Need help selecting a bike

[cougfan]

Hi,
I am looking for an entry level hardtail to ride on both trails and distances on the road. When I visited by LBS I was told I should look at something like the Giant Rincon (size XL to XXL) because I am a bigger guy and need a little sturdier bike. Right now, I am 6'4 about 230. Just wondering what bikes are comparable to the Giant Rincon, maybe a little lower in price though (LBS price - $420). Is this bike a good bike or can I find a comparable one for a better price?

Thanks for the help!

[Hezz]

In that price range you probably won't get any better deal than with that Giant bike. They are the biggest bike manufacturer in the world and offer very good value in that price range. Kona makes a heavy mountain bike for big guys but I can't remember the name of it. It's probably a bit more money. Also, look at Specialized bikes. They offer good bike for the money in that price range.

Also, if you plan on riding any amount it's far better to spend an extra 100 bucks on a better bike. Mongoose makes good(cheap) Walmart type mass market bikes in the 300-400 dollar price range but the trend is for dual suspension and at that price the suspension is not very good. If it was me I would try to go up to the 600 dollar range where you can get a pretty good hardtail mountain bike from several manufacturers.

You also might make a post in the Clydesdale Forum with this question and get better feedback.

[deraltekluge]

Kona makes a heavy mountain bike for big guys but I can't remember the name of it. It's probably a bit more money. It's the Hoss (http://www.konaworld.com/08_hoss_w.htm), and it is more expensive.

[badgermac]

Check out the Clydesdale forum here on BF as well, lots of folks can give you insight.