Mountain Biking - Newbie trying to decide between Kona and Specialized

Hey all-

I am a newbiw and just joined this forum recently. I am looking into buying a mountain bike in the 650-900 dollar range. So far I have test rode both Specialized Rockhopper and a few Kona. I like them both, but eventually I can only choose one. I am having trouble making a decision, so if anyone can lend some advice, I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Matt

I own a KONA and a SPECIALIZED both are very nice frames. Unfortunatley I was in the same price range as you are so the components aren't the best.:beer:

Hi,
I had the same problem as you a couple of weeks ago (between a rockhopper proFS and a Kona Cinder Cone).
Went to try both bikes, and the specialized appears to be the best ride for me.
I was really nicely surprised by the handling of the spec., and not quite impressed with the Kona's. As all rockhoppers have the same frame, I would recommend the specialized.

Then again, the best thing to do is to go for a test ride, and check out which one's the best for you.

Have fun :D
Julien

its six of one , half dozwn the other. The kona are a bit tougher but yoiu pay for it in weight.

Specialized all the way, man.

Both are great bikes.

Go for test rides on both. I suggest numerous test rides, back and forth between the two. Ride around and see which one you're most comfortable on.

L8R

well, hmmm... I vote for.........


(aren't you people tired of me yet?!?!):D

Well they're both good companies but I would go for Kona.

I had a Kona Munimula and absolutely loved it. It got stolen and broke my heart. Plus, the bike names are so cool! And the colors? C'mon, what are your priorities?! ;)

Heather

Think in terms of upgrading over time, choose the bike with the best frame, then when you've saved up some more you can slowly upgrade it, I have a rockhopper pro disc, which has an excellent frame in my eyes, but then I'm probably biased.....

Why are you limiting it to spec. or kona? there are much better bikes out there. i used to have a trek 8000, i out-sized it, but it was an awesome ride. U also might want to cehck out rocky mountain. they are really underated. thats what i own now. awesome rides.

Well i like Both , but I would reccomend Specialized in that price range.

Both brands make an excellent mountain bike. Your best bet is to go TRY THEM, and buy one that fells good. For your price range, you'll get pretty much the same quality bike regardless of the manufacturer.

Good luck!