Mountain Biking - Your fav $1000 hardtails

Hi, I am looking to buy a quality used Mountain Bike. I am 5'10, 180 lbs. The bike would be used for tight woods trails through some moderate hills. I am hoping to buy a used bike , about two or so years old, and am thinking that I might get a good deal on one without disc brakes, as it appears to be the "Must HAve" item on the new bikes I see in the store. Anyone have some favorites in terms of quality/performance and bang for the buck? I was oogling a Specialised Stumpjumper new in the store, and it certainly appears to be a quality piece, but I am more familiar with cars and motorcycles in terms of evaluating component quality or seeing under the paint job. Opinions greatly appreciated.

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2006/bikes/06RockhopperPro_RedKL_l.jpg

Rockhopper pro disc, it retails at 1100 but most bike shops have it selling for 999.

fisher HKEK. get it.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=trail-genesis&bike=HKEK

fisher HKEK. get it.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=trail-genesis&bike=HKEK

First off the stumpjumper is worth every penny! If you can't afford a new one, I am sure you can find one for a good price on a preowned stumpjumper. Second you should look at what type of riding you will be doing and then look at what bike best fits your riding skills. After you have narrowed your search down, you should try www.mtbr.com for reviews.

First off the stumpjumper is worth every penny! If you can't afford a new one, I am sure you can find one for a good price on a preowned stumpjumper. Second you should look at what type of riding you will be doing and then look at what bike best fits your riding skills. After you have narrowed your search down, you should try www.mtbr.com for reviews.
:beer:

I was going to say the Giant xtc2 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10033) might be a better frame with a better spec (brakes, shifters/rear derailleur). But on the US version of the giant site they just seem to have a normal xtc and a composite. Not the different models. What's doing there?

[Edit] Since piccies are cool.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/images/_upload_au/bikes/models/zooms/2006/mod_xtc2.jpg

[Edit2] lol okay, I didn't actually read his post. Second hand? Ignore this post then.

Hi, I am looking to buy a quality used Mountain Bike.

Just to clarify, are you looking to spend $1000 on a used bike? Or are you looking to spend less on a bike that originally sold new for $1000?

home built ones

:beer:
:beer:

I have a stumpjumper that i will sell you for $700. You just have to pick it up. Lol. Go get a stumpjumper i love mine and would hate to ever part with it. I test rode a HKEK and it was ok did like it that much though. The stumpjumper felt so much better. Test ride them both and see what you like though.

Yes, I am looking for a used one that originally sold for $1000+. Hoping to get something in the $600 range. Does anyone know what frame size would generally fit someone 5'10? Thanks. Bob.

17-18" ish frame should do it.

I like to err to the side of a smaller frame usually. You can always extend the seat, and if need be put on a longer stem.

Suggestions:
Kona Kula (might be a tough find at 600 though)
Specalized Rockhopper/Stumpjumper
Schwinn Homegrown
Giant XTC

Fisher all the way.

fisher HKEK. get it.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=trail-genesis&bike=HKEK

+1

...but I'm just saying that because I have one. :p

http://www.fisherbikes.com/images/bikes2006/bikes_large/hkek.jpg

The HKEK comes with decent components, but the FRAME is what's great about it - made of ZR9000. Light and strong and light. Yay.

if you dun mind used ones...go on ebay and search for parts...there was an ellsworth frame that just ended at 275 where msrp is 1000 usd frame only...get small parts on ebay and you can save up alot....i spended around 1200 CDN so approx 1k usd on a bike that has complete XT, XTR crank and brakes, Avid BB7, Hayes and XT hubs w/ sun & Alex rim. Thomson seat post...

if you want a complete bike, trek 6 series, spec. rockhopper, xtc will be a good start

The rockhopper has a recon and the hkek only has a tora

recon>tora. nuff said

Rockhopper - All Mountain Hardtail MSRP $1100
Fisher HKEK - All Mountain Hardtail with a ZR9000 race frame MSRP $1099
Stumpjumper - XC/race Hardtail MSRP $1400 (my LBS has it for $1150)

The rockhopper has a heavy tank of a frame.
The Fisher HKEK has a ZR9000 race frame. I love the Genesis geometry of the Fisher.
The Stumpjumper is a M4 aluminum race frame.

