Mountain Biking - The "around" $500 MTB thread.

This thread has lost it's initial focus and is several years old. The key points of relevant advice can be found in the Please Read Before asking Question: MTB FAQ. at the top of the Mountain Biking page
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259







OK I know I've been a major proponent of starting a thread to answer the constant "I have $500 what MTB should I get ?" (http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=287708) threads that seem to pop up here EVERY TIME WE TURN AROUND. So I thought rather than continue to type my infinite disdain for the new posts rehashing the same question I'd start a thread in the hope that it will become a sticky and eliminate the incessent new threads on the same subject. If we could have members post there favorite bikes from this catagory we could speed the process for a lot of newbies.

To get the ball rolling here's my pick in the 5 bills and under catagory. the Specialized Rockhopper] (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9339&JServSessionIdroot=hdrip3ccdu.j27006)

Trek 4500 is good too. That replaced the 6000, thats what i have, and its a SWEET ride

For $500, I would get a really nice used hardtail. They are not hard to find.

Sticky hereby awarded. If anybody has any current suggestions in this area, fire away.

What are the GT avalanche bikes like? I've been looking at their website and there around £300, about $500. The seem to have half decent stuff on them for the price. A 6000 frame, am I right in saying thats lighter than a 7000?

My m8 has a gt avalanche, i think its a 3.0. he had £200 for a bike, and he asked me what i would recommend, for £200 u cant pick up much, he wanted a new bike and i suggested that.

I dont get on with GT's, but the avalanche isnt a bad deal for the money, definatly worth a look if ur looking for a cheap bike :)

Iron Horse Warrior sport&comp are good bikes under 500$
Some K2 Zed bikes are under 500 as well.
You can find some good deals on ebay.
Saw a k2 Zed 3.0 for 350$ the other day, If i had the money i would have purchased it to have a good hardtail.

Another vote for the Rockhopper.

Another suggestion of a good bike in the 5 bill catagory: Giant Iguana (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?lYear=2004&bikesection=8841&range=145&model=10773) I've built a couple of these and I was nicely surprised by how much you can get for $500 these days.

My vote would be a kona scrap. Good all round bike but beefy enough for street and dj. Components are a little weak but the frame is one you could ride for a long time :)

OK, if I was to buy new I'd go with a Marin Bear Valley (http://www.marinbikes.com/html/spec_04_bear.html). Steel frame, Marzocchi fork, Deore shifters/derailleurs, TruVativ crankset and BB, WTB saddle & headset, disc ready. Retail is $556.

Ok people I have a $400-$600 question. I have looked around and can get an Iron Horse Warrior Expert for $490. My only concern is that I am new and have never heard of this brand. How do their frames hold up. I plan on doing mostly trail riding with the occasional crazy stuff. I also have ridden the Trek 4900 and Specialized Rockhopper. It seems to me that for the money the Iron Horse is the best deal (all Deore components with Hayes Mechanical Disc). The other two only have Deore Rear Der. and then Alivio stuff. Should I even be worried about the components between a Deore and Alivio? I just want to make sure that the bike I buy will hold up for the next few years and if I really like the sport then I will go to the next level and go for a full suspension bike.

Ive heard good things about ironhorse bikes. Ive also heard they have good Customer service. Unlike the trek or specialized w/ their life time warranty the Iron horse only has a 5 year warranty. BTW thats a good deal for a expert.

Fuji Outland rides and feels better than any other bike in that pricerange outright... it has some really smart design, too... nice curved chain and seatstay.. replaceable dropouts... disc-hangers...etc

OK people I have a $400-$600 question. I have looked around and can get an Iron Horse Warrior Expert for $490. My only concern is that I am new and have never heard of this brand. How do their frames hold up. I plan on doing mostly trail riding with the occasional crazy stuff. I also have ridden the Trek 4900 and Specialized Rockhopper. It seems to me that for the money the Iron Horse is the best deal (all Deore components with Hayes Mechanical Disc). The other two only have Deore Rear Der. and then Alivio stuff. Should I even be worried about the components between a Deore and Alivio? I just want to make sure that the bike I buy will hold up for the next few years and if I really like the sport then I will go to the next level and go for a full suspension bike.
What year of Expert are you looking at? Because the one on Iron Horse's website has an LX rear dérailleur and other components leading me to guesstimate the price around $700. If it's last years model and it fits go for it. If it's this years model - I don't think I need to tell you what to do - as long as it fits.

