Mountain Biking - Need a New Bike - Whats good?

Hey guys,

Im looking for a new bike, but Im just not up to speed on brands and components. Im looking at hardtails, nothing super fancy but nothing cheap. Im 205 lbs and ride super hard, fast, and take some small jumps any chance i get, so I need something sturdy, with strong rims. Talked to a couple salespeople, one guy wants to sell me a 2005 Specialized Rockhopper Comp (for $650). I was also looking at a Trek 4900 ($620). What do you guys like? Whats component brands are good and not overpriced for the name?

Thanks guys, see ya on the trails (if i get a new bike!!!!)

I would say the Rock Hopper, but that's just me.

I would say the rockhopper is a great bike but you should shop around and look at more bikes. There are a lot more than Specialized and Trek out there.

I'm biased to the Trek, just cause I've gotten good life out of them and I'm happy with thier products. But I do have to agree with Mtnbiker66, there're a bunch of other good quality bikes out there in that price range. Ride a few others and see if you like something else better.

Thanks guys, going to visit at least one other shop.

Thanks guys, going to visit at least one other shop.
yeah, try a few shops. When i first started out, i visited all the shops in my city, when i didnt see what i liked, i drove 260km to the next city and looked at most shops there, and found what i liked. it was a long process

another vote for the rockhopper. i got one about 4 months ago and its done great under my 220lb body. its definitely not light, but built pretty well imho.

Hey guys,

What do you guys like? Whats component brands are good and not overpriced for the name?

Thanks guys, see ya on the trails (if i get a new bike!!!!)

welcome to the forum!!! between the two I would go with the RHopper, based entriely on personal preference. simple, I like the frame better than the Trek.

in my opinion, both these brands are overpriced. they are popular so their brand name adds to the actual price of the products along with the frame and the components, at least more so than some other brands.

Personal Opinion: Brands like Iron Horse (Iron Horse Warrior series, better speced than many bikes), Jamis, GT, Diamondback do not have a big following, in other words, not as popular as the above mentioned two, so they make the bikes talk for themselves, not the brand name.

I could be wrong about GT, but GT is trying to make a comeback after they were sold out. so, they are trying to gain back their market share with good value products. their Avalanche line is decent.

finally, every opinion is biased, they may give you new ideas (which is positive), but they are still biased. So buy what fits you, and what you like.