Giant Boulder versus GT Aggressor
 

I finally found two bikes I like - but which one? Giant Boulder or GT Agressor? The Giant is brand new the GT Agressor is 5 years old.

The Agressor 3 is Al. The Boulder is steel other than that I don't see much difference. The Agressor 1 is a step up. But being 5 years old I'd think $200 would be the most I'd pay and it would have to be perfect.

They are wanting 175 for the agressor and 200 for the giant.

200 for a New Giant is a good deal if it's at a Bike shop. You should also get a free tune-up after you ride it 50-100 miles. Stuff on a bike kinda settles in after it's been ridden. The bike shop checks spoke tension, cables and shifters, and makes sure bolts are tight.

I hesitated to say this but In My Opinion the Boulder is a $125 Walmart bike. The extra $75 is for getting a bike that's the correct size, adjusted to fit you, and the free tuneup. Is it worth it? I believe so. If they want to charge extra for the service then keep looking.

Yup, what he said. ;-)

And I agree with this as well.

A few years ago I decided my wife and I would like cycling. We went to Toys R Us and bought 2 very inexpensive Mt Bikes. I brought them home, put them together, and a week later (2 rides less than 3 miles total) they were hung in the garage--still there!

I think the service of an actual bike shop would have been a huge help--even with the quality of these bikes!

steel is real
 

I hate allum bikes. This seems like a no brainer for that reason. I am ultra sensitive to the buzz and dont understand how so many people can ride those things. Forgot to clarify. I recomend the giant. I actually use to ride a Boulder from like 2000 or so and I liked it. My dad is still riding it. He is about 320 or so and has had no problems

I hate to confuse the situation but if I remember right didn't they add a front suspension fork on the boulder. If so I would try to get the bike shop to swap it for a solid fork. I know suspension sounds like a good idea but it is not. At that price point it is a junk fork that will probably not last. Also, they steal your pedaling forces especially while standing. High volume tires and a good (brooks) springy seat is more than enough suspension.

Both are entry level bikes.

The two bikes seem to be very comparable component wise. Steel vs. aluminum frames. The Giant may have a little lower gearing but not by much. The weight of the frames may make them comparable with the gear difference. I say ride them both and then decide.

Any additional perks?