The Rockhopper Comp Disc in a size 17.5" is just under 28 pounds.
The Stumpjumper is 24.5 pounds.
Last years Fisher HKEK was 27.2 pounds, but this years model is lighter.

Rockhopper - Avid Mechanical Disc
HKEK - Hayes Hydraulic Disc (better)
Stumpy - V-brakes (work just fine)

The Tora vs. the Recon is a valid argument, but over all I'd say the Fisher is a better bike than the Rockhopper, though it isn't quite up there with the Stumpjumper. Heck, the Stumpy comes with a Fox F90 this year. That's way better than the Recon or the Tora.

Lemme suggest this to ya:
There is a Giant Trance-4 on sale at my LBS for $750. That bike with a Fox Vanilla R fork from JensonUSA for $219 would be one HECKUVA nice dual suspension ride that is brand new. That's $979 +tx for a way cool and comfy All Mountain dually. (though it may be a bit heavy)

Go to your LBS and see what they have for last years closeouts. A used or closeout Trek 8000 would be in your price range and would be a great ride. Another LBS 25 miles away from me had a Cannondale F1000 lefty for $1000. Very good deal on a nice ride.

+1

...but I'm just saying that because I have one. :p

http://www.fisherbikes.com/images/bikes2006/bikes_large/hkek.jpg

The HKEK comes with decent components, but the FRAME is what's great about it - made of ZR9000. Light and strong and light. Yay.

+2

Rockhopper - All Mountain Hardtail MSRP $1100
Fisher HKEK - All Mountain Hardtail with a ZR9000 race frame MSRP $1099
Stumpjumper - XC/race Hardtail MSRP $1400 (my LBS has it for $1150)

The rockhopper has a heavy tank of a frame.
The Fisher HKEK has a ZR9000 race frame. I love the Genesis geometry of the Fisher.
The Stumpjumper is a M4 aluminum race frame.

The Rockhopper Comp Disc in a size 17.5" is just under 28 pounds.
The Stumpjumper is 24.5 pounds.
Last years Fisher HKEK was 27.2 pounds, but this years model is lighter.

Rockhopper - Avid Mechanical Disc
HKEK - Hayes Hydraulic Disc (better)
Stumpy - V-brakes (work just fine)

The Tora vs. the Recon is a valid argument, but over all I'd say the Fisher is a better bike than the Rockhopper, though it isn't quite up there with the Stumpjumper. Heck, the Stumpy comes with a Fox F90 this year. That's way better than the Recon or the Tora.

Lemme suggest this to ya:
There is a Giant Trance-4 on sale at my LBS for $750. That bike with a Fox Vanilla R fork from JensonUSA for $219 would be one HECKUVA nice dual suspension ride that is brand new. That's $979 +tx for a way cool and comfy All Mountain dually. (though it may be a bit heavy)

Go to your LBS and see what they have for last years closeouts. A used or closeout Trek 8000 would be in your price range and would be a great ride. Another LBS 25 miles away from me had a Cannondale F1000 lefty for $1000. Very good deal on a nice ride.
Why would you compare the stumpy which is a more expensive bike to the other two. Of course it has better components, thats why it costs more. Its also more of a racing xc bike whereas the rockhopper is more on the burlier all mountain side of xc.

The rockhopper has a recon and the hkek only has a tora

recon>tora. nuff said

Just because a bike has a better fork doesn't make it better...

Why would you compare the stumpy which is a more expensive bike to the other two. Of course it has better components, thats why it costs more. Its also more of a racing xc bike whereas the rockhopper is more on the burlier all mountain side of xc.


He compared it because at least in some places they're the same price or close to it. He said at his LBS it was $1,150.

I compared the Stumpy because someone else suggested one...the same reason I compared the HKEK and Rockhopper Pro Disc. I don't recommend the Rockhopper at all, but if you're gonna get a new one for $900-$1100, I guess you may as well spend $1150 for a Stumpy and have more than 2x the bike. Or spend $979 for a Trance / or $1000 for a Cannondale F1000.

The only comparison regarding the Stumpy was that it's so much better than the ones that were being suggested, and in a price range that could be similar if you shop around.

The Trance, F1000, and Trek 8000 are all out of that range as well...except for the fact that I see them on sale for around the price range we're talking about. Thus I suggested them as well.

Totally agree with you, though. Two different classifications of bikes there. All Mountain vs. XC.

norco bigfoot, lovely bike!... and I bought it, I couldnt be happier with it!

A Rocky Mountain Flow 1.0. (2005) I love the frame. Solid. I think its about $1100.

'05 Norco Bigfoot, better specs than the 06 and since it was last years you should be able to get it a lot cheaper. I got mine for $1000 AU (30% off all bikes sale)

All the bikes listed are good. I own an '06 HKEK and like it a lot. But, my advice would be go and ride the bikes you're interested in and see (1) how they feel (2) how they ride (shift, absorb bumps, etc) and (3) decide what are the compoents you really care about ie, fork, disc brakes, FR,RD, etc. Also, try to ride for as long as you can. My LBS let me take a couple of the bikes out for 30min ride on some pretty lame trail, but at least it was a long ride to get the true impression of the bike. Any of the choices will be fine, it ends up being more of a matter of personal preference than quality at thie price point. The components will be similar the frames are all strong, etc.

I'd say Rocky Mountain Hammer, only problem is you'll NEVER find someone willing to give it up.

Thanks for all the opinions so far. It's great to see how enthusiastic the responses have been. I was looking at a Stumpy on Ebay (2002) It was in basically unused condition and went for $760. I would assume they have made some improvements in terms of forks , etc in 4 years. (It had Rock Shocks...a female name if i remember correctly). Are the new ones much better??
At any rate I will look into all the bikes mentioned so far. I am in Toronto if anyone knows a lead on a nice local bike. Thanks, Bob.

I was looking at this bike today at a local shop here in town. The retail price is $899 CND.

Just because a bike has a better fork doesn't make it better...
Where did I say a better fork makes the entire bike better? He may not like the stumpy geometry when he gets on it. So just go ahead and test ride some stuff man.

Where did I say a better fork makes the entire bike better? He may not like the stumpy geometry when he gets on it. So just go ahead and test ride some stuff man.


Umm, how about here?



The rockhopper has a recon and the hkek only has a tora

recon>tora. nuff said


Nuff said. :D

Umm, how about here?





Nuff said. :D
No where in that post did I say the rockhopper was better than the hkek I supposed it does seem I implied it though let me clarify- I suggest the rockhopper based on the fact it has a better fork, depending on what kind of riding the kid does will determine which bike is better for his riding.

http://www.aimcomm.com/users/dminor/images/jawa.jpg
Jawa speedway bike (set up for ice racing). Hardtails are more fun with alcohol-fueled engines :)

No where in that post did I say the rockhopper was better than the hkek I supposed it does seem I implied it though let me clarify- I suggest the rockhopper based on the fact it has a better fork, depending on what kind of riding the kid does will determine which bike is better for his riding.

I was just giving you a hard time. ;) Honestly one of the great things about these forums are that everyone has firm beliefs and is willing to share. Though with as expensive as components and bikes are I guess it requires a firm belief to part with the jack. :eek:

Nishiki Bigfoot X-29

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/diff_lock_cr-v_awd/Bigfeet/IMGP4132.jpg