Alivio vs Deore. It's a slight difference it's not like going Alivio to LX or XT but to a newbie I doubt that you'll notice a difference. Also remember the fact that the rear dérailleur does most of the work and has more parts in motion at any given time as compared to the front so a notch up in the rear is fairly common at any price point. Case in point my Rockhopper Comp FSR came with a Deore front an a LX rear.

What year of Expert are you looking at? Because the one on Iron Horse's website has an LX rear dérailleur and other components leading me to guesstimate the price around $700. If it's last years model and it fits go for it. If it's this years model - I don't think I need to tell you what to do - as long as it fits.

Alivio vs Deore. It's a slight difference it's not like going Alivio to LX or XT but to a newbie I doubt that you'll notice a difference. Also remember the fact that the rear dérailleur does most of the work and has more parts in motion at any given time as compared to the front so a notch up in the rear is fairly common at any price point. Case in point my Rockhopper Comp FSR came with a Deore front an a LX rear.

I jsut returned from the bike shop and they are fresh out of the Iron Horse and are willing to replace it with a Giant Rainier. I can get this bike for $300 off of MSRP so I am inclined to do this. I just wanted to make sure that this bike is comparable to the others I was looking at. My main reservation is lack of knowledge about Giant bikes and the Fork on the Rainier is a Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn (the reviews I read on MTBReview.com are negative about this shock) Help me Please!!!

Ride it first. If you like it then heck yeah I'd go for it. That thing (fork aside) is beautifully spec'd and for what about $400 bucks? I'd smack you if it felt good and you didn't buy it. I know from experience building those that they're a nice bike

Ride it first. If you like it then heck yeah I'd go for it. That thing (fork aside) is beautifully spec'd and for what about $400 bucks? I'd smack you if it felt good and you didn't buy it. I know from experience building those that they're a nice bike

I just spoke to the bike shop and they told me that they will order a 2004 and 1/2 Rainier for me (which has the Marzocchi shock on it) and give me the same discount. Is the Marzocchi shock really that much better than the Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn??

well the website says its a Marzocchi EXR Comp, 100mm travel

The website is showing there 2004 and 1/2 model. If you look under 03 archives you will find the Rainier (spring edition). this is the bike they have in stock! but they will order the one with the marzocchi if i want.

I jsut returned from the bike shop and they are fresh out of the Iron Horse and are willing to replace it with a Giant Rainier. I can get this bike for $300 off of MSRP so I am inclined to do this. I just wanted to make sure that this bike is comparable to the others I was looking at. My main reservation is lack of knowledge about Giant bikes and the Fork on the Rainier is a Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn (the reviews I read on MTBReview.com are negative about this shock) Help me Please!!!

I have an '01 Ranier and really like it. If they are willing to sell you one for about $500, I think that's a really great deal.

heh...i was going to make a thread about getting a bike, but i saw this one in time and stopped myself. Okay..onto my question

I need a bike that's under $500, but i need something that's really lightweight. I won't be doing dirt jumping or anything so it won't need to put up with too much abuse. Also, i only weigh in at 120lbs and i mainly do xc. I want a hardtail, but not rigid. Oh, i saw some posts on K2 bikes and other US manufacturers, but i live in Ontario, Canada and the selection is limited to Specialized, Kona, Norco, Giant, GT, umm...can't think of anything else right now, but yeah..So, suggestions please?

by the way, if you happen to know the weight of any of the bikes, could you please tell me?

heh...i was going to make a thread about getting a bike, but i saw this one in time and stopped myself. Okay..onto my question

