Mountain Biking - Newbie to MTBiking: good bang for the buck?

I am a road bike rider who wants a decent, but "cost effective" MTB to ride on some local trails and in rough and snowy weather. I've found a little Diamondback Topanga hardtail in my size with Deore front and back, AL 7005 frame, WTB tires, Weinmann wheelset. 9 speed. Rockshox Judy TT fork. Price is $299, brand new. I'm am thinking this is a really good deal for someone like me who just wants to experience the sport and will be doing some light riding on singletrack and maybe some snow riding. The amount of money seems right for my budget. Bike got good reviews on MTBreview. Any comments from you experienced folks? Thanks!

ChiliDog,

that sounds like a great deal.

I'm sure other forum members will agree..

I am a road bike rider who wants a decent, but "cost effective" MTB to ride on some local trails and in rough and snowy weather. I've found a little Diamondback Topanga hardtail in my size with Deore front and back, AL 7005 frame, WTB tires, Weinmann wheelset. 9 speed. Rockshox Judy TT fork. Price is $299, brand new. I'm am thinking this is a really good deal for someone like me who just wants to experience the sport and will be doing some light riding on singletrack and maybe some snow riding. The amount of money seems right for my budget. Bike got good reviews on MTBreview. Any comments from you experienced folks? Thanks!


Sounds good...have you ridden it yet? things might change once you have test ridden it.

I'm sure other forum members will agree..
yeah, sounds like a good deal to me too. i don't have much experience or knowledge about diamondbacks though. from the stuff i've read they seem like good bikes.

you might also want to check out some of the ironhorse hardtails (www.ironhorsebikes.com) they usually have some really well spec'ed bikes for low cost.

yeah, sounds like a good deal to me too. i don't have much experience or knowledge about diamondbacks though. from the stuff i've read they seem like good bikes.

you might also want to check out some of the ironhorse hardtails (www.ironhorsebikes.com) they usually have some really well spec'ed bikes for low cost.
I'll second the Ironhorse recommendation, although it seems he already got a good deal.

Sounds like a solid deal..... The Diamondbacks are a good price for that money...

Diamondback = Raleigh. Good, affordable bicycles. Mountain biking is worth it no matter how much u spend ... well maybe not too much. :p

I thought I had a great deal on my bike ($300, used) and it's not even full Deore. I'd get it, but make sure it fits. Actually, who's selling this to you?