches. If I am wrong about any of these pros and cons, feel free the educate me and set me straight. I would just like some very honest opinions and facts on a good F/S under $2000

Thanx

Well, I know the Specialized changed their warranty policy to lifetime.
From the Specialized FAQ board:
Warranty on Frame

Question
I have heard that your warranty on Aluminum frames has gone from lifetime to a 5 yr. warranty. Is this true?

Answer
For a period of time we went down to a 5 year warranty, but now we have decided to go back to a limited lifetime warranty on all frames. This warranty covers all older frames that were sold under the 5 year warranty change but is limited to covering the frames for manufacturer defects and is valid only for the original owner of the bicycle.
We noted that while other companies were dropping to 5 year, 1 year and 90 day warranties that their quality was dropping as well. We want to hold on to our following and let everyone know that we want to stand behind every bike we sell.

thanx for the info.
Maybe the 1 year only applies to bikes and products purchased from there site.
In "Terms and Conditions", it still stated only a 1 year limited warrenty.

Has anyone ever dealt with Specialized warrenty dept. before?

Have you looked into the Giant NRS? They make an excellent bike, and I don't know how they make any money the way they spec out their bikes. I don't own one, but I do own a Giant, so I'm biased. But I ride with several guys who ride the NRS, and they can't stop telling everyone how happy they are with it.


Anyway, I think Cannondales and Treks are overpriced for what you get. I'm sure there are tons of people out there who would disagree, but that's my opinion. The Specialized I've heard good things about. Anyway, good luck with the bike shopping.:beer:

I have an FSR Comp, heres what I have changed on it.

Set-up: Thomson seatpost, python gold tires, flite saddle, easton EA-50 stem, also cut the bar shorter, eggbeater pedals.

Its a great bike, the frame design is excellent, it does bob a slight bit under power, not noticable to the rider, but it is visiible. Its a champ. I really don't have one complaint about it, and I usually forget that the bike is there. So thats enough said.

I'm looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper FSRxc, the Rockhopper A1 Comp, and the Trek Fuel 90 WSD. Am up for anything else that'll suit some pretty rough trail riding without being too big/heavy for a huge 115 pounder like me (preferable $2000 or less)! So I checked out that Giant NSR on line a bit. It's really preliminary, but here's the first thing I ran across concerning it:

http://www.ecmtb.com/hardware/nrs.shtml

Anyway...just passing on some info :)

I read the link....thanx. The NRS seems like a very fragile bike (looks nice though), much like a cannondale jekyll (from what I have read). The Sugar + seems nice, but again, chain suck issues.
I do want a light bike, but I still need the frame to be strong, I don't race, but do ride trails...fast, slow, hilly, and some more technical then others and I do fall down occasionally..LOL. I guess I would consider myself an intermediate rider at this point.
I do own a Trek 4500 as of now and it does take a beating. Thankfully, I have only had to replace a rear wheel (manufacturing defect I think...LOL) Treks warrenty took care of that. As far as tune ups, I do that stuff myself. But, for the many times I have bit it (learning clipless a while ago...LOL) the bike has some scratches, but thats about it. I don't mind that, but dents and bent tubes, I do mind. So, when it comes to strength, what would be every ones opinion. I do know that with wieght reduction, u will lose strength. So, I don't think a 23lb F/S bike is the way to go. I would be happy with 26-28lbs. Thanx
Remember, it's only funny until someone gets hurt....then it's hilarious!!!

I think the fisher sugars would be right up your alley. Just swap out the bontcrapper crank with a LX at the shop and you're good to go. Personally i think Cannodales suck! but basically all the bikes you're looking at except the cannondale are pretty good so dont limit your opinion to what you read on the intenet
Cheers:beer:

I do like the Sugars, but I have read alot of bad things in reviews about the frame not being aligned or wrong sized BB causing chain suck issues. These were 2002 reviews too. Other then those issues, the bike seems like a great buy. The same applies to the Trek Fuels as well. I have only heard a few things about the Stumpys, but they weren't major issues. But these issues. If it's a crank, BB, seat post, handle bars..big deal. But when a frame needs attention, then NO WAY am I spending that kind of mulla. I wish the stumpy came with a rear shock lock out...then I would be sold. But, I am still considering other F/S rigs