SabFilms

I have been looking for a new hard tail and I have narrowed my selections down to these two bikes
they are similar in price (The trek is $50 more)
I like to ride somewhat aggressive and I like to ride small and medium sized jumps as well
What one should I choose?
Also what bike is more durable overall?

James_Smith

I too am considering both of these bikes.

Daspydyr 

At that price, both are great starter level bikes. They will take care of you, but you have to remember, this is not for BIG jumps and bumps. They are enjoyable bikes.


Get the bike that you really want to say, That sucker is my bike! For the price point its about pride of ownership as well.

James_Smith

It's pretty flat where I'll be riding it (the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia). There are some hills and stuff, but I'm not going to tackle them. I'll mostly use it for commuting from the camp to the work site and then 5-7 afternoons per week, I like to do a 5-10 mile ride.

It would be overkill for me to get something built for big jumps, bumps, hills, etc. That's exactly why I'm looking for bikes in the $450-650 price range.

I'm also looking at the Giant Talon 3. I am leaning towards the Trek, however, because here in the Middle East, if you see a bike shop, they are almost certainly a Trek dealer (and not much else), so parts will (or should) be plentiful.

James_Smith

This is what it looks like where I ride 6 months per year. A whole lot of nothing. As you can see, high-end suspension would be overkill for a desert bike.