I need a bike that's under $500, but i need something that's really lightweight. I won't be doing dirt jumping or anything so it won't need to put up with too much abuse. Also, i only weigh in at 120lbs and i mainly do xc. I want a hardtail, but not rigid. Oh, i saw some posts on K2 bikes and other US manufacturers, but i live in Ontario, Canada and the selection is limited to Specialized, Kona, Norco, Giant, GT, umm...can't think of anything else right now, but yeah..So, suggestions please?

by the way, if you happen to know the weight of any of the bikes, could you please tell me?Good the thread is working.http://img4.exs.cx/img4/7650/fatguy1.jpg
Honestly all of the bikes at the $500 mark are going to weigh in fairly close to each other. You won't get to the light stuff untill you start looking at better equiped racing models which are normally double (or more) the pricepoint you have in mind. The bikes in this pricepoint (several links are provided just backtrack through the thread) are solid entry level bikes that are intended to get people interested in the sport so that they can decide to Continue in the sport upgrading to a more expensive bike later
or
Decide that they don't like the sport but find that they still aren't out that much money

Go to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) see what they have and test ride. Find two or three that you really like and feel good then come back for our opinions. The #1 thing is "Does the bike FEEL right?" components are a secondary concern (You really don't want ***** components but it's still not as important as feel.

I think the 2004 kona blast is the best for the money

save $99 and you got on of the best bikes for the price, better than similar price range bikes

marzocchi forks
deore an lx
truvative five d is similar to lx
frame!!
if oy nat get 99$ , just wait a couple of months, ...kona is bringing 2005 bikes and 2004 are going to be cheaper.

It is true, ride it and ride some other bikes at the same price range. In wich one you feel safe, and comfortable?
to me the blast is the better choice

Okay...here's the bikes at my LBS that are in my price range.

Specialized HArdrock
GT Avalanch
Iron Horse Maverick
Gaint Boulder SE
Giant Rincon
Norco Mountaineer? (not sure if i remeber this name correctly)

Which bike would have the best frame and components? Also, they all weigh about the same right? or is there one that's extremly heavy?

Also, does anyone live in Canada? have you seen, ridden, or heard about Miele bikes? They make some cheap dirt jumping and urban assault bikes. I saw them at my LBS, so they can't be as cheap as department store bikes right?

The specialized hardrock comp has disk brakes and a marzocchi fork. It goes for like $510

the norco wolverine is pretty decent for the money..i think its a bit more than 5 wit taxes more like 600 but its a good bike

I have a 01 Avalanche. I can't say much about it cus I never really rode with that bike( sadly), but I can tell you that the frame is solid. It's a bit heavy for a hardtail, but I won't have any doubt taking jumps and stuffs with it.

I got the 1.0 version in end of 2002. The bike was in the shop for quite a while and there isn't many people in the area who can spend that much on a bike, so he sold it to be for abt $600. You are looking a re-enforced frame with Judy XC shock, Deore and LX components and Avid mechanical disc brakes. I was more than happy. Now I just need to get home and ride it.

but home.... not anytime soon:(

anyone heard anything about the Trek 4300? is the price high for it? i want it but im not sure how much the 4300 goes for. 300-350 400-450? thanks.

-Ben

It goes for $359 here... then went on sale for $349... and then they put a 10% off sale on it for the July 4th weekend. Its a nice beginner bike... but a Hardrock Sport IMHO would be a better buy for $300... its slightly heavier due to the beefier frame... but if you're set on the Trek then go for it... they also had a disc version right beside it... i dont remember the price but it pushed it over $410+... not worth it if you don't need it since it would be crappy discs anyway... unless you really had your heart set on discs because you know you'll never be happy when you bring it home. ;)

If you have ANY questions relating to a bike in this price point ASK it here. That's why this thread exists

Hey guys!

