Mountain Biking - Looking to get a ~$600 bike.

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ckittle07
05-22-07, 05:57 PM
I'm living in pennsylvania - the trails are rocky as hell, so I'm looking to get the most durable bike that I can for the trails I'll be riding. I'm not going to be doing any extreme jumping or anything, but I plan to be in the woods 5 days a week riding on some rough trails.

Heres what I've come up with so far, I'm not really sure what parts on these bikes are better by comparison. I've been reading reviews on the front suspension of each bike and none of them were very good, but I guess that what I'll have to expect for this price range.

http://penncycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=6930

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=89&parentid=182

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22084

http://schwinnbikes.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=759

I'm down for other reccomendations and any advice in general.

thanks guys

cedricbosch
05-22-07, 06:00 PM
If the trails are rocky, as you say, invest in full-suspension, and your butt will thank you.

One key thing to remember is that companies like Trek, Specialized, etc. will charge a hefty premium for their brand recognition.

Therefore, take a look at brands like GT, Rocky Mountain, and ESPECIALLY Iron Horse, who makes some nice budget full-suspension rigs.
Peek the Geek
05-22-07, 06:03 PM
Full suspension at this price range will suck, so forget the Schwinn. Any of the other bikes will suffice, but I'd pick the Kona for it's better parts spec.

ckittle07
05-22-07, 07:18 PM
Full suspension at this price range will suck, so forget the Schwinn. Any of the other bikes will suffice, but I'd pick the Kona for it's better parts spec.

that's pretty much what I was thinking, thats why i threw the schwinn in last.
Minesbroken
05-22-07, 07:19 PM
Full suspension at this price range will suck, so forget the Schwinn. Any of the other bikes will suffice, but I'd pick the Kona for it's better parts spec.
+1 stick with hardtails in this price range. look for closeouts on older models that will give you a greater value...you may end up with a really nice bike for cheap.
Quick_Torch C5
05-22-07, 10:01 PM
+1 stick with hardtails in this price range. look for closeouts on older models that will give you a greater value...you may end up with a really nice bike for cheap.

+2 also, used bikes FS on ebay, craiglists, yardsales etc.
supra25
05-22-07, 11:36 PM
specialized rockhopper...2007 for $599.99

awesome bike for what you want, from my experience, i love mine and wouldnt want anyother in that range
jimx200
05-23-07, 10:35 PM
Check out Iron Horse at www.rscycle.com They have some amazing deals going on. I was ready to go with RS, but then got a special 20% off any price coupon for Performance Bike. They had the exact bike I wanted, Warrior Expert, and walked out with it for $460. and still picked up the Performance buck worth $46. Well spec'ed bike with SRAM X7 shifters/derailers, FSA crank, Avid BB5 disc brakes (love them), and a decent Marzocchi shock. Wheelset is WTB, double wall and eyeletted, and strong. Very happy with IH...oh, and Performance gives lifetime adjustments. Good luck and ride everything you can as they all feel different from each other.