Mountain Biking - What is the best sub $400 all mountian?

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Rockadile
08-14-06, 11:52 AM
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1016600&f=19

My buddy is close to getting this(its the only one he looked at and now he wants it, you know the deal), I wanna make sure thats a good idea. It seems he is paying $360 over the MSRP which is fine becuase its a bike store and its assembled. But damn he dosent have enough money to pay MSRP for anything right now so the biggest bang for the buck would be nice. He can't get a $200 jobbie beucase we are doing 100 miles a week on a trail and he is 230lbs. He needs a 'real' bike.

Thanks for suggestions

a2psyklnut
08-14-06, 11:54 AM
There is no 'BEST'

Go visit all the shops and test ride all the bikes. Buy the "Best FIT" for him!
FreeRidin'
08-14-06, 12:01 PM
Check out the specalized hardrocks

bspurrie
08-14-06, 12:02 PM
I agree with the previous comments but from my experience and I have been to a lot of LBS lately, prices are always $30 to $50 less than the MSR at LBS. For that price he should be able to get a 4300 but again ride different models. I have a gary fisher and you seem to get more for your money than Trek and since Trek owns them you can compare components pretty easily.
LowCel
08-14-06, 12:07 PM
WOW, if he's doing 100 miles per week on the trail he won't be 230 pounds for long. That's a lot of riding, especially for someone that is new to mountain biking. For that reason alone I would be going to as many bike shops as possible and test riding to see what fits the best. Being on the bike 10 - 15 hours a week he is going to want to be comfortable.
TO11MTM
08-14-06, 12:09 PM
My vote would be for a specialized Hardrock, maybe a 2007 series Raleigh Mojave 4.0 (They're a LOT better than the 06, and at the lower price range you'll do better with a Raleigh than a Specialized or Trek). I weigh about the same as your buddy and I've done riding on both with no problems.
bdinger
08-14-06, 12:48 PM
Check out the '07 Hardrock. The '06's are kind of "meh", but man did they do good stuff with the '07. It gets a resounding endorsement from me, at least :)
Rockadile
08-15-06, 02:38 PM
He got an 06 Hardrock, sticker was $350. The dealer didnt have the 07 in stock and the 06 came with x-7 triggers! Its supposed to come with x-4 I think they made a mistake?

Anyways there was no way to wait for the 07 and we are happy, thanks for all the suggestion.
bdinger
08-15-06, 03:18 PM
Being happy is what matters. Post pics! (speaking of, I really should get around to that already... ;))