Mountain Biking - Which bike should I buy?

I have been doing research about bikes for the past 6 months and I have narrowed it down to two bikes, but I am still open to any suggestions you may have. I live in Canada and I have a budget of $650. The two bikes I am looking at are the 2007 Giant Yukon Disc ($600 on sale from $650) and the 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc ($660).

I am a 14 year old novice biker and am not doing anything too hardcore, but I always seem to break cheap bikes from Canadian Tire so I need something strong with good suspension and warranty.

What is your opinion and are there any other bikes you would advise?

Thanks alot Everyone

I would try and get more bang for your buck by getting a 2006.

Well, I am going looking again during the March Break. I will check if they have any 2006 stock

Aything else?

Aything else?

Where in Canada you located? What criteria did you use to narrow it down to these two choices?

At your price point, the differences between the various bikes are negligible in terms component mix. What will be different is how it feels to you. Take the time to visit your various LBS and try the bikes.

Look at the Kona lines. Something like a Kona Blast would be nice. Also look at the Trek 4300 or 4500. There's also Gary Fischer.

PS - avoid Canadian Tire bikes from now on.

Specialized Hardrocks!

I agree with the guy that said to try for an '06 model. You can usually get a higher end bike and better components that way. If not, my opinion on your two choices would be the specialized. I ride cannondales but love the balance of a specialized. They are very well made and reliable bikes. Good luck with whatever choice you make.

If I were in your shoes, I'd be looking at an '06 Giant. Definitely more bang for your buck there.

Dont bother with the Sport Disc if your getting a Hardrock. I recommend getting the base model (the regular sport) for your type of riding, because i'm sure discs would be over kill for light riding. My friend used to have an 05 Hardrock sport, it was a great starter bike that could take a few beatings, but dont try to take it dirt jumping for freeridin anytime soon. If not the hardrock, Kona makes a good line of starting mountain bikes.

I always recommend the hardrock to people that are just starting out, mainly because the bike is so vestal. If you ever end up becoming more interested in other types of riding such as DJ, skate parks, hardtail freeride, and even some light DH, the frame will be plenty strong to take the beating for your beginning years.

I should just put this post in my signature... I use the same response for anybody questioning a hardrock.:)

Hardrock no doubt, you tend to find even experienced riders go back to their roots and everyones roots should be the hardrock.
go for the 06 though

Hardrock no doubt, you tend to find even experienced riders go back to their roots and everyones roots should be the hardrock.
go for the 06 though


What does this even mean?

OP - Listen to the advice from Santiago. He speaks the truth.

Iron Horse bikes are a good "bang for your buck" choice imo.

Iron Horse bikes are a good "bang for your buck" choice imo.

Check out www.rscycle.com Starting to feel like a shill for them, but my Warrior Expert is very nice setup and fit/finish on welds and paint are perfect. Check out the Maverick, for $329.US, it's hard to go wrong. FYI, Performance Bike also carries Iron Horse.

Thanks alot. It seems like people are saying Hardrock but I am going to see if I can take a test ride on both. Hopefully I could get the Hardrock for $600 instead of $660