Mountain Biking - Please help choosing a hard-tail.

I finally got tired of my old rusty road pile-o-crap and decided to buy a hard-tail. Riding: city, XC, downhill (not too extreme, though - I'm a newbie :)) and perhaps some freeride later. Price range - something below $700 canadian. Any suggestions?

Right now I'm thinking of these bikes:
http://www.peccos.com/specs.asp?PID=109
http://www.peccos.com/specs.asp?PID=102
http://www.peccos.com/specs.asp?PID=3319

I've heard a lot of good things about GIANT bikes and yesterday I stubled upon an LBS who stocked them (too bad I was busy). I'll check that shop tomorrow. Do you have any models I should particularly look at?

And I've also heard that bike prices usually drop to the end of year... should I wait a little more to get a better trade-off?

well i have a 02 Giant Iguana...theres nothing bad about it its an amazing bike for the money its a hardtail and i do all the same riding as you are talking about...i would look into that

Get a 2003 specialized P2....their only like $500 american or something like that.

Originally posted by Saphilipps
well i have a 02 Giant Iguana...theres nothing bad about it its an amazing bike for the money its a hardtail and i do all the same riding as you are talking about...i would look into that Giant all the way.

I am bias, I bought two giants a month ago. Giant provides the Best bang for the buck hands down. See they are the largest manufactuers of bicycles so it cost them less to make bikes, hence the savings is past on to you the consumer. A matter of fact giant produces the frames for alot of other bike companies.

Go for the gusto and get a Seven Sola:

http://www.sevencycles.com/Main.html

I work for a giant dealer and I own a giant NRS 1. They have the best bang for the buck. You should look at either a SE 1 or SE 2 for a great aluminum hardtail. Another good brand to look at is KHS.

I almost forgot. If you want to find out what actual consumers think of just about any given product go to www.mtbr.com. They have some of the best consumer reviews I have found on the web. Just remember that in some cases on this website, I have found that a bad review was the result of a consumer either using the product as it wasnt intended ( I weigh 280 pounds and my lightweight racing bike broke when I jumped it off of a loading dock- it must be a piece of junk!) or they didnt install it right (you mean you have to tighten the crankbolts or they fall off?) I hope my rantings help.

Thanks.
I'll have a look at Specialized, Devinci and Giant bikes tomorrow. Maybe some Norco, too.

Check these out:

http://konaworld.com/kw_index.cfm

They are a bit out of your range of 700CDN but if you can get one on sale go for it. Kona bikes have always been good to me and last a long time. If you are considering doing some dh or freeriding then I would suggest saving up some more cash and get a bike that will handle the abuse. The bikes you mentioned are nice bikes but I would not want one for freeriding or dh.

Slainte:beer:

Originally posted by knobbymojo
I work for a giant dealer and I own a giant NRS 1. They have the best bang for the buck. You should look at either a SE 1 or SE 2 for a great aluminum hardtail. Another good brand to look at is KHS.

Yep, i agree.

I just got the 2003 Giant XTC SE2. I have spent weeks looking at almost every other bike for under $1000. None comes close to the XTC SE2

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/images/_upload_us/bikes/models/previews/2003/XTC-2-MA.jpg

Umm guys......$700 Canadian is about $442 USD using today's rates.

You're showing the guy some nice bikes, but they're out of his price range!

The following are just some bikes in the $400 - $600 range:

Trek 4500 or 4900 (deal on closeout - maybe)
Gary Fisher Marlin or Tassajara (also on closeout)
Giant Iguana
Haro ICS 3.0 and 4.0
Cannondale F300
Specialized P2 (as mentioned above!)
....Too many others to list

L8R

Ya i have a giant rainier and it is sweet! Giant Rules:beer:

Thanks for all the replies. Choosing a nice bike in your budget is really strainful. :) I'll try to visit as more shops as possible in near future and see what they have in stock.

I've seen a GIANT Iguana for $750. Too bad it's 19". I think is too smal for me (I'm ~175cm). They've had 17" ORYX Equipe 80 for $650 or smothing like that. Has anyone heard aynthing about Oryx? (First time I've seen that, actually).

They also had a Norco Wolverine.

