Mountain Biking - nashbar at-2 opinions?

I've been looking at entry level hard tail mountain bikes for a while and wondered if anyone here had either bought or had opinions on the Nashbar at-2? It's a little bit cheaper than other stuff that I've been looking at like the GT Avalanche 3.0, but the frame material is the same although I'm guessing the components aren't as good.

So is the at-2 a good deal at $320 (I'm guessing I could get it cheaper with coupons), or would I be better off going the craigslist route or even hunting around for a deal elsewhere?

hauk, Check out the bike shops for left over models. I'm guessing it's your first mountain bike and the LBS can help with fit.

Brad

Thanks for the advice. I've actually owned a couple of mountain bikes before and know my size and the local bike shop recommend the GT Avalanche 3.0 to me, which is $500.

I could not find any info online about the at-2, was just wondering if there was anyone out there who had bought it and what their opinions were.

Were are you looking to buy the Nashbar?

I'd be buying online

Can you assemble and tune the bike when it arrives? Paying a shop to do it will eat up most of your savings.

UK is right. If you can do basic wrenching then your fine. If not, then you will have a mess or what appears to be an assembled bike then on the trail disaster happens.

I have probably spent several hundred on adding to my bike specialty tools over the last year and could still spend a few more to have what I need. But the basics can be done with a few tools and a small investment.

I've put bikes together before (I currently own a 2002 Lemond Poprad) and have a fair few tools, although I may need a hand from a local shop getting the disc brakes right (not squealing in other words!).

Thing is I'm just not that familiar with Mountain bike frames and components so can't look at the set up of the Nashbar at-2 and say this is a good deal or this is not worth the money. If I had $500 right now I'd get something like a GT Avalanche 3.0, but I don't. I figured I could get an at-2 for something like $275 with the right coupons then upgrade the components (brakes, wheels) in the future if I really get into Mountain biking (in other words if I have time - I have 2 young kids!).

I say if your fairly handy with the build procedure then go for it. I also built several road bikes up from the ground in my roadie days when I was riding all the time. I just this year built up my first mtn. bike and was worried that there would be a big difference. Thing is, it is really similar in nature. Disc brakes are easy too, just make sure when you set them up if they are hydraulics to not engage the levers without the plastic stops in place or on the the disc. If you do, resetting them can be a pain for the novice. I found out the hard way!

Other than that I would suggest getting a torque wrench/ratchet, this tool has been invaluable in builds especially if you want to torque to the correct nm. I bought mine at Nashbar which is exact same as that at Performance but cheaper and with a coupon I really saved.

Keep us posted with your decision and good luck. I think you will be fine to do final assembly and setup.

Here is the torque ratchet I refer too: http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_126737_-1_201586_10000_200309

were do you guys get the coupons? and you can use them towards bikes?

were do you guys get the coupons? and you can use them towards bikes?
Nashbar sends me a catalog that has coupons on it, I think because I purchased stuff from them in the past (although I'm sure you can sign up for one online). Last one I got you could get 20% off a single item during a specific week, which is a good amount off on a complete bike.