Mountain Biking - Bike comparison: Haro, Bianchi

Hello all. I am looking to buy my first mountain bike. Will be riding trails mostly, some downhill. The bikes that I am looking at are the Bianchi Deniali 2003 for $825 (only one left at the bike shop), Haro Escape 8.3 2004 $1030 (a little too much $), or a Haro Escape 8.2 $725. The Deniali is really nice. I like the specs better than the 8.2. Havn't ridden the Haros yet though, 100+ mile drive to do so.

I was looking at some used bikes on Ebay, but a pain to find the right size. I would then have to chase one around to ride it, and I don't know how good of shape it would be in.

What would you guys buy if you were me? BTW, I am 135lbs, and 5'7", if it really matters.

Thanks.
steve

If the Bianchi fits, buy it...

The Bianchi fits great, btw. I just have to convince my parents to send some cash out. Its my dough, just sitting at home.Arrg.

If you guys have oppinions, please respond. I am sure the Bianchi will be going quickly, so I will probably put some money on it tomorrow. I am really leaning towards it. It is a great bike, and I know I should buy it.

You know I would go with the bianchi as long as it fits good. They make awesome bikes, my road bike is bianchi and i couldnt be any happier. So if it fits dont waste the gas to go 100miles :)

You are basically comparing a Purebreed Horse to a Mule. Get the Bianchi.

lol I like how you put that danka!

LOL. I like how that is put also. I am going to stop by tomorrow and buy the Bianchi. What the hell, right? More money than what I want to spend for a bike, but I am sure that I will be happy with it. Thanks all.

It didn't take me long to make a decission did it? I guess I already knew which bike I wanted.

You took as long as you needed. Its like buying a car. Dont buy until it fits and you want it for sure! Is is your first bike?

Food for thought.

Although Bianchi is an Italian company, their lower end bikes are made in Tiwan. Also, Haro has been building some decent bikes of late.

Also, the frames are intended for different uses. The Haro frame is a bit more sturdy but comes with cheeper components. The Bianchi is more XC oriented with better components. If you will be more on the XC trails than go with the Bianchi, if more on the DH or a good bit on the DH then get the Haro.

The geometry of the two is also different so the ride will be different also.
The Haro is more a trail/freeride and as I said before, the Bianchi is more XC.

:beer:

A better comparison would be a Thouroughbred to a Clydesdale!

The Denali is a lightweight steel XC hardtail. The Haro is a beefy, dual slalom, 4x bike.

The two could not be any more different that one another. If you're just planning on doing some XC riding without a lot of jumping then get the Bianchi. If you plan on abusing the heck out of yourself, doing medium sized drops, some dirt jumping, and very aggressive riding than the Escape is the way to go!

I guess I will be doing mostly XC, but will probably also be doing some downhill (I think I know what that is) and some drops and jumps, but not many.

I will probably get the Bianchi. The Escape 8.3 is $1030, and $825 is more that I, or my parents, want me to spend.

BTW, all of these bikes are 25% off.

HammerTheHIll, this is my "first" bike. I like to get good quality stuff the first time around. I have learned too many times that going the cheap way will cost more in the long run.

I have been looking on Ebay for some good used bikes, but really havn't found anything that I would be happy with.

Thanks again

You about to be biten by the biking bug. Once it gets you, your infected and it infects everyone around you :D

Don't forget other necessities like a helmet!

I'd also recommend some MX (full fingered) gloves, and maybe a pair of padded shorts (either spandex or baggies).

The of course, you'll probably want a patch kit and a mini-pump and a mini-tool for trailside repair. And a place to carry all this, like a hydration pack and then you need.....etc.

Well. I stopped by and put a down payment on the Bianchi. After I buy a helmet, shoes, and gloves, I will probably be up around a grand. Ouch!!

I better not kill my self on this thing too early, or esle I won't be able to enjoy it. :D

After all I ride a leadsled of a Kona and love it.:)

thast great man....i wish my first bike could of been as good as yours...i got stuck with a 300 $ CDN Canadian Tire special...and like it was stated...you pay more in the longrun....but anywasy..hope you enjoy the bike, you will definatley get addicted ;)

thast great man....i wish my first bike could of been as good as yours...i got stuck with a 300 $ CDN Canadian Tire special...and like it was stated...you pay more in the longrun....but anywasy..hope you enjoy the bike, you will definatley get addicted ;)

Most of us started out on cheap bikes, and over 15 years, I have had quite a few bikes, gradually upgrading. Two bikes I could not afford to get rid of though, and these are now my solo's.
94 Kona Explosif, although probably dated, still works superbly

2001 Bianchi. Model unknown, bought for fit, comfort and the Name. Absolutely superb bike, worn every part out on it (Except the crappy Acera Front mech, and the frame) Upgraded it to XT spec, stayed with V's, but may go Disc.
This bike is a hardtail, 80mm forks, Weight 24lbs, works in mud without blocking, which in England is a godsend. Mainly used as xc bike but is also comfortable enough for an all day bike, despite the flite saddle. Only recommendation I would make is to fit riser bars, if yours doesn't have them.