Mountain Biking - 4 bikes to choose from! Which one?! Please Help!!

Hi Everyone

I'm new to this board, just surfing around looking for people to ask about a new bike I want to purchase. Well I've been recently into bikes all of a sudden, i guess cuz i ride more and i want to bring it to university because first year sucked with my sucky bike, and i'm going to be living even further away. Anyways, I found these 4 bikes from 4 different stores, with 4 different prices. I'm just not sure which one is the "better" buy for that price, and also if the bike is manufactured good enough so as to not break down a few years down the road, because i'm not sure which bikes are made in China or Taiwan, or if they are made in china and assembled in China. So if you guys could give me your help, pointers, tips, experiences on any of these bikes, and which one is worth it, that'll be APPRECIATED!

All of them are Alivio back derailleur but i'm not sure what the other components are, like if it's acera or altus for the front shifters or front derailleur.

The bikes: (in CDN)

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Schwinn MESA GS $600, 1 yr warranty on components (1 yr free tune up)
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=176

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Giant Yukon $659 with Alivio (the picture has deore in it) (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/030.000.000/030.050.000.asp?lYear=2003&bikesection=8797&range=96&model=9828

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GT Avalanche 2.0 $659 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://productcatalog.gtmountainbikes.com/catalog/index.php

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Specialized Hardrock COMP $590 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03HardrockComp&bl=mountain&my=2003
*This one is a bit heavy, and i'm not fond of the color. but best price.

I'm leaning towards the Giant, if i can bargain with the guy. Something that is a plus for me, is the 5 year free tune up, because i will be bringing in my bike at least twice a yr, since i will be doing a lot of riding this summer, and to class everyday. The dealer with the Schwinn told me that, a lot of bike shops don't REALLY do a tune up, since they give it for free, and they do a half-sucky job on it to get it over with. I'm not sure if that's true or not. A tune-up is also $25 here. I could try to learn how to do a tune-up but i'm not really sure from reading all the stuff from the 'net, on how to adjust everything properly, and also i don't want to keep on buying the lubes,degreaser and what not... Well, that was QUITE a long post. I hope someone can help me! Thanks a lot!!

Matthew

P.S. If anyone lives in Toronto and can tell me some good stores to go too, that'll be great! Or any discounts! LOL

They're all the exact same low end model. Pick a brand name and a pretty color you like.

I see...hmm....
Well i don't consider them "low-end", just suitable for my needs..which are not extreme trails and such. :)

Dont get me wrong.

Theyre not crappy bikes by any means. Way better than something youd find at the local wal-mart, but really, they are what they are....basic model mountain bikes. Just pick the one that feels the nicest for you.

get a specialized rockhopper.

Oh..i see what u mean...i guess so, it's more like recreational mtb, but i will go on quite a few trails with maybe a few jumps if my bike can handle it.

Nismo: Do you have a reason for the specialized? do you like specialized or just like 'em?

Specialized or Giant would be my preference, merely on brand quality.

$600 for a Schwinn Mesa GS is way too much. I would pass on that one. There's a guy on ebay selling Schwinn Mesa DS full suspension bike. He has a few evey week in different sizes and they are going for $200-$350. Here's a link. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3613209092&category=27948

Check Ibex bikes out. I got their Ignition 2 for $500 and its a great bike for the price. http://www.ibexbikes.com/03bikes_index.html

for $500 US you can get a nice specialized rockhopper. dont deal with the fuss. the giant might also be worthwhile. as mentioned above, they are basically the same. i would steer away from the hardrock, never been a fan of them, no particular reason though, just dislike the geometry.

I prefer the Hardrock over the Giant. They are both very nice bikes, just my personal prefferance. If you do buy the HardRock Comp, $590 is way to much for it. My LBS sells it for $429. You can even get the HardRock Pro Disc for $550. Let us know what you decide on.

FWIW - I believe Specialized switched from 5 yr warranty to Lifetime limited on the frame. Check the FAQ section of their site. I own a Specialized Hardrock. Cost me a whopping $349 (after tax). If you decide to go w\the Specialized, do not fear for the frame. The frame is built pretty tough. I've only had mine a month and ridden it hard and had some pretty good wrecks (rocks, trees, downhill, drops). The only thing damaged were my body and my pride!:D

PS - I agree, that the price is way high for the HardRock Comp. My LBS has them for $449.

