Mountain Biking - I need to decide!!!! rockhopper vs. rainier vs. warp

I don't have a lot of money and I want a bike now!
I need it for cross country.
My options are:
- Specialized Rockhopper
- Giant Rainier
- Giant Warp DS 2
- Giant DS 3

I can upgrade a few parts later on. But now, that is what I can afford.
What would you guys suggest?
Anyone of them that I should avoid?
Any other bike in the same price range?

I appreciate your help.

THANKS!!!

You looking to do more XC type riding? You would want to stay away from the Giant DS lineup. I had experience with one of last year's models and it was heavy with a poor suspension setup. this year's models in the LBS aren't specced particularly well either. I would choose between the Rockhopper and the Rainier. In the price range of the bikes you listed, you won't find a worthwhile suspension bike. The only one getting somewhat favorable reviews recently was one of the Dakar line of bikes from Jamis, but there were complaints about that one also. I'd stick with a hardtail no matter what bike you buy. My short rides on a Rainier impressed me, as did the parts spec. I have no experience with the Rockhopper other than seeing a few. I haven't ridden a real recent model. I can suggest the Rainier (I'm familiar with last year's model) from my experience. Member Middi-Zon rides a last-year's-model Rainier and he might be able to give you a better impression based on a season of riding and racing with it. There was a thread here lately about bikes in this price range-it might be worth a search of the forums. There are also many specialized fans here who could commment on those better than myself. Good luck in the search! And remember, the frame and fit are the most important factors-even over parts spec to begin with. You can upgrade later.

-Moab

Thanks Moabrider!!
I expect more feedback from others....
Thanks

My cous just bought a ds and it is fine for xc. Even light hits (2 to 3 ft). Its a fine bike. To be honest I have never seen or ridden and ranier so can't offer an opinion.

Specialized

the rockhopper is a tried and true performer

STAY AWAY FROM THE WARP!!!!!!! I had a DS 3 for a month and hated it, it was heavy, the components were low quality, and it was a pain ot put on a bike rack (I did get my 1st and only win on it, but it was a pretty sad field of competitors). I eBayed it, and bought a rainier and I couldn't be happier. It has a great frame, the parts are good, good bike to slowly upgrade. The tires and seat have to go as soon as it leaves the showroom, though. If you can find an '02, but that, their cheaper, better, and much cooler looking than the new ones. Good Luck!

-Middi-zon

Tfunk, I am talking about the rockhopper (standard), not the comp. Do you still keep what you said?

Miidi-zon, what about the DS2?
Thanks

All 2003 rockhoppers have the same frame which by the way is the 2002 stumpjumper frame. Can you really ask for more? Yes the standard rockhopper is the best way to go. I am the happy owner of one which i have almost completely upgraded to full XT with discs and raceface accessories. A trully awesome aggro xc frame.

skuba,

I ride with Middi-Zon. His speed and riding technique improved greatly as soon as he got rid of the Warp. The DS2 is pretty much the same bike. Stay away from the line, or nearly any full-suspension in that price range.

-Moab

math2p14- how did you know that the rockhopper is the old stumpy?

skuba- yeah, the rockhopper is a performer even the standard version. not to say that the rainier isn't a performer though.

LAST CHANCE TO DECIDE...
ROCKHOPPER OR RAINIER
Please help...
Please see specs below:

>>> ROCKHOPPER SPECS

FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, double butted front triangle, disc mounts, replaceable derailleur hanger, rack eyelets

FORK Manitou Axel Comp, 80mm travel, coil spring, Fluid Flow damping, steel steerer tube

HEADSET 1 1/8" threadless, black steel cups, loose ball bearings w/ seals

STEM Aluminum, 10 degree rise, TIG welded, black

HANDLEBARS XC mid rise bar, 6061 alloy, 6 degrees upsweep, 9 degrees backsweep, 590mm width

TAPE / GRIPS Specialized MTB grip, black, double density Kraton

FRONT BRAKE Tektro linear pull

REAR BRAKE Tektro linear pull

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Alivio linear pull shifter/brake combo

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano MC-18 Alivio, 34.9mm clamp, bottom pull

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano M-510 Deore

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Alivio linear pull shifter/brake combo

CASSETTE Shimano HG-50 LX, 8-speed, 11x30t

CHAIN Shimano IG-31

CRANKSET Specialized Strongarm II, square taper

CHAINRINGS 44Sx32Sx22S, 4 bolt, 104/64mm pattern, steel chainring bolts

BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ sealed cartridge, 68mm shell, 113mm spindle

PEDALS 1 piece alloy platform pedals, clips and straps, silver

RIMS Alex DM-20, 26", machined sidewalls, black

FRONT HUB 32 hole, loose ball bearings, alloy Q/R

REAR HUB 32 hole, loose ball bearings, alloy Q/R

SPOKES 1.8mm (15g) black stainless, brass nipples, L266/R266mm front, L265/R264mm rear

FRONT TIRE Specialized Roll-X 26 x 2.0", Steel bead

REAR TIRE Specialized Roll-X 26 x 2.0", Steel bead

TUBES Specialized, schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry technology, steel rails

SEAT POST Alloy, black, 30.9 x 350/400mm

SEAT BINDER Alloy collar with Q/R, 34.9mm clamp I.D., black

NOTES Chain stay/seat stay protector, derailleur protector, reflectors, owners manual


