Mountain Biking - Not Which One?

First this is not going to be another which one should I buy thread. Instead I'm asking more about the components on these bikes. I know all about size, which one I think rides better and all the other common replies to these kinds of threads. But since I'm not familiar with MTB components I'm asking is there anything on any of these bikes that would make you rule it out?

You can tell (I think) from the list what type of riding I will be doing. Causal weekend old guy (50) not flying through the air (much) easy to moderate single track wooded dirt trails. I did a little bit of dirt riding last year with a friend and found it to be a blast so I want to do more of it this year to change it up from the road bike all the time.

Remember I'm not asking which would you buy. I'm asking which you wouldn't buy from a component level only. No emotions about brand like or dislike since I think I've picked out quality bikes for my budget and abilities. If I'm wrong on that point please point that out though.

http://www.cannondale.com/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail/trail/2012-trail-6-20803

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/revel.1.black.blue/9042/48918/

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=62172&scid=1100&scname=Mountain

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/3_series/3700_disc#/us/en/model/details?url=us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/3_series/3700_disc

I thank you for your time and input.

fasthair

. . . is there anything on any of these bikes that would make you rule it out?That first one because of the decals.

That first one because of the decals.

Thanks for the response. Care to elaborate?

fasthair

This MTB has better components and has a value that exceeds that of your current prospects.

The Windsor Cliff 4900 promises to be an awesome MTB!

Check it out!

www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff4900.htm (http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff4900.htm)

- Slim :)

Slim, that Windsor might be a SHADE better than the C'dale, that's all. But I doubt it.

Fasthair, you asked for DISqualifiers: lose the Specialized and the Trek, due to 7-speed. When you have 8-speed in the mix, 7 leaves you hanging....

In order (including Slim's dubious choice):

1. Giant
2. Cannondale
3. Windsor

19. Trek
20. Specialized.

DX-MAN Says:


Slim, that Windsor might be a SHADE better than the C'dale, that's all. But I doubt it.

It beats both the Giant and the Cannondale. That's why it ranks at the top!


Fasthair, you asked for DISqualifiers: lose the Specialized and the Trek, due
to 7-speed. When you have 8-speed in the mix, 7 leaves you
hanging....

In order (including Slim's dubious choice):

1. Giant
2. Cannondale
3. Windsor

19. Trek
20. Specialized.



DX-MAN you've got it slightly twisted. It's more like:

1. Windsor
2. Cannondale
3. Giant
.
.
19. Trek
20. Specialized

That's alright! You're already forgiven, my friend! :lol:

Care to elaborate?They say Cannondale.

I wouldn't buy any of them from a component level...they're all entry level bikes with cheap components. At that price point, I wouldn't worry about the components too much...and there doesn't appear to be much of a difference between any of the bikes.

You already said you know which one rides better...buy that one. A better ride means a lot more than a small difference between entry level components.

I agree with the 8spd advice. Soo much more you have to replace for a real good RD.
Personally I like the Giant best.
Why do I never see Norcos in these threads?

I would buy used. There were a couple CL adds for things like a 2011 Trek Marlin for $400 with less than 50 miles on them. Look on CL first.

I'm still confused. How is this not another "which bike should I buy" thread?

^^ Because he/she cleverly disguised it as a "Which bikes shouldn't I buy?" thread to fool us with the negative check-off ploy :rolleyes:

They say Cannondale.

:lol::roflmao2:

Imagine the effect of the double negative: Which bike should I not not buy?