$429 Canadaian????

I think he mentioned that he was speaking in Canadian $'s.
I think $590 Canadian for the hardrock comp is a great price.


Originally posted by stateman
I prefer the Hardrock over the Giant. They are both very nice bikes, just my personal prefferance. If you do buy the HardRock Comp, $590 is way to much for it. My LBS sells it for $429. You can even get the HardRock Pro Disc for $550. Let us know what you decide on.

Oh, that's what CDN means (DOH!)

Like mentioned above, these are all entry-level mountain bikes. Again, they're much better than any "X-Mart" bike, but at these low prices, it's hard for one manufacturer to do anything really different from his competitors, (The margins are much smaller the less expensive the bike), so you will find many of the same components, frame material, front suspension...etc.

The biggest difference of bikes at this level are frame geometries and paint schemes.

I highly suggest you test ride each of the four bikes at least once more each. Decide which one is the most comfortable for you. Buy that one!

L8R

Yeah sorry about that. Didn't see the CDN!!!

Personally for the price range you are looking at I'd get a Kona. From what I've seen in the lower end bikes you get slightly better parts on Kona's. Plus I like the looks of them!

For $550 - Hahanna (http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_hahanna.cfm)

For $650 - Fire Mountain (http://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_fire_mountain.cfm) - I like this one, nice crank, RS fork, Alivio rapid fire shifters, plus you can get it in a cool polished aluminum finish.

Umm guys, $600 CDN converts to about $450 US dollars.

L8R

Why are Ibex FS bikes so inexpensive?

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys! That was pretty fast. And about the confusion lol, ya the prices i listed were in canadian dollars heh.

I'm now leaning towards Specialized or Giant, but for the specialized, i don't really like the frame geometry and i hate the color RED, since in the fall i will be doing more road riding and it is a bit heavier, but shouldn't make a big deal. That Schwinn and Ibex are not bad, but i'm hoping to look for something in the LBS so i don't have to pay a bundle for shipping. Well i'll probaly take the Giant and Specialized out for a ride again, have rided the Specialized since it was raining when i went.

And also, i confused everyone about the warranty, because i meant that the warranty was the store warranty, not the manufacturer. All these bikes are lifetime warranty on the frame i think hehe.....my bad about the confusion!!

I doubt i'd get the disc brakes, i don't want my bike to be an eye opener because i will be locking it up at school during some night classes, and i'll probaly get it insured (still gotta figure out how that works)

Thanks for all the opinions, suggestions, experiences!! Keep 'em coming.

Matthew

Troie - Ibex is low cost because they are sold direct from Ibex in Georgia, no middleman bike shops to take their cut. Ibex are only sold online and through ebay. Ibex also doesn't spend much for advertising. I think they are a pretty small company, Jack is the guy who answers all the email. The frames are made in Taiwan and I guess that's where all the parts are put on also.

So basically stay away from Ibex?

AquariaGuy, A coupple of good shops to deal with, depending on where in the city you are, D'onellas East end,
Bike Zone Mississauga, Chain reaction Etobicoke, Sport Swap Central, or PM World IRC (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=2616) here on the board, he is friendly with A shop in the north end.

Have you considered looking at MEC's gear swap? they have used bikes, and if you are riding to school, maybe you want a beater/commuter rather than a new bike?

any way you decide to go, pick the one that fits well, feels good and rides well.

Good luck,

Scoob

I live in North York, around the bayview village area, or if u don't know that, it's close to fairview mall. I haven't heard of MEC's bike shop, or all the other ones u listed heh.

I'm leaning towards the Giant or Specialized. but when i do my road biking at univ., i don't know if the weight will play a big factor. Also the red is a put off, since i called the shop and they said red is the ONLY color available to canada -_- sucks eh? While u guys in US have all these fancy wancy colors... heh
Not many of you here have Giants, do u?


Matt

Note sig and avatar.