BUY A TREK OR A K2 DUDE! You will be so pleased with any of Trek's or K2's hardtail bikes. No offense, but unless you buy a more expensive bike from Giant (like their DH bike), their bikes will fold on you rather quickly. They're quite suitable for casual riding like, riding to town. But if you try using it on the real terrain, you'll be looking at some trouble. I had some friends with Giant hardtails and the frame started to crack after going on a trail here in CT. But seriously Trek and K2 make the best bikes.

I have a 1999 Trek 6000 and it's still riding like new. I've even taken it off drops and the frame takes the beating!!! No cracks after all the abuse I've given it. Their bikes will last for a long time and are designed to take the beating of the trail. They have a great selection. So go choose.

I also got a K2 Disco Monkey. Serious bike but its FS, not hardtail. However, I've ridden their hardtails and their very solid. Frame is constructed with lots of stregnth and durablilty in mind. Hope this helps.

In defense of giants bikes, I ride with a guy who has had a giant hardtail for 2 years, he easily weighs 220 and rides it hard, hasnt had a problem. Hovever, these bikes are for xc, not lots of dirt jumping, if you are a 200+ pound dirtjumper, then get one made for jumping, or else dont be surprised when it breaks.

My weight is 65 kg (145 pounds) and I don't plan on serious DH/Freeride/Dirt jumping in the next couple of years.

The thing is I've only seen Specialized, Norco, Giant, Oryx, Devinci and Eclipse (never heard of it before) here in Ottawa. I'll try Hull this week.

What do you think about this?
K2 Attack 2.0
http://www.sportchek.ca/product_description.jhtml?id=prod1550264&fromSpecificCategory=false

Oops, it's soft-tail. I guess I won't get quality for that kind of money.

Originally posted by freerider biker
BUY A TREK OR A K2 DUDE! You will be so pleased with any of Trek's or K2's hardtail bikes. No offense, but unless you buy a more expensive bike from Giant (like their DH bike), their bikes will fold on you rather quickly. They're quite suitable for casual riding like, riding to town. But if you try using it on the real terrain, you'll be looking at some trouble. I had some friends with Giant hardtails and the frame started to crack after going on a trail here in CT. But seriously Trek and K2 make the best bikes.

I have a 1999 Trek 6000 and it's still riding like new. I've even taken it off drops and the frame takes the beating!!! No cracks after all the abuse I've given it. Their bikes will last for a long time and are designed to take the beating of the trail. They have a great selection. So go choose.

I also got a K2 Disco Monkey. Serious bike but its FS, not hardtail. However, I've ridden their hardtails and their very solid. Frame is constructed with lots of stregnth and durablilty in mind. Hope this helps.

Uhhm,

Doesn't Giant manuafactuer frames for trek also.

Originally posted by MeHT
What do you think about this?
K2 Attack 2.0
http://www.sportchek.ca/product_description.jhtml?id=prod1550264&fromSpecificCategory=false

Oops, it's soft-tail. I guess I won't get quality for that kind of money.

Acera parts all over on that bike for the money you want to spend you should be getting Deore al least on the rear.

You said the place you went to only had an iguana in 19. just have them order you a 2003 in your size.

The 2003 iguana in silver, also disk break is optional
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/images/_upload_us/bikes/models/zooms/2003/Iguana-Disc-MA.jpg

Found Trek 4500 for $700 and Kona Blast for $750, both 2003. Are they worth it?

They also have Kona NuNu 2003, for $900 or $950. I'm more and more convinced on getting either one of them:
Blast:
http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_blast.cfm
NuNu:
http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_nunu.cfm

Except for the disk brakes, do components differ much?

They laso had Devinci Chameleon.
http://www.devinci.com/eng/modele2002/famille/tt/cameleon.htm

My blast is wonderful, it does what I want when I want and never lets me down.

It's always waiting eager to go for a ride, it sends out sublimal messages urging me to go for a ride, and on the occassions when I think I've bitten of more than I can chew, it becomes my saviour and gets me out of trouble with ease.

Go for it you won't regret it.:)

Does anyone know the specs for Trek 4500 or Giant Iguana 2003? I can't find them on the internet.

Man you are all over the place. Test some out. I know sportchek doesn't allow test rides but try some of the others.

