Mountain Biking - Nominate THE BEST mountain bike for dirt for $1000

New bike that is. Hard tail.

What have you looked at? You'll need to do some leg work yourself.

Specialized seems to be the best for the money. Lots of good components and good soild frame. You're going to find, if you are from Austin, Tx like I think you are, Specialized seems to be the only sold around here. You can get GF, giant and Jamis as well but most of the shops here will push Specialized because it is such a good bike. There are a couple of good custom bike shops in and around the Austin area, again if your even from here. Like Raiyen said, what have you looked at and what are you considering looking at. Custom route for 1000 bucks on a hardtail is a good choice if you want something pretty indestructable. let us know, we're here to help. :)

I think the GF Hoo Koo E Koo is a pretty good value for under $1000, you might even be able to swap out the V-brakes for Avid discs for under $1000. The GF has a nice frame, ZR9000 alloy which is the same on the more expensive Trek 8000. The Specialized Hard RockHopper Comp is also a good value. The Stumpjumper is a bit over $1000 but does have better components than the Rock Hopper (and the GF HKEK).

Jay

What other bike is comparable to the stumpjumper?

I sense confusion - are you asking about an xc sort of bike or a more freeridy bike? I interpreted the thread title wrongly I think...

Nominate THE BEST mountain bike for dirt for $1000

It seems so strange these days that you have to specify that you want a MOUNTAIN BIKE for riding on DIRT. Im not paying you out, its just weird.

XC Bike...? Kona