Nismo: Do you have a reason for the specialized? do you like specialized or just like 'em?

i must admit i am somewhat biased towards specialized. The rockhopper is goin to be the best in terms of parts. I'm also pretty sure it would be like 2-3lbs lighter than any of the bikes on your list. The frame is the same as a 2002 stumpjumper but with the heavier A1 material. i was goin to get a Rockhopper, but i was gion to buy a bike to upgrade so i just figured i'd spring for the M4 stumpjumper. Anyways, if you can afford it, i think it might be slightly more than the bikes you're looking at. i'm not sure of the current exchange rates. Specialized also has a lifetime warrantee on their frames and a 1 year on the parts. i must admit i haven't ridden the rockhopper, but i suggest you give her a shot.

nismo: the specialized bike that i was looking at was the "Hardrock" not the "rockhopper" heheh...
the rockhopper is $400 cdn more expensive... =(

But is the HardRock "better" out of the other bikes? It's on the lower-end of the Specialized MTB, but that is the only price range I can afford for now since i'm still in university.

So what about this Specialized Hardrock everyone? Does this one suck since it's below the rockhopper?

Thanks
Matt

I think the HardRock is a good bike. It also depends on which one you get. The HardRock Comp is better that the normal HardRock. I am actually just about to head up to my LBS to order the Normal HardRock.

Yup the Hardrock Comp. Now just gonna go to the store and test run it to see if it's heavier than the Giant when I do my road riding.

Matt

The specialized has a strong frame and disc brakes, meant for jumping, but its cool

I liked dealing with Duke’s Cycle on Queen W. when I lived in Toronto.

Re: MEC Gear SWAP - Mountain Equipment Co-op website www.mec.ca go to the Gear Swap on the Home page and select cycling and Ontario at the bottom of the page.

You may have a look at Devinci Cycle, made in Quebec and apparently lots of bike for the money and they don’t use red !

Here is a useful link for those in the Toronto area.

TBN Retailers Directory (Toronto Bicycle Network)
http://tbn.on.ca/retailer/rtdb/detail/114.htm

Good luck!


:beer:

Originally posted by cidmort
The specialized has a strong frame and disc brakes, meant for jumping, but its cool


are you dumb or heavy(the implications are obvious) a hardtail with disc brakes can't be cool.

such hostility

Originally posted by nismo400
are you dumb or heavy(the implications are obvious) a hardtail with disc brakes can't be cool.

Would you even think of running v-brakes on a 24 LeToy III, Planet X Jack Flash Rad, Evil Imperial, Specialized P2,P1, Kona Roast, Endless Life Time, Cliffcat Tankass, BMW Park Bike, Balfa Minuteman? I don't think so. Those are big hit Hardtails, v-brakes won't do the job, on them, those hardtails are designed specifically for disc brakes, they look awsome with disc brakes. So stop this harsh debate, and understand that there is a place for v-brakes, but there is more of a market for disc brakes than V's. There will always be the die hards that swear by V brakes, but the market for V-brakes have been under a slow death since disc brakes have become more affordable. To those who believe that change is bad, accept that the market evolves and stop the hating, to those that use disc brakes lay off those that use V's.

Personally, I use disc brakes on all my rigs, for me the stopping power is well needed.

Originally posted by JasBike
such hostility

I agree!
Well I bought my bike already, so no arguing anymore in this thread :beer:

Go with giant. They have the best coustmer service. They hooked me up when i broke my 02 AC1 frame. They gave an 03 ac frame. They rule.

AC1_Rider

Originally posted by AquariaGuy
I agree!
Well I bought my bike already, so no arguing anymore in this thread :beer:

What did you end up getting?

Since you bought your bike already my suggestion is too late... however in case you change your mind check out Oryx... bought the T125 over a month ago and I'm extremely happy with it. Pics:

http://webfors.com/oryx/
http://oryx.ca

Got it for $717 + tax (retails for $899 + tax) from my LBS in Montreal.

I got the Giant Yukon ($729 + tax) with 5 yrs of tune-up. But ever since i bought it, i know how to do the basics from borrowing all 3 Zinn books from the library :)

*Price is in CDN dollars