Mountain Biking - Cheap-o trying to buy a $1000 hardtail

Hi everybody.

I'm new mountain biking and I want to get a good hardtail I can grow with. I'm 6'1 175lbs and I'm looking to do a lot of XC and regular riding with my buddies who ride road bikes.

I admit it. I'm a cheap-o when it comes to buying things for myself. I look for value in a product. If there is no value, I will not buy it.

My problem is I don't know if I should buy the Giant XTC or Specialized Stumpjumper.

Giant XTC: http://www.giant-bicycle.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?model=11265
$1000

Specialized Stumpjumper: http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12984
$1400

Which bike will I get the most VALUE in terms of COST?

I know one bike is $1000 and the other is $1400 so it is not fair to compare. But if one were to evaulate which bike offers the most bang for your buck, which one will fit the bill?

Many thanks everybody. I will appreciate your help.

In my opinion, the Giant. $400 extra and you get some longer shocks... and some other stuff...

By the way, I like your name.

In my opinion, the Giant. $400 extra and you get some longer shocks... and some other stuff...
:eek: Dude that made no sense. .........you get some longer shocks,and some other stuff?????? I guess your talking about the fork? More travel is not better in a lot of cases it's just more. Now to the OP.....if you have roadie friends........well get some new friends!:D Just Kidding.I would ride them both and pick the one that fits you best. Both bikes are good rides.

well, the Stumpy has an LX/XT mix, but is that $400 better? Not really (considering the incremental costs to upgrade if/when you want to) The Stumpy has some heritage to it, but it sounds like that doesn't matter much to ya. All this to say +1 w/mtnbiker66 -- ride both. See if you can find a shop that will let you ride them offroad. Can anyone shed some light on the Fox F90RL shock on the Stumpy vs the RockShox Recon 327 Air on the Giant?

Sounds like you guys are leaning towards the Giant XTC. Giant is always know for value. Maybe the XTC is a better buy in terms of Value and Cost. I don't know about you guys but $1000 is a lot of money to me. I definitely appreciate everyone's input. This cheap-o thanks you all.

Anybody else has an opinion about the XTC and Stumpy?

Why not look for something with disc brakes in that price range? They'd be decent on most ~$1000 hardtails.

Yeah, I thought about disc brakes but the XTC didn't offer it and if I were to get the disc brakes on the Stumpy it will cost me an extra $200 and that is pushing the budget limit.

Remember, rich dad said assets put money in your pocket and liabilities take money out of your pocket. Know what I mean?

Alright. Sounds like you are set on those two bikes I guess. Both nice bikes though. I like the stumpy better personally.

I would go with the Stumpjumper. Nicer parts.

Which bike will I get the most VALUE in terms of COST?

The bike that you enjoy riding is the best VALUE, irrespective of price. An uncomfortable bike may COST you years of happy riding.

Hummmm very good point GASTRO. I'll definitely take that into consideration when I'm at the LBS. Thanks dude

+1 to the XTC, i dont think its worth forking out the extra 400 to get the stuntjumper but thats MHO.

dang, i dont like the design of the US giants. XD

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10005

check it out, about same price as well.

Rocky Mountain Vertex 10? Easton ultralite frame handbuilt in Vancover, hydro's, ect ect. for $1199(or cheaper). If you're gonna have the bike for a long while that is the best frame you can buy for the money. A few upgrades down the road and you have your self a light fast bike.

I would go with the stumpjumper but also try both of them and see which one is comfier and which you like more. Thats what i did when i got my hardtail between a Trek Bruiser 2 or a Specialized Hardrock Sport and the Hardrock Won.

Seems like everybody think both bikes are good. I'm guessing I can't go wrong with either one.

XTC.

oh, and dropping a grand on a MTB ain't no cheapo in my mind! ;)

Rocky Mountain Vertex 10? Easton ultralite frame handbuilt in Vancover, hydro's, ect ect. for $1199(or cheaper). If you're gonna have the bike for a long while that is the best frame you can buy for the money. A few upgrades down the road and you have your self a light fast bike.

They make more bikes than Rocky Mountain, are they paying you or something? Some people are not looking for a light fast bike.

I'm trying to make the exact same decision.
I don't think you can get the fox fork on the stumpjumper at retail by itself, but the comparable models (and all fox forks in general) seem to be much more expensive than the Rock Shox Recon. Assuming this speaks for their quality (I cannot), that sort of upgrade must be one of the reasons for the price difference.

And personally, I'm leaning towards the stumpjumper. I actually went to buy it yesterday but the store was mysteriously closed. So now I have to think about it for another day.

dont you like konas??? because they have some pretty lightweight hardtails! for around $1000, check out the kula series!!

The bike that you enjoy riding is the best VALUE, irrespective of price. An uncomfortable bike may COST you years of happy riding.
+1

I've always found Specialized to have the most bang for the buck. Hard to compare $1000 to $1400, but on bikes of equal value, the Specializeds usually have better parts.

Another thing to consider is warranty. I broke a Specialized frame (2000) and they replaced it with a brand new 2002 model.

Plus, I find myself very comfortable on Specialized frames. I've had the HT Stumpy, an Enduro (2000 and 2002) and now an Epic (didn't like the replacement frame as it had changed quite a bit from my 2000). So, as others have said, take them both for a spin. Preferably on some trails. I know Specialized has demos available at some of their shops.

Good luck!