Mountain Biking - Full suspension or hardtail?

Im currently in the market for a sub $600 used MTB

I currently ride an aging Trek 800 rigid (that Im converting to a commuter once I get the new bike)


Im just not sure if I want FS or front. The trails I ride are pretty rocky and jarring so I figured FS would be best but Im not really sure. Ive never had a nice MTB, only the freebie finds.
I found an 06 Hardrock Comp on Craigslist for $400 thats really tempting but of course its hardtail.


Just looking for a little guidance

I saw that bike and I was eyeballing it myself. Not a bad price, actually. Check with Specialized archives and see what it went for new. I think it was up there.

dont listen to Siu..she's a wiener :LOL


actually, she's right though. Although if you're gonna be riding in really rough terrain, a FS bike would probably make things easier on you.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/bik/213646916.html

If you're looking for a sub-$600 bike you probably won't find a full suspension bike with good suspension components unless you come across a good deal on craigslist or EBay. Oddly enough you may also check your local pawn shop. If you buy a poorly made FS bike you'll probably be worse off than if you had picked up a nice hardtail.

how about this
http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Kona-Kikapu-full-suspension-mountain-bike-Shimano_W0QQitemZ300033239873QQihZ020QQcategoryZ98083QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
dont know if this is the right size for you but

$400 for a used Hardrock seems steep. New the 07s list for around $600. If you could find a new 06 at a shop, I'd expect to pay between $450 and $550 for one at this time of year. For the extra $, you get a warranty that you won't get on a used one.

i would get a nice hardtail for sure given the amount you want to spend. don't worry about the terrain, rough, smooth, rocks, stumps... a hardtail will handle it. your body will just absorb a little more of the impact :D

One somewhat overlooked bike that doesn't get a lot of mention is the Rockhopper FSR. It was Specialized's entry-level FS. It had the Horst-link 4-bar setup and was a perfectly capable bargain FS with a low-end-but-serviceable parts spec. 'Back in the day,' some shops were blowing them out the door for under $700 new; seems like you should be able to find one used, maybe with a few choice upgrades for half that. Just a thought . . . .

For $600, you might to go for a hardtail, you might be able to find a FS bike used.

For $600 you can get an 06 hardrock on sale at a lbs.

For that price range, you could get a used Cannondale Super V. I used to have one and I found it to be decent. It won't compete with today's technological advances, but it would be okay for what you wanna do with it.

Look at the K2 Disco Monkey or Proflex Beast. There's another couple bikes that may not be as efficient as today's platform ride, but is usually a killer buy on eBay.

I ride hardtails myself. They climb and handle better, and at my age (22) I don't have problems with a rough ride.

I ride hardtails myself. They climb and handle better, and at my age (22) I don't have problems with a rough ride.
Well, hate to say it but Im one year younger and can't take the rough rides so well.
I have back issues that are touch and go (scholiosis related).
Im thinking I could probably survive a hardtail but would be much more comfortable on FS





Found this Canondale Super V frame on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-Full-Suspension-MTB-Frame-Fork-Super-V-2000_W0QQitemZ170032696781QQihZ007QQcategoryZ98083QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Would be cool to build this up. Seem like a good deal?

[quote=dwoloz]Well, hate to say it but Im one year younger and can't take the rough rides so well.
I have back issues that are touch and go (scholiosis related).
Im thinking I could probably survive a hardtail but would be much more comfortable on FS


If you go with a hardtail, add a Thudbuster 3G seat post. $99 at Jensonusa.com or lower on eBay. I have back issues as well and have never had any problems with the bike beating me up.

What about this one:
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top01_c6e9.gif Schwinn Blackline Bike
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top02_c6ea.gif [71-1358-4]
http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Template/English/top03_c6eb.gif http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/Assortments/PrimaryAssortments/Recreation/BicyclesAccessories/BikesAdult/0711358_450_CC_527a9.jpg
$660, Schwinn is a pretty good company.+ nice and comfortable

$660, Schwinn is a pretty good company.+ nice and comfortable
THIS GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT! DO NOT BUY FROM A DEPARTMENT STORE. ^^ I've seen those bikes in person, BIG pile of crap.

THIS GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT! DO NOT BUY FROM A DEPARTMENT STORE. ^^ I've seen those bikes in person, BIG pile of crap.

+1

Don't listen to excel

Bikes are not toys.

http://www.bikesrnottoys.com/


And, for the same price as that Xmart POS you could have a Trek 4500. Probably half the weight and 7x better componentry.
http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike.php?bikeid=1022600&f=18

What happened with Schwinn? They used to make some decent bikes ages ago. They went under once, I'd hate to see the same thing happen... mainly because they were historically a mainstay of bicycling in the US.

Personally, I would just buy new from a known good brand if you don't know the provenance [1] of the bike you are buying. Of course inspect it, or have it inspected by a reputable LBS.

[1]: Make sure you have a copy of a receipt or whatever where the seller of the bike bought it from... life starts to suck if your bike gets confiscated by the local PD because its serial number is on a stolen list, and the seller skips town.

THIS GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT! DO NOT BUY FROM A DEPARTMENT STORE. ^^ I've seen those bikes in person, BIG pile of crap.
if it's got reflecters, it isn't meant for off road use!!!!

What happened with Schwinn?
The Schwinn name was bought by Pacific Cycles (makers of craptastic Target/Walmart/etc bikes)
You can now find Schwinn plastered on all variety of crap; sad really

if it's got reflecters, it isn't meant for off road use!!!!

Legally you have to sell all bikes with reflectors!!!!

if it's got reflecters, it isn't meant for off road use!!!!

Here in Texas, all bikes, MTBs, road, etc. have to have a front and rear reflector when sold.

Front reflector stays; augmented by a headlight. Rear reflector gets popped off replaced by a blinky.

Problem solved.

Legally you have to sell all bikes with reflectors!!!!
I was referring to the ones within the spokes.

I was referring to the ones within the spokes.
i'm pretty sure he was too.

both my fisher tassajara and my norco fluid came with spoke reflectors.

All bikes do i believe.

Its just that people that ride off road take them off or break them off in a matter of days.

I was referring to the ones within the spokes.

As was I...

All bikes do i believe.

Its just that people that ride off road take them off or break them off in a matter of days.
I dunno. my LBS do not have reflectors on any of their mtn. bikes. I guess they just take them off.

Legally you have to sell all bikes with reflectors!!!!

Not sure if that is a state law or country law. It is the law here in WV though.

It's a nation-wide Code of Federal Regulations thing - 16 CFR 1512.16

Text is here:
http://www.washingtonwatchdog.org/documents/cfr/title16/part1512.html#1512.16