Mountain Biking - What do you guys think of this bike?

http://www.thesportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1202669&cp=713103.886959&clickid=body_bestsellgcat_txt&parentPage=family

I'm wanting to get into biking and have a pretty tight budget. I found this one and I'm interested in it but I don't know much about it. Does anybody have any experience with it? Also what other bikes would be good for around $250?

I want something that can take a bit of abuse. I don't plan on jumping off any 10ft drops but I would like it to be able to survive a few tricks and such and the occasional offroad bashing.

They don't have this bike on their website so I figure maybe it's an older model. I'm a little afraid of Mongoose since...~Gasp~ Wal-mart sells them too...
I went to see this bike in person the other day and rode it around the store and it seemed pretty nice but a perfectly flat level floor doesn't really tell you much about how a bike handles.

Dont buy that! Cough up another 50 bones and get an lbs bike. My lbs sold me a great bike, Specialized HardRock for only $279!

http://www.specialized.com/OA_MEDIA/2003/bikes/hr_blue.jpg

There is a Specialized dealer pretty close to me. I'll give em a call and see how much they have that for. The bike i get has to be around $250. I'll try getting some more money somehow though

Well, it's far better to spend the extra $50 now on a better built bike than $50 down the road on whatever happens to the "cheapie" bike.

Damn, everybody is recommended the hardrock to me now. I'll check it out then

Trust me, you wont be disappointed.

Does anybody here own one and could take some better pictures of the bike?

That one's straight off the freakin website!

Yeah I know, thats why I want other pictures :P

Uh, I own one. Hold on, will post pics soon.

Tell me if you can see the pics.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid65/p6bcdf9c64c22b884806f975b6f2dc018/fbef8ed1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid65/pc69bd715caa99c7d1551f579325d0b2d/fbef8ef1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid65/pafb0d0687723bd1b0ee1452e2bca8bbd/fbef8f29.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid65/p7ad08bd8a3305d0d5d62876cf141bab5/fbef8f6d.jpg

I can see em

Cyclone, I went the route of buying a cheapie. I got a Scwinn from X-Mart and fortunately they gave me my $ back when I didn't like it. I took my refund and a few more bucksto buy a Hardrock Comp and I LOVE it. Tons better than the Schwinn. Plus, LBS service is great. There are a couple of threads in this forum debating and I even argued for the X-Mart bike. I recommend reading those threads as well. I am a convert. You won't be disappointed you spent more money but you might be disappointed with a crappy bike once you really get hooked on this sport...and you will get hooked. Here is a catalog photo of my bike:

a good solid bike, clothes and a helmet are things i don't skimp on. i would never trust a bike from any chain store (assuming you wanted to get it at sports authority from the website). from what i have seen they don't put the bikes together too safely. i would go with what everyone else is recommending. try to save a few more bucks and hit up your local bike store. i have always loved any specialized products i have used to. thinking of getting their p2 bike now.

I can't find anywhere that has the Hard Rock in stock. I would go for the Hardrock pro but I don't have the money for that. What are some good alternatives? hell I cant even find anywhere that sells specialized except this one shop. I've called every single one I could find in the phonebook

Where do you live?

Georgia.
I bought this bike
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/03_2crosscountry2.html

Took it for a test ride and I fell in love.

Originally posted by Cyclone
I can't find anywhere that has the Hard Rock in stock.

Could they order it for you, if so how much? Don't get that dep. store bike it has really crappy stuff on there. If you were just getting into the game and just wanted something to get you around or get used to the trails then that would be different you could go with a cheapie.

That Jamis bike is SO MUCH better. Good job.

Originally posted by Cyclone
Georgia.
I bought this bike
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/03_2crosscountry2.html

Took it for a test ride and I fell in love.

Sorry I'm a little behind on the posts apparently.:rolleyes:

Originally posted by AquariaGuy
That Jamis bike is SO MUCH better. Good job.

Thanks
I was a little hesitant to buy it since I didnt know if it was any good or not but when I saw it in person and rode it I knew it would be pretty good. So far I'm not disappointed

Sweet bike by the way.:beer: :D