Mountain Biking - I need advice on bikes.

Hello everyone, I'm new to mountain biking. I went mountain biking for the first time this past weekend, and loved it. After looking around at what's available in my area, I have narrowed my options down to these two bikes:

04 Kona Cinder Cone: $699 (100 dollars off MSRP)
05 Specialized Rockhopper: $449 (50 dollars off MSRP)

The Kona has a better fork, better components and disc brakes, but I'm unsure as to whether or not its worth the extra $250.

Which is the better deal between these two bikes?
Assuming I test ride both of them, and neither one feels significantly more comfortable than the other, which one should i get?

Thanks,

Jeff

I'll vote Kona, and the shock, brake upgrades done later to the rockhopper will be $$$.

Maybe post back with a specific component list of both.

keep in mind that it's always cheaper to buy a bike that comes stock with higher end components than to buy a lower-end bike and soup it up with aftermarket components. it sounds like you can afford the extra $250 so i'd go cinder cone b/c its got better spec that you'll be happier with in the end.

Yup; I'll jump on the bandwagon and say if you can swing the extra coin, go for the Cindercone now. My rule of thumb is to try and buy a bike one level above what I think I can afford (that way I end up with the bike I really wanted! ; )

Have you ridden both of them?

The Kona has Deore/XT level components, an MZ-Comp fork and Shimano Mechanical discs. The Rockhopper has Alivio/Deore, an Axel Comp, and Tektro brakes.

No doubt the Kona has a better spec. The Kona has deore with even an XT rear derailleur as opposed to Alivio/Deore/Truvative stuff. Probably worth the extra $$$$ just there!

The forks are about equal as I don't have a lot of faith in either model. The MZ-Comp or the Axel Comp will feel about the same. Not bad forks for the money, just not significantly different levels. A lot of people prefer Marzocchi over Manitou, but the internals of the forks are almost identical.

Brakes. Both cheap! You have cheap Linear pull compared to cheap mechanical discs. Tough decision. I'd almost rather have cheap linear pulls and upgrade to Avid Mechanicals later than starting off with the cheap Shimano's. If the shop would consider swapping out for Avid's at time of purchase, I'd definitely go that route, but I wouldn't spend any more for the Shimano's if all else were equal. (Which it's NOT!)

Regarding everything else???? I like both bikes about the same. A lot less people have Kona's, so that alone would steer me in their direction (I'd rather something out of the norm)

It all boils down to how much can you afford and then the test rides! Actually the test rides first! Then how much.

"Regarding everything else???? I like both bikes about the same. A lot less people have Kona's, so that alone would steer me in their direction (I'd rather something out of the norm)"

Rebels ride Kona, you a rebel?

One of the first mtb I was hot on was a early 90's cinder, nice bike.

Lower production runs MAY mean a little more time spent on the frame finish?

One of my bikes currently is a Specialized. I'm not bashing them, the geometry suits me very well. I just like being a "little" different.

There aren't a lot of Kona's down this way, so when I see one, my attention is drawn to it.

I've always like Kona Bikes. They make a good product and stand behind what they produce. I also like the company. I like their riders and their philosophy. They contribute a lot of money to IMBA to help with Trail Conservacy. Not a lot of companies do. That speaks volumes to me.

I'd buy a KONA in a heartbeat!

The Stinky Primo makes me drool as well as the Cowan sig. frame.

The Kona has Deore/XT level components, an MZ-Comp fork

actually, it has a MZ-Race fork if that makes any difference.

Thanks for all of the replies so far!

Jeff

a2 that kinda happens 'round this side of the planet too - not many konas, so when ppl see one they go - "hey check it out!"