Mountain Biking - Learsport bikes?

dont think anyone else but aussies would know this (since Learsport doesn't seem to sell bikes outside of aus?) but - how do these things rate? i mean, they are bloddy cheap (monetary-wise), the hardtail frames look okay though geometry isn't very mtb-oriented, FS bikes however LOOK cheap. I'm inclined to stay away, but without experiences to draw from (only one i can find on net - very negative) I can't quite pass judgement.

for non-aussies, the link: Learsport (http://www.learsport.com.au)

dude i have a bw 3000 learsport bike, it is for light down hill, costs 299 factory direct, and i have done almost 1 meter drops on it, its FINE, steel frame, 50mm travel forks, i recommend changing the tyres though, i put some tioga extreme crosscountry on them and a tioga factory cross country, its a good bike, every thing can be customized, im in the process of buying some new forks, mine are fine, but i want MORE travel

I have one word for Learsport: Crap. Although their XC bikes are not too bad, steer clear: There's a reason why they're so cheap.

And their road bikes dont look too bad but hey, what would i know? Im no roadie :D

dude shut the hell up,they arent crap, they are fine for people that arent as serious as you people, but jeez dont go calling it crap just because you have a much better bike, mine you can do alot with and it goes fine, FAR FROM F.U.C.KING CRAP

Based on their web site, it doesn't look all that bad for a budget bike.
They do have a pretty solid warranty it seems, 15 year frame and 5 year component. They can't be complete crap if the company is willing to back them up that way. Although I have never heard of them outside of this thread so I'm definitely not speaking from experience.

Yeah, they'd be okay for on-road use i suppose or maybe light XC. I bet they'd have those little stickers that say "Not designed for off road use" on their bikes, probably even on their "DH" bikes.

hahaha really funny ***...

learsport bike frames a heat treated TIG-welded steel frames too, mine wieghs about 15kg, and does what i need it too, for some one who doesnt go and do all this crap like giant drops,you guys say you do, it does very well on 1 meter drops, stairs, monos, endos, bunny hops, surges, and many advanced moves., my bike has survived a max 2 meter drop.

bah, learsport rule, betta than intense m3

I was on a budget of around $500 - $700 and needed a bike that I could use on the road and get hack my way through some basic trails. I had a look at a range of bikes in this price range (Giant Rincon, Norco Kokanee, Specialized Hardrock) and ended up getting a Learsport 3240. Like most other brands, the frame is made in China. A couple of mates have bought Learsport road bikes for when they compete in triathalons and they're pretty happy with them. Dunno how it'll go off-road, but I guess I'll find out soon.

thanks for the feedback. apparently they're focus is to make cheap bikes for followers of the mormon faith. a colleague and her dad are really into their rear- i mean, learsport roadies, but some things have put me off:
1. no lbs carries them - could be just exclusivity at work but you never know.
2. no positive feedback from 3rd parties
3. they only sell online and on "special floor shows" in large department stores - no real opp for test rides
4. sales rep dont know jack about bikes. no, i'm serious.

ok just ranting, i shutup now...

haha. Their website is a little lame. I got my bike from their Sydney warehouse (I think they also have one in Melbourne and Canberra) and spoke to their mechanic instead of their sales rep. I took it for a test ride just like the other bikes I looked at. A mate of mine from Canberra reckons Learsport is really popular down there, but I guess that might depend on what they're smoking at the time. They also apparently sponsor the Canberra triathalon. If I get serious about XC, then I'll probably upgrade in a few years, if not, then I haven't really spent that much on a bike I can muck around with.