Mountain Biking - which of these 4 MTBs would you recommend?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
callagga
03-12-10, 03:33 AM
Hi,

Which of the following bikes would you recommend?

Giant - Strata
RRP = $679
Shimano M416 mechanical disc brakes
InSync Point300 90mm travel w/lockout and custom spring rate
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/model/strata.blue/5290/37296/

http://erinabikeworxonline.com/images/giant10-strata_blue.jpg

Avante - Spirit 2
RRP = xxx
Shimano M416 Mechanical Disc
RST Capa ML 80mm Travel with Mechanical Lockout
http://www.avantibikes.com/spirit/spirit-2.aspx?bid=260

http://www.avantibikes.com/admin/BikeImages/85x65_0018_10_AV_COMF_Spirit_2.0_Blu_PDS.jpg

Trek - 3900
RRP = ~$600
Promax, mechanical disc w/Shimano EF50 levers
SR Suntour SF9 XCT V2 w/coil spring, preload, 100mm
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/3_series/3900disc/

http://www.bikenew.cl/catalog/images/mtb_trek_3900.jpg

Moongoose - ROCKADILE ALX (Mens)
RRP = $579
FRAME - Heat treated aluminium
FORK = Suntour M2025 63mm travel
BRAKES - ProMax mechanical disc with 160mm
http://www.mongoose.com/cyp/eng/mtn/Products/Mountain-Pavement/Hardtail-XC/Details/2836-M10ROCXD-Rockadile-ALX-Disc

http://www.mongoose.com/MongooseFiles_qa/ProductImages//300_197_M10ROCXD%20_255.jpg

zeo_max
03-12-10, 06:29 AM
The Giant
XCSKIBUM
03-12-10, 08:04 AM
How about this one posted on another thread?

Windsor Cliff29 Comp Mountain Bike with SRAM X5 27 Speeds $499.99
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff29comp.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/images/cliff_29rcomp_600.jpg [/QUOTE]

Metzinger
03-12-10, 08:12 AM
^callaga's first link was (dot)AU.
BikesDirect don't take too kindly to furriners.
Daspydyr
03-12-10, 08:49 AM
TREK for the fork.
callagga
03-12-10, 03:56 PM
TREK for the fork.What aspect of the fork? The length of travel?
dminor
03-12-10, 07:08 PM
What aspect of the fork? The length of travel?Probably just the Doug Stuart factor. Kinda like the Sam Hill fanbois.
callagga
03-12-10, 07:16 PM
sorry to change things here, but if I go up a notch in quality any recommendations re :

a) Avanti Ridge Rider - http://www.avantibikes.com/cross-country/ridge-rider.aspx?bid=234

versus

b) Giant Yukon - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/model/yukon.black.silver/5291/37297/
(http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/model/yukon.black.silver/5291/37297/)
dickT3030
03-13-10, 02:23 PM
If you are intending to do some "real" mountain biking, I would go with the more expensive setups because you will quickly tear apart the cheapies if you really romp on 'em. Also, those first four look more like commuters than MTBs.

What is your intended use?
dickT3030
03-13-10, 02:28 PM
Of the last two I would say the Giant. Both the Deore and the Dart 2 are good.
callagga
03-13-10, 02:47 PM
yes mainly commuting, as I do want disc brakes - I think I will aim one notch higher in quality to get the hydro discs - so do you mind if I ask now in fact for comments on the following two - they seem to be very similar so I think there is probably really no difference to worry about in spec?

needs some advice re which of these would be better quality :


a) Avanti Ridge Rider - http://www.avantibikes.com/cross-country/ridge-rider.aspx?bid=234
http://cyclenet.com.au/info/files/images/08%20Avanti%20Ridge%20Rider.preview.jpg

b) Giant Yukon - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/model/yukon.black.silver/5291/37297/
http://www.freedommachine.com.au/i/yukon06l.jpg
santiago
03-13-10, 02:58 PM
I recommend you go into the Commuting forum for advice on a commuter bike. People here will recommend a bike based on mountain biking needs.
callagga
03-13-10, 03:20 PM
ok - good idea