I just got into the mtb sport and I'm looking for an entry level bike. I am not going to do crazy stunts and huge drops but just some trail riding. After all, im just a beginner. I had a few bikes in mind:

Giant Rincon
GT Avalanche 1.0
Specialized Rockhopper

These are all 04 models. The GT and Specialized are $400 in my LBSs while the Giant is $340. Since the Giant is a little cheaper, it also has lower grade components and that's why I'm kinda leaning towards the GT and Specialized. Since both of them have pretty much the same components, how do their frames compare? Also, which one is lighter?
If you have any preferences for one over another I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

I'd take the RockHopper any day of the week. Ever since Pacific (the "lovely" folks who supply the Wal-Mart with bikes) bought Schwinn and GT I wouldn't touch either of them with a ten foot pole.

actually guys, I tested an 04 Giant Iguana today. They have it on sale for $450 at another shop and I get lifetime free tune-ups for as long as I own the bike. What do you think about that one comparing to the Rockhopper ($400)? Iguana's got the same fork as the Rockhopper (Manitou 6) because it's the Spring Edition and not the newest 04 model. Disc brakes too but a low end model so probably not that big of a deal.

There is no "Spring Edition" for '04 there is however a '03 spring edition Link (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/030.000.000/030.000.006.asp?dealerid=&dealercountry=&lYear=2003&bikesection=8817&range=122&model=10739) Personally I don't like bikes with integrated headsets like the Iguana but that's the only real negative I can come up with. Try them both and buy the one that feels better.

I have a question about buying used bikes. Is this recommended ever? I am a beginner and am really just looking for something to ride on the streets and occasional trail. Nothing serious here. I guess the question is, is it worth it to buy a bike that's 3 years old or so for something like $300, or will I be likely to have to spend a bunch of money replacing parts?

Of course it depends on each individual case and how much wear has been put it. How much do prices go down over time for new bikes? Is there a place on the internet (or stores in the SF Bay Area in California) that is sells old model bikes that have never been ridden?

I have a question about buying used bikes. Is this recommended ever? I am a beginner and am really just looking for something to ride on the streets and occasional trail. Nothing serious here. I guess the question is, is it worth it to buy a bike that's 3 years old or so for something like $300, or will I be likely to have to spend a bunch of money replacing parts?

Of course it depends on each individual case and how much wear has been put it. How much do prices go down over time for new bikes? Is there a place on the internet (or stores in the SF Bay Area in California) that is sells old model bikes that have never been ridden?
The '05's are coming in hang around some shops and wait for the markdowns on the 04 models. Used bikes are easier for those more experienced than yourself as the added experience will give a person an idea of where to look for signs of trouble.

I picked up a Raleigh Ram 2.0 for $310 at our friends bike shop today :D (We get things from him at dealer cost). Definitely not the greates bike out there, but I am a beginner at mt biking so it will work for now. I was riding around on it today and it seems like a nice bike. And when I get better and want to upgrade we can get the XT2500 for a major deal.

Anyhoo, I think this $310 well spent, definitely easy on the wallet :D

Hey, everyone...1st post so forgive the newbie please. :)

I am looking for an entry bike to get back into this sport. I haven't ridden much since high school (~10y ago) but a few of my friends at work ride (one competitively in college; he has 2 race-prepped C'dales which we rode last night ~15 miles) and I'd also like to use it for part of my fitness regiment and for a little reflection ("ME" time). My aforementioned friend used to work at a bike shop and they have a few that I'm looking at. They are:

'04 Raleigh M-50 - $265
'04 Raleigh M-60 - $385
'04 Trek 4500 - $340
'04 Trek 4900 - $450
'03 Cannondale F300 - $500
'04 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo - $550

I'd rather stay in the $3-400 range, but I'll go up and grab a more expensive bike listed if it provides a definitive advantage (I also may be able to get them for a little bit less than the prices above).

What do you all think? I haven't bought a bike in a decade and need a little help with what is good and what isn't (frame, fork, components, etc).

Thanks for any help in advance!
-Matt

If I was you I'd look at that Hoo Koo E Koo because if they're going to sell you a $860 bike for $550 you'd be a moron for not buying it. The Cannondale's price isn't much of a markdown as the MSRP on that bike is $530, and the Trek has plenty of satisfied :rolleyes: owners here on the board. Have you read this thread completely there are several other bikes listed. Also check out www.mtbr.com for reviews on the bikes you have listed. Personally I would get some thing closer to $500 as the quality of componetry REALLY starts to slide below that marker, especially if you plan on having the bike for a while and plan on upgrading.

Bought this in a pawn shop for $130 bucks, would anyone know how old this bike is?

I'm saying 1999.

I mostly ride to and from class/work but also hit some trails on the weekends. I'm looking for a hardtail and have somewhere between $400-800 dollars to spend... I haven't decided yet. Right now, from just looking at some local bike shops I'm considering the Raleigh m80, Raleigh talus and am going to make a stop at a kona shop probably tomorrow. Any input?

If I was you I'd look at that Hoo Koo E Koo because if they're going to sell you a $860 bike for $550 you'd be a moron for not buying it...Personally I would get some thing closer to $500 as the quality of componetry REALLY starts to slide below that marker, especially if you plan on having the bike for a while and plan on upgrading.

The HooKoo's frame was too big, argh. I'm looking at the Raleigh M60 ($385) and the Trek 4500 ($340). I'd think about reaching for the Trek 4900 but the component difference isn't much at all. Thoughts? Also, if $500 is the target, what should I be looking at? Any components (ie, shock/deraileurs/etc) I should stay away from? It's not that I can't spend $1000+ on a bike, I won't utilize all of its features (I'll mostly be on the street and/or light trails).


Bike: Trek 4500 Raleigh M60
Frame: Alpha SL aluminum Butted 6061 Atomic 13 Aluminum
Fork: RockShox Judy TT Manitou Six 80mm
Shifters: Shimano Alivio Shimano Deore
F. Derailleur: Shimano Alivio Shimano Alivio
R. Derailleur: Shimano Deore Shimano Deore
Crankset: Shimano MC08 42/32/22 Shimano MC20 22/32/42t
Cassette: SRAM 850 11-32, 8 speed Shimano Cassette 11/32t 9spd
Brakeset: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers Tektro Linear w/ Tektro Alloy Adjustable

I'm seconding the Kona Scrap and the RockHopper.

Skibumjon,
My LBS dealer also sells a lot of raleighs and the Talus looks like a pretty good hardtail to me :)

Well as of right now it's between the Raleigh m80, raleigh talus or possible kona scrap...but largest frame for kona is 17 i believe...and I'm 6'4...we'll see...I may take a drive out to the specialized shop too...

I've bought a brand new GT Aggressor frame on e-bay for $71.45, that I'm switching my components from my old bike(GT Zeskar LE).

You can find really good deals on ebay.

Well, I did it. :)

I bought the Cannondale F300 today - not the 2003 model that was on sale, but a new 2004. The '03s were all sold out, but they honored the sale price of $500 (the '03 was listed at) for the '04 so I went with it - it's a great bike for me.

I rode it before deciding, along with a Raleigh M50, Raleigh M60 (the M80 was too big), GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc, and Trek 3700 (the 4500 and 4900 were both too big). The Cannondale just felt right.

:beer:

Bought this in a pawn shop for $130 bucks, would anyone know how old this bike is?
I'm not sure of the year. Since it's used, you may want an LBS to go over the bike and look for cracks, major (but hard to spot) flaws, and wear on the shock. It's hard to tell by the camera angle, but the handlebars seem to be set pointing kinda downward and forward, instead of the usual back/rise.

Oh yeah, and if you want to be super-groovy about it, check the serial # with the police to check whether it's hot. Chances are slim you'd have a problem even if it was, but getting stopped on the street by a pissed former owner (I once got a guy stopped by cops who was riding my stolen bike in Philly) it could be a real pain for you.

In any case, your $130 should get you many hours of riding- have fun!

Is there a major difference between the Shimano Deore LX rear der. and the SRAM X.7?
Same for the shifters Shimano Deore vs the SRAM X.7? The major difference (except the shock) on the bikes I am looking at is these components. Please let me know if there is any major concern for either?

Is there a major difference between the Shimano Deore LX rear der. and the SRAM X.7?
Same for the shifters Shimano Deore vs the SRAM X.7? The major difference (except the shock) on the bikes I am looking at is these components. Please let me know if there is any major concern for either?
They would be equivalent for each manufacturers line