>>> RAINIER SPECS
color Team Blue
features 14", 17", 19", 21"
frame Supersized ALUXX butted aluminum, XTC geometry, Integrated Headset, Disc brake mount
fork Manitou Axle Super, 3.1" travel
derailleur Front: Shimano Deore, Rear: Shimano Deore LX
derailleurshifters Shimano Deore, 9-speed
cranks Giant, 22/32/42T
pedals Shimano M505 Clipless
handlebar Alloy 1.25" riser
stem Giant 1 1/8 Ahead
headset Integrated Ahead 1 1/8
brakes Avid CPS Disc, 6" rotors
saddle Giant Groove, Dual density MTB, Kevlar bumpers
seatpost Alloy micro-adjust, 30.8mm, QR Seat lever
rims Weinmann ZAC 19, black, doublewall, 32H
hubs Shimano disc, 32H, cassette
tires Hutchinson Mosquito, 26x2.0
cassette SRAM 7.0, 11-34T, 9-speed
spokes Stainless steel 14G
additional Chainguard



THANKS

I simply compared the frames side by side. The tubing design and the geometry is EXACTLY the same...the only difference between the RH and the SJ is in the alloy mixture used for the tubes. OTherwise 2003 RH is same frame as 2002 SJ.

skuba- the rainier is spec'ed better than the rockhopper.

math2p14- oh i see that you meant the geometry and tubing, not the material. this has been true in the past i assume?

I prefer the specialized. I commute on a P1 and was considering the Hardrock Pro Disc before I bought it. the roller 2.3 inch tires are amazing. The bike looks heavy but is light and strong. I like the specialized frames better. Giant is a good bike also, ride them both.

if you're looking at specs alone the rainer is definately the better bike, especially with the avid mechanicals vs Tektro V-Brakes

Either is a good bike. Which one is more comfortable for you? Get that one! You'll ride it more if you're more comfy!

L8R

Some of the big differences are:
- Rockhopper is 8 speed while Rainier is 9
- Rainier comes with disc brakes while Rockhopper doesn't
- The fork on Rockhopper is the Axel Comp (steel) and on Rainier is Axel Super (Alum.)
- Rainier comes with shimano clipless pedals

WHat you guys think?

Don't mean squat if you're not comfortable on it!

Test ride them, get the one you're most comfy on! Regardless of price or components!

skuba,

component-wise, the Rainier is definitely a better value based on the short list you posted above. But like a2psylnut said, fit is the most important. Concentrate on that aspect first. If you like both or the Rainier fits better, go for that one. If not, go with other, as long as it fits well.

-Moab

I can get both for the same price. So, which one to get?

Which one is a better ride for you? If both are equal then pick on coolness...if both are still equal go for the ranier (moab says it has better parts so I believe him)

I never rode any of them.

ride them...thats the key...

You have gotten good advice already, I'll second the vote for the rainier, better fork, brakes, shifters, deraileurs, plus shimano clipless. If it fits and is comfortable, sounds like a deal....tom

A wise man once said "He who buys without test ride will find himself second guessing himself" That's basically all your doing. You can look at components untill you're blue in the face but it doesn't mean SQUAT if you're not comfortable on the bike. Components wear out. That's a fact. So what if the bike comes with LX when it breaks or you can afford it bump it to XT. Buying a bike without riding it first is extreremly stupid. IMHO

i bet that after a test ride, you'd want to go with the higher spec'ed bike. unless the two have totally different geometries and you prefer one over the other...

What do you mean by HIGHER specialized?
It will be very hard to test drive. I don't know anybody that has those bikes.
The store won't let me ride more than on the parking lot.
Thanks.

=] i mean the bike with higher specs, not specialized. it doesn't take much of a ride to realize which bike fits better (geometry, position of body, etc). the components on the rainier outshine those on the rockhopper, so it will affect the ride experience, but the actual fit of the bike (how far you lean forward, how easy it is to pedal...) is more important than what components are on it.

Thanks. I will try to test the bikes. But in the store I won't be able to ajust anything but the seat.

Any other inputs?
Thanks

Are you guys talking about the Giant Ranier?

Yes! Do you have one?

Get the.....Specialized.

get a bike already! it's perfect time for riding! (at least in my area)

I see that your member Icon is the specialized logo.
Ok, get specialized, but why?

because he likes it and thinks you will like it too, which is understandable because i too like specialized. but all comes down to fit/geometry.

I know I am becoming boring. But I am always undecided to buy things.
Weather here is great to ride too. I am in LA, what about you?
It's been two years, since I hurt my knee, I don't really " mountain" bike.
I want to find people that are willing to do easy trails,m at least for the first days with the new bike.

yeah i am getting a couple friends into going biking with me. it's actually real good exercise. funner than jogging in my opinion.

btw since you mentioned you weren't planning on doing anything major, then you probably don't need some of the components on the rainier, like disc brakes. the rockhopper should be cheaper, no? save a few bucks and get the specialized!

I like and own specialized bikes too, he said at one point the two bikes cost the same, I still say if one is more comfortable get that bike, if fit and comfort is equal get the giant. Like a couple others have said, get a bike and go riding, guaranteed to be more fun than discussing it!....tom:D :D :D

I am also tired of discussing.
The point is I have to re-start mountain biking slowly, but this is the chance that I have to buy a bike with a major discount. That is why I want to get the best deal.
I am not buying a bike for 1 month, I hope it will last years.

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
Either is a good bike. Which one is more comfortable for you? Get that one! You'll ride it more if you're more comfy!

L8R

exactly... if the same, then the Giant Rainier