Mountain Biking - Need some advice on FS bike

I am going out to buy my first FS bike. I have been taking a look at some of the LBS and there are some pretty good deals on some of the 2006 closeouts. I am looking to spend around $1,200 - 1,500 on my bike. So far I have seen the 200 Specialized FSR xc Comp and the 2006 Kona Kikapu Deluxe.

I am not going to do any crazy jumps or anything like that. I will mostly be doing riding on some of the local trails in Orange County with some climbing and downhill.

Any advice on these bikes or any others I should look at?

i personally like the specialized.
though i also like hard tails too, which should'nt be ruled out altogether
marin do a good fs range.

I am going out to buy my first FS bike. I have been taking a look at some of the LBS and there are some pretty good deals on some of the 2006 closeouts. I am looking to spend around $1,200 - 1,500 on my bike. So far I have seen the 200 Specialized FSR xc Comp and the 2006 Kona Kikapu Deluxe.

I am not going to do any crazy jumps or anything like that. I will mostly be doing riding on some of the local trails in Orange County with some climbing and downhill.

Any advice on these bikes or any others I should look at?

Wheel World out of Calif. has 2006 Kona Kikapu deluxe's for $899.00

I got my 06 Giant Anthem 3 for $1,500 and love it. I'm in Orange County too, mostly fireroad and single track, no big drops or jumps.

Performance is blowing out Rocky Mountains. I've seen ETSXs and Element 50s there for $1500.

Az

Thanks all for the advice. I was out at Wheel World earlier today looking at the Kona Kikapu Deluxe ($900), Giant Reign (1,299) and the Specialized FSR xc Comp (1,399). I really liked the ride of the specialized but I did not have a chance to ride the others since they did not have my size.

Since I am new to this. Is the Specialized worth the $400 difference from the Kona? The sales person at the LBS pointed out some of the difference in the bikes. Weight, rear and front shocks, derailers, etc...

I have a 2006 FSR XC Pro that I picked up for $1400 in August. It's an excellent XC full suspension bike for the money (although I don't ride it much since I picked up a Yeti 575). You can't go wrong with the Spec. It's perfect for what you want to do and in your price range. The Reign is a bit heavy, but is still an excellent bike. I've never ridden a Kona so no comment. Go ride the ones you are interested in and let that be your deciding factor. Only way to do it.

Get a Giant Anthem, it rocks, hmm It seems I cant find a 06 Spec on both company website anymore. Judging by both companies, Specialized should have a better rear suspension because it is using Horst Link. While Kona uses their own proven 4-bar suspension. Anyway tell us what u get :D

For the money you have to spend you should be able to pick up a 2006 Stumpjumper FSR (not the XC they are two different bikes), a 5 " travel bike with great components, rides nice, will take you anywhere. Also look for a Santa Cruz Superlight. Since they redesigned the frame for 2007, you should be able to get a good price on the "older" model. The SC Superlight is an awesome bike.

Yeah, I heard many riders loves Superlight

I have a 05 FSR XC Comp and really like it. I ride technical single track, no big jumps, lots of obstacles and roots for snake bite. The Specialized XC Comp, like other Specialized bikes, is very stable allowing a rider to pull out of a stall easily. I paid $1125 in early 06 for a leftover. The 06 Comp has a better fork and is worth about $100 more over the 05. But, $1400 price isn't much of discount on a $1500 bike. I'd shop around for a better deal on the Specialized.
I'm surprized the Kona crowd hasn't responded, they really like their bikes.

I finally decided on the 2007 Specialized FSR XC Comp. I was able to get a pretty good deal on the 07 from the LBS. They gave it to me for $1,320 with tax out the door and they offer free lifetime tune ups. I took it out on my first ride Saturday morning and it rides great and real fun.

Thanks for the help and the suggestions

I finally decided on the 2007 Specialized FSR XC Comp. I was able to get a pretty good deal on the 07 from the LBS. They gave it to me for $1,320 with tax out the door and they offer free lifetime tune ups. I took it out on my first ride Saturday morning and it rides great and real fun.

Thanks for the help and the suggestions
Sounds great! Good luck with your new bike.

congrats and love your bike!!!