General Cycling Discussion - Recommended Hard Tail bike for $300 or less?

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum and my name is Andrew or Andy. I have been getting more involved into the biking scene and I plan on doing weekly biking trips from 25-60 miles long. Currently I use a bike I paid 80 dollars for that was from Sears. I feel it is time to replace it with something decent and reliable. I was biking in the streets of Washington DC the other day and with my horrible brakes, I almost crashed into this woman.

What bike, brand and model, would you fellow people here at the forum recommend for a person like me to buy for $300 dollars or less? I am looking for a single suspension bike as usually I am city biking(30%), paved trail biking(60%) and some off road biking(10%).

I hope to make a nice long stay at this forum!

Thanks :),
Andy

For that price, the KHS Alite 500 sounds good. I have the Alite 1000, which runs about $200 more. If I had known what I would actually be doing with it, I would have bought the Alite 500 instead. Here is a link. My LBS sells it for $300 -

http://www.khscanada.com/2003Bikes/al500.htm

I would recommend a specialized hardrock. http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?san=03Hardrock&bl=mountain&my=2003

have to agree with Klein. The hardrock is a good little bike for the money.

Look at a Iron Horse Warrior as well.

i just bouht a mongoose from target, an it was prety good. only cost me $98, tax included. it rides realy good when i ride across the grass in centrel park.

I would go with the KHS!

The TREK 4100 or 4300 would be another option. These are both aluminum bikes that you could get for around $300. My LBS is selling the 4300 for about $320 I believe. The 4100 should be about 40-50 bucks less. Or you could go with the steel 820 for under $300(retail is $299) I'm thinking about getting either a 4300 or a 4500 myself, just have to make up my mind and go pick it up. :)

i'm also in that price range, how does the diamondback response and topanga compare to the KHS and the Specialized HArdrock?

I just ordered the Specialized Hardrock. It was $315 at my LBS. I would look at that or the Giant Rincon. I stayed away from the Treks in that price range because the equipment didn't seem to be as good and the ride wasn't as nice. Plus I have heard that with Trek you are paying a little extra for the big name. Hope you find something that you like and remember to make you final choice based off of what feels right.

Thanks for all of your responses. I am interested in the Trek 820, 4100(particularly), or the Specialized hard rock. What are the weights of each?

What is the advantage or disadavantage of a aluminum or steel frame?

Thanks!

Originally posted by andykupe
What is the advantage or disadavantage of a aluminum or steel frame?

Aluminum is lighter. Very strong, as long a torque is not applyed in an unconditional manner. Can be spendy. Can be recycled!

Steel is a bit heavier. Very strong and can handle most unconditional torque. Usually costs less than aluminum.

Hi there...

Check out the Specialized Hardrock, Trek 4100 or the Norco Scrambler...all within/approx. your price range.

Btw: Does anyone know where to find the weights of specialized bikes?