I don't like the iquana. I borrowed a friends and broke it in two days of riding. The bike's geometry felt off. Personally I like the relaxed geometry for overall riding. This includes

125 / 250 / 4hun - norco
p3 - specialized (I think the p2 is the same but I have never seen one)
Kona - roast, chute, stuff (my personal fav)

Allows for better freeride / dh riding because of the geometry. :)

Decide what type of riding and test a few types of geometries. Once you have firgured that out we can help you narrow it down a bit. :)

The only specialized bikes in stock are Hardrock and Hotrock, 2002. The thing is there are no bikes my size in stock, but they can order them.

Err, the bikes you named are a 'little' out of my price range.
;)

VINER
http://www.rlaenterprises.com/cycling/viner/index.html

Originally posted by MeHT
Does anyone know the specs for Trek 4500 or Giant Iguana 2003? I can't find them on the internet.

The following specs taken from Giant and Treks website respectively.

GIANT IGUANA 2003
size 14", 17", 19", 21", 23"
frame Supersized ALUXX butted aluminum, integrated gusset, XTC geometry, Disc brake mount
fork Rock Shock Pilot C w/alloy steer tube, 3.1" travel
derailleur Front: Shimano Alivio, Rear: Shimano Deore
derailleurshifters Shimano Deore, 9-speed
cranks Giant, 22/32/44T
pedals Steel w/ resin body, toe clips and straps
handlebar Alloy 1.25" riser
stem Giant 1 1/8 Ahead
headset Integrated Ahead 1 1/8"
levers Avid AD3
brakes Alloy direct pull w/ power control
saddle Giant Groove, Dual Density MTB with Kevlar bumpers
seatpost Giant Alloy micro-adjust, 27.2, QR Seat lever
rims Alex, black, doublewall, 36H w/ CNC sidewall
hubs Alloy, QR, 36H casette
tires Hutchinson Mosquito 26x2.0
cassette SRAM 7.0, 11-34T, 9-speed
spokes Stainless Steel 14G
additional Chainguard

TREK 4500 2003
FRAME: Alpha Aluminum. Oversized power tubes. Bi-axial downtube. Wishbone monostay. Replaceable derailleur hanger. Disc mount.
FORK: RockShox Judy TT, dual stage coil/elastomer, adjustable preload, 80mm travel
WHEELS: Matrix 750 rims; Shimano RM40-8 rear, alloy front hub; 14G stainless, black spokes
TIRES: Bontrager Jones AC, 26x49/54
SADDLE: Trek ATB
SEATPOST: Bontrager Sport
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Crowbar Sport
STEM: Bontrager Sport, 25°
HEADSET: AHS 1-1/8" semi cartridge, sealed
SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
CRANKSET: Shimano MC08 42/32/22
CASSETTE: SRAM 5.0 11-32, 8spd
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull
PEDALS: Alloy platform, clipless adaptable

Giant Iguana vs. Trek 4500
Giant has better shifters, Derailleurs, brakeset, Crankset and Everything else.

Actually look at the Giant Yukon 2003 which i got for for under $350 which is even better than the treak 4500 at $440.

You be a fool if you don't get a Giant. Best bang for the buck CASE CLOSED.

Heres the specs on the 2003 Giant Yukon

I got it for under $350, the components are comparible to if not better than the 2003 Trek 4500 which goes for $450. You will not find a bike with this kind of specs for the price.

You won't find Shimano Deore parts on any treks under $500.

size 14", 17", 19", 21", 23"
frame Supersized ALUXX butted aluminum, w/intergrated gusset
fork Manitou Six Sport, 3.1" travel
derailleur Front: Shimano Acera, Rear: Shimano Deore
derailleurshifters Shimano EF-29, 8-speed
cranks Giant, 22/32/42T
pedals Steel w/ resin body
handlebar Alloy 1.25" riser
stem Alloy 1 1/8 Ahead, 25 degree rise
headset Ahead 1 1/8
brakes Alloy direct pull w/ power control
saddle Giant Groove Plus, Dual Density MTB with Kevlar bumpers
seatpost Alloy micro-adjust, 27.2, QR Seat lever
rims Alloy, 36H doublewall, black w/ brushed sidewall
hubs Alloy, QR, 36H, double seals
tires MTB knobby w/ center ridge 26x1.95
cassette SRAM 5.0 11-32T, 8 speed
spokes Stainless Steel 14G
additional Chainguard

Thanks, johndoe. Then I guess I'll be choosing between:
Kona Blast
Norco Storm
Giant Iguana
Giant Yukon

If I'll find a store that has the last three, as '02 models of my size are sold out and the '03 series are not yet ordered. I think that'll be Kona Blast, at $750 Canadian ($480 US) these are very nice specs:
http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/images/blast_specs.gif

P.S.
What's the MSRP of Giant Iguana '03 (w/o disks)?

