dcdomain

Which bike should