Mountain Biking - FUJI VS. GIANT (advice please)

Good day,
I'm currently in the process of purchasing a new mountain bike. I am not an avid rider, but am looking for something I can use on & off trails w/some city riding.

I have visited a few dealers and have seen two (maybe 3) models that seem close to what I am looking for. These models are: The Sunfire (made by Fuji) and the Boulder (and Boulder SE) made by Giant. I have looked at specs, but besides knowing that aluminum frames are good and that sealed bearings are important... I'm kind of clueless.

Can you please tell me what you think of these models (Why you would or why you would never purchase these models; Which one you think is better; What I should be looking for when purchasing; What kind of "after sale" service I should be looking for...)?

www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/page.asp (I'm in Canada)
www.fujibikes.com

I thank you in advance.

Ricochet

Get the Giant.

Do you have a Giant? One of these models? Why do you recommend the Giant?

Looking at the sites, the Fuji you picked has slightly better components, but both have virtually the same fork. The Boulder SE will be probably $60-70 cheaper, but I would recommend you look at the Giant Rincon, which compares directly to the Fuji Sunfire in terms of quality.
These are both entry level bikes and should handle city riding and light trail riding well. If you are planning on doing more of the trail riding, you should consider going the next step up from both companies: the Fuji Nevada or the Giant Yukon. The Nevada is a little cheaper (~$40 less) but the Yukon has a better rear derailuer and a better fork (Manitou vs I think an RST). In addition, I'm a little more familiar with the Giant bikes although I don't own one.
Since you would be getting the same value for your money from either company, the best way to decide is going to be to actually sit on the bikes and figure out which feels best. If the shop owner will let you, ride them around outside for a little bit.

I have a huge Giant bike shop in my area. I know the people that own it very good. I had posted in another thread that no matter the issue with the frame Giant has stood behind any problem they have come up with on a warranty issue. I have to add that I dont know how Fuji handles them. It may be as good but I know for a fact how Giant handles them.

I would recomend the Giant based on customer support. They are one of the best and easiest companies to deal with.

I have never had any dealings with Fuji but I am sure if you do a little research you could find out how their company deals with their customers.

Of those two bikes that would be what I would base my decision on.

:beer:

iamlucky13, Thank you so much for the info. That was really helpful. I will definitely look into this. The other models you recommended seem very good, but not being a "connoisseur", I would not want to get something that is out of my league. Until I have more knowledge and have discovered a need for something greater, I will stick to either the Sunfire or Boulder SE. Thanks again.

dirtbikedude, you're right about the customer support. That is pretty important. Only thing is that so far I've been able to get great information from both sides (Fuji & Giant).

As for the frames (that you mentioned, Giantbikes). I've heard the same: that because Giant's are handmade as opposed to factory made, they're sturdier. However, I still don't know for a fact that the same isn't true of Fuji's models.

I think that most of you out there are more familiar with Giant products as opposed to Fuji... unless it simply is that Giant is better.

...couldn't say as yet. Thanks to all of you for responding.

I had a fuji, their service wasn't too good. I have 4 Giants.
2 AC1's
1 Warp DS1
1 Rainer

Odd I didn't know giants were handmade...I thought they were well made factory.

"Odd I didn't know giants were handmade...I thought they were well made factory"

-That's what they told me... :confused:

i got a boulder from 7 years ago. served me well, though could've been better on the trails. i have since converted it into a singlespeed. what's your budget? my friend just got a trek 4500 over a giant yukon a few days ago. not bad for beginner bike, but be prepared to spend ~$400 american dollars if you want a trail-worthy entry-level bike.

tfunk, my budget is closer to ~$400 - 500 Canadian. I was reading some replies to avzay66's post (looking to buy first mountain bike) and many were recommending the same model (TREK 4500) that you mentioned. I haven't really seen them in stores, but I'm sure they're around. The specs look great.

if you can spend a little more you can get a much better bike in terms of how the ride feels. and if you've coughed up that much cash for a bike, it makes you feel guilty for not riding it, resulting in more rides! but don't worry if your shop doesn't carry trek, because within a price range the bikes will be highly similar anyways.

What I would do is take a look at the website for Giant. There is a place where you can look at last years models. I believe the paint on the 2003's are different than the 2002's. You may be able to look around and find a shop that has a last years model that he could give you a better deal on. I know around here they have retail prices that most Giant dealers have to price the bikes at. Not that they cant come down but the bike shop owner I know he has to price them as the retail price Giant sets. From what he has told me in the past Giant will allow them to reduce the price of a last years model. Now I dont know if this means he gets a kick back for selling the bike or if Giant just allows him to really cut prices on some left overs. I know last year I bought a 2001 Giant comfort mountain that retailed for $329 for $275 because it was a year old. Just a thought.

"You may be able to look around and find a shop that has a last years model that he could give you a better deal on... I know last year I bought a 2001 Giant comfort mountain that retailed for $329 for $275 because it was a year old"

-certainly worth taking a look into. Thx for the tip.

"within a price range the bikes will be highly similar anyways."

-that's what I'm beginning to notice.

"You may be able to look around and find a shop that has a last years model that he could give you a better deal on... I know last year I bought a 2001 Giant comfort mountain that retailed for $329 for $275 because it was a year old"

-certainly worth taking a look into. Thx for the tip.

"within a price range the bikes will be highly similar anyways."

-that's what I'm beginning to notice.