Mountain Biking - Another bike I want.

Ok, I already have two bikes (cannondale rush 400 and a specialized allez elite triple), but I find myself wanting another; a hardtail. I have been looking around forever but cant seem to find anything i like in the price range I am going for (300 - 400). My main specs are that I wont take anything under deore (none of that alivio crap) And i dont want an RST fork (Rockshox, Manitou, Marzochi only). I can go for disk or rim brakes and I want the frame to be strong enough to take some small drops (2 - 3 foot max)Any sugestions? I am ready for everyone to throw the hardrock at me but again, no RST.

EDIT: This bike would really be nice so that when I go to rent a movie or go to 711 I dont need to lock up $1200 outside, I also want to bring it to my camp (where they have mountain biking).

Why don't you just buy a frame and then build the bike up yourself. Maybe looked for a used hardrock or the like and just replace the fork or just find a nice frame and start from scratch.

Check out the Treks, Fishers, Giants, etc in that price range.
I'd recommend V Brakes at that price level simply because cheap disc brakes have proven, in my experience, to be a large pain in the rear to adjust and set up.
Going with Vs will also free up some price room to get Deore level stuff.

Why don't you just buy a frame and then build the bike up yourself. Maybe looked for a used hardrock or the like and just replace the fork or just find a nice frame and start from scratch.

I could, but that my friend would take effort. If i really wanted to I'm sure I could go totally bargain deals on this bike and spend as little as possible on everything except for the frame, drive-train and fork. I'm considering it, but Im hoping that you guys can just recommend a bike so i dont have to do it myself.

Ok, I already have two bikes (cannondale rush 400 and a specialized allez elite triple), but I find myself wanting another; a hardtail. I have been looking around forever but cant seem to find anything i like in the price range I am going for (300 - 400). My main specs are that I wont take anything under deore (none of that alivio crap) And i dont want an RST fork (Rockshox, Manitou, Marzochi only). I can go for disk or rim brakes and I want the frame to be strong enough to take some small drops (2 - 3 foot max)Any sugestions? I am ready for everyone to throw the hardrock at me but again, no RST.

EDIT: This bike would really be nice so that when I go to rent a movie or go to 711 I dont need to lock up $1200 outside, I also want to bring it to my camp (where they have mountain biking).


This ebay seller: http://stores.ebay.com/SPRTYMAMA-BIKE-SHOP, has cheap deals on Motobecane Mt Bikes if you don't mind assembling and maintaining your own bikes. $397 + $40 shipping gets you an XT derailleur and Deore shifters:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2008-ALUMINUM-MOUNTAIN-BIKE-ROCK-SHOX-SHIMANO-XT-DEORE_W0QQitemZ140077272371QQihZ004QQcategoryZ98083QQcmdZViewItem

I have no affiliation with the seller but my buddy and I both bought road bikes from SprtyMama and were very pleased.

Dave

How much assembly is required?

Ok, I already have two bikes (cannondale rush 400 and a specialized allez elite triple), but I find myself wanting another; a hardtail. I have been looking around forever but cant seem to find anything i like in the price range I am going for (300 - 400). My main specs are that I wont take anything under deore (none of that alivio crap) And i dont want an RST fork (Rockshox, Manitou, Marzochi only). I can go for disk or rim brakes and I want the frame to be strong enough to take some small drops (2 - 3 foot max)Any sugestions? I am ready for everyone to throw the hardrock at me but again, no RST.

EDIT: This bike would really be nice so that when I go to rent a movie or go to 711 I dont need to lock up $1200 outside, I also want to bring it to my camp (where they have mountain biking).
why don't you get the experience of building your own? there would bee many frame options. it is fun choosing all the parts. and isn't Flak the one who said in another thread you could do it for about 500

How much assembly is required?

Stem, handlebars, pedals, front wheel, front brake and cable (for my road bike). Derailleurs were already tuned up and ready to go. Not sure how much more involved it would be with disc brakes. It comes shipped in the box just like your LBS would get it from the manufacturer.

Like I said, it is great if you work on your own bikes. Its 1/2 price, but you lose the luxury of being able to drop it off for free tune ups at your local shop.