Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Best HT around $700-900 for Clydesdale

Hey everyone,

I've been mostly a roadie for the past couple years, but I want to hit the trails hard this summer. Since my current mountain bike is just about done-for ('98 Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo), I want to get a new HT.

I'm a Clydesdale at 6'4" and 230lbs. What's a solid hard tail bike in the $700-900 range?
I'm looking for the following features:
-Strong frame/build
-Shimano Deore components (or equavalent/better)
-Reliable mechanical disc brakes
-Robust front shocks that can take a beating from a giant like me

I'm currently looking at the following bikes:

2006 Kona Hoss ($899) - link (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=360&parentid=253)

2006 Giant Rainier ($700) - link (http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?year=2006&model=11386)

At first, I was feeling pretty good about the Giant, but then I started reading comments on this forum about how the new frame design is funky and girly looking.

What do you all think about these two bikes? Can you recommend any others?

Thanks so much,
Jeff

I have an '05 ranier and I love it. Not too crazy about the looks of new model though.

I'm guessing agressive xc/am type riding? I'm 6'3 ~ 210 and my bike hasn't complained yet.

The hayes sole's are bottom of the barrel hydros (on the kona), the bb5's on the giant are better quality mechs. But the sole's work fine for me, not great, but good. When they break though i'll be getting avid bb7 mech's. Same with the fork, I have the exr that's on the giant, good entry level, don't know about the Dirt Jam Comp on the kona though. I'm riding it (EXR) till it breaks then upgrading.

The Hoss is a nice bike, but looks a little pricey for what you get. Some people on this board really love specialized, so you might want to check out their offering as well (forget the model though, someone will suggest it though).

Have you ridden them? I found that testing out all my options helped me make my decision.

Good Luck!

*edit, here's the hardrock pro disc ~$710

hardrock
(http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=06Hardrock&bikeTab=techspec)

I like sram components myself, this bike has x-7 der and bb5 disc

or a rockhopper comp disc for $880
hopper (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12990&bikeTab=techspec)

June '04 Mountain Bike Action had a full test on the Kona Hoss - - worth a read still if you want a thorough evaluation. Maybe some people think the Rainier looks 'girly' because of the low swoop to the top tube; but in my mind, that lowers the standover height and stays out of your way better in the technical stuff. Nothing 'girly' in the forming/gusseting around the head tube either.

I decided to go with a 22" 2005 Kona Hoss (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=101&parentid=182). I was able to get a discount on this "last-year" model. MSRP was $799, my LBS is giving me a deal at $650. The bike is on order, and should be built up late next week.

Specs between the '05 and '06 look pretty similar.

Today's my b-day, so this will make a great gift to myself. :D I'm really excited!

Did I make the right choice?

I don't think it's possible to go wrong with a Kona, is it?. Happy Birthday - - enjoy! :bday:

You may want to consider GAry Fisher. The geometry is sometimes better suited for larger people. The effective top tube is usually longer with their bikes, giving a more stretched out feel. I am sure there are a couple of bikes in that price range (I believe Tassajara and Piranha). Just a thought...

I decided to go with a 22" 2005 Kona Hoss (http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=101&parentid=182). I was able to get a discount on this "last-year" model. MSRP was $799, my LBS is giving me a deal at $650. The bike is on order, and should be built up late next week.

Specs between the '05 and '06 look pretty similar.

Today's my b-day, so this will make a great gift to myself. :D I'm really excited!

Did I make the right choice?


As far as durability and quality you made a very good choice.

Did you get to ride one first? How you feel on it will determin if it was the right choice. The geometry is different then your previous bike so it may feel awkward or it may fit better.

DBD:beer: