Mountain Biking - 2003 Giant Iguana Disc and 2003 Specialized Hardrock Comp Pro Disc

I'm looking at getting one or the other of these two bikes as an entry-level mountain bike for general use, including winter commuting, in New England. I don't need super-pro-level quality, just reliability and solidity. Mtbr.com has only a handful of reviews of each of them (5 and 3 reviews, respectively), which isn't much to go on.
Yes, I know, I should test ride each of them and decide accordingly. The problem is, I'm about 6' 4" with a 37" inseam and need a size 23 frame. The local shops have those models, but not in that size (and not even in size 21, either). So test rides are out of the question for the moment.

Meanwhile, I thought I'd post here for some feedback from those of you who've tried either or both bikes. And, of course, if there are other, "better" models available in size 22 or 23 frame for a similar amount (or up to USD $1100), I'd love to hear about them. I want a model with disc brakes; I have a slight preference for mechanicals over hydraulics. Thanks.

Being as tall as you are, have you looked into the 29" from Gary Fisher?

It may be a bit out of your price range, but next year more bikes will be available in the 29" format.

This bike doesn't make sense to me for the average rider. Yeah, they're supposed to roll over things easier, but I've ridden a couple and they just don't DO anything for me. However, my buddy who's about your size, loves his. That makes sense! The wheels and frame are proportional to his size. His SuperCaliber is an XL!

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Being as tall as you are, have you looked into the 29" from Gary Fisher?

It may be a bit out of your price range, but next year more bikes will be available in the 29" format.

This bike doesn't make sense to me for the average rider. Yeah, they're supposed to roll over things easier, but I've ridden a couple and they just don't DO anything for me. However, my buddy who's about your size, loves his. That makes sense! The wheels and frame are proportional to his size. His SuperCaliber is an XL!

L8R

A2, it's Stupid Question Time. I don't see any 29-inch frames at the Gary Fisher site. Do you mean 29-inch TIRES?

Yeah, sorry I reread and could see the confusion.

Gary Fisher (and others) are utilizing a bigger wheel for some of their bikes. The 29" wheel (700c) is available in S,M,L & XL size FRAMES.

The theory is that the bigger wheels allow you to roll over obstacles easier and once moving, will roll faster. Similar in theory that a 24" wheel will accelerate faster.

Personally, I didn't and don't notice a significant difference in acceleration between a 29" and a reg. 26", but the 29" rides taller, and once moving, really flies.

I see the most significant advantage is for really tall people, the bikes are proportional to them. Similarly, a really short person feels more comfortable on a 24" wheeled bike.

IMO, I didn't like the ride of the 29er. However, I've got short legs, long torsoe, and prefer a quicker handling bike. The 29er felt "swoopy" and slow turning. I felt like I was "hanging" from the bike and didn't feel comfy. My buddy, loves his and said, it was the first bike he didn't feel cramped on.

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Yeah, sorry I reread and could see the confusion.

Gary Fisher (and others) are utilizing a bigger wheel for some of their bikes. The 29" wheel (700c) is available in S,M,L & XL size FRAMES.

The theory is that the bigger wheels allow you to roll over obstacles easier and once moving, will roll faster. Similar in theory that a 24" wheel will accelerate faster.

Personally, I didn't and don't notice a significant difference in acceleration between a 29" and a reg. 26", but the 29" rides taller, and once moving, really flies.

I see the most significant advantage is for really tall people, the bikes are proportional to them. Similarly, a really short person feels more comfortable on a 24" wheeled bike.

IMO, I didn't like the ride of the 29er. However, I've got short legs, long torsoe, and prefer a quicker handling bike. The 29er felt "swoopy" and slow turning. I felt like I was "hanging" from the bike and didn't feel comfy. My buddy, loves his and said, it was the first bike he didn't feel cramped on.

L8R

Interesting. Does your buddy say that a 21-inch frame with 29-inch wheels feels less cramped than bikes with a 23-inch frame?

Yes, especially with Gary Fisher's Genisis Geometry. i.e. shorter chainstays, longer top-tubes. Plus, with the 29" wheels, the overall wheelbase is longer!

L8R