Originally posted by MeHT
P.S.
What's the MSRP of Giant Iguana '03 (w/o disks)?

Really not sure since i bought 2 giants one high end the XTC SE2 $950 and a low end Yukon $350. Didn't really ask for the price of the Iguana.

My guess is the Iguana w/o disk can be had for around $450 depending on the dealer. My LBS is the largest Giant dealer in the area, so they give some nice breaks. A 2002 Iguana can be had for $400 around here.

Just go to a few LBS and ask for a quote. Show them that you are serious and they will give you the best prices.

Oh yeah the Kona blast looks good, any pics

Kona Blast pic:
http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/bikes_med/2k3_blast_300x4in.jpg

What about this bike?
http://store.airbomb.com/CAN/Store/product/view.cfm?ProductID=1303

Get the blast :)

Some people told me that I should not get anything below LX...
:confused:
Though the fork is better on Blast...
And Blast just looks sexier. :D

Deore is fine for somethings especially in the beginning. I have used Deore all season and am only now running into problems with the drivetrain. Although I switched my bb to a raceface within a week because of how crappy truvative is :)

Besides then if you like the bike you can upgrade later. Lx drive trains and hubs are cheap so upgrading isn't an issue 6 months down the road. :)

My brain is about to exlode!!!
:D
I've email guys at the Airbomb, if they won't agree to change the fork (Rock Shox Judy series suck) I'll stick with the Blast... I think!
:eek:

Hmm, maybe I should buy a build kit and a frame instead?
Something like this:
http://store.airbomb.com/CAN/Store/product/view.cfm?ProductID=1385

Okay Let's start the betting.

Who'll give me good odds on MeHT buying the Blast.:D

i got mine for 875 CDN 02 iguana

When you say that your a newbie and are looking for hartail, but at the same time are looking to get into downhill or possibly freeriding I would highly recomend saving your money for a fs bike.

I say that because today I went biking with my 02 specialized rockhopper comp (hardtail obviously) on a downhill singel track trail. On this particular trail there were lots of drop offs, large intertwined roots, rocks, and stumps all while going downhill at a fast pace. While I didnt fall once going over these obstacles, tehy sure gave my bike a beating. Not that my bike cant handle that kind of stuff, which is most definetly can, I just cant go as fast as I would like, and get that level of comfort I would like.

Im totally happy with my bike, but after todays ride theres a side of me which wishes I would have got a fs bike. Point is, if your looking to be doing some heavy riding in the future, I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU SAVE YOUR MONEY A LITle lONGER!!!

I know this concept is hard, which it was for me, but it would defeintly be worth your while. Anyways, the winter season is coming up and your most likely will be riding very little if any at all. Therefore, save up, and at the beginning of next season, buy a kick ass fs.

Just trying to help ya out here, and as I said, I like my bike but wish I could do it over again.

I disagree with pharcyde. The skills learned on a ht will be extremely helpful when switching to a dually. BEsides in reality I don't believe in buying any dually for less than around 2000$ which is way more than any ht you are looking at. Get the ht, figure out exatly what type of riding you like when you decide keep the blast for fun (I LOVE HT'S) and get the dually for more 'extreme' stuff. :)

Did I mention skills :)

thats true maelstrom, for my skills have progessed quite rapidly on a hardtail.

Still though, saving up for a fs over the winter might be a valid option. If you get a bike now, you will most likely not ride it too much.

ONly reason im pressing this point is because after a year and your skills have improved on a hardtail, you might want a fs bike. If thats the case (im there right now) will you really want to go buy another bike so soon after your first purchase. IF so all the power to ya, but if your like me and dont have a lot of money, you might want to save up over the winter for a bike that will last you a bit longer.

I want to buy a bike in winter, as most of the bikes are on sale prices or in spring when '03 models are shipped to stores. Either way, I'd rather get an HT.
:)