General Cycling Discussion - I want to buy a mountain bike

I would like to buy a new bike. I want a hard tail with disc brakes and good suspension/shocks. I am fairly new to mountain biking and want to take advantage of our local ski hill. I need something that's durable, and good for a beginner. I want to buy locally and our dealer sells Norco's and Giant's. My price range has a maximun of $600 Canadian. If it matters I am 5'10 and 140 pounds.

Anyone have a bike suggestion for me?

Probably a Giant STP if you are going to be riding hard. At $600 your going to be stuck to the lower level forks and brakes.

I haven't done anything extreme yet. Just a bike to get into the mountain biking, not necessarily for massive jumps. I've been looking at the Norco Scrambler, Bushpilot and katmandu. I just want a sturdy bike that can survive the rain, trails and somewhat rough terrain.

How would an 08 or 09 scrambler be for a newbie?

I haven't done anything extreme yet. Just a bike to get into the mountain biking, not necessarily for massive jumps. I've been looking at the Norco Scrambler, Bushpilot and katmandu. I just want a sturdy bike that can survive the rain, trails and somewhat rough terrain.

Problem with a bike in the price range that you are looking at will be the Forks and the wheels. Neither will be top knotch but will suffice for while you are learning.

I can always upgrade late as well.

bump

I picked up a Giant Boulder. I like it, doesnt have disc brakes though. Its an entry level mtn bike.

I picked up a Giant Boulder. I like it, doesnt have disc brakes though. Its an entry level mtn bike.

Watch out for that bike- They only last about 9 years and about 35,000 miles of aggressive off roading if you are over 250lbs and sit in the saddle all the time.:innocent:

Good choice. I know it was 2000 when my mate got his and it was only bought for the frame. The only parts left when he finally broke the frame was the frame- handlebar stem and the bars. But it got him riding from Novice stage- The bike did everything he wanted it to do and luckily the Parts never failed out on a ride.

I didnt have much of a choice. My bike of bout a decade decided to fall apart and fixing it was gonna cost more than a new bike of equivalence. And at this point in time, my money is REAL tight. I didnt want another WM special and but needed a bike cause I was goin ape**** crazy. So it was either the specialized hardrock or giant boulder and the giant fit better. If it gets me thru another decade, I won't complain. And I don't do much off roading, so it should last awhile.

You should also look into Devinci. Also a Canadian brand. Alternately you can trawl craigslist. However I question the quality and the state of mtn bikes. Who knows how many tumbles and spills those bikes have received.....

I have a 08 Giant Rincon MTB.... This bike has been a rock for me.. I am a tall heavy rider... I haven't done any serious offroading in fact I stay mainly on the road and have semi slicks. But I am 320+ and have over 1000 miles on it since last winter. It has been a great sturdy bike for me suprisingly... I have lost about 40 pounds since starting riding. When I get down to a better weight I will treat myself to a roadbike of some sort. I was lucky and got it at closeout for 250.00 suprisingly because it was the last one. Best 250 I have spent in a long time LOL! Good luck on the purchase. I would truthfully go to some Local Bike shops and ride different ones. That's what I did and I felt very comfortable on the Rincon. However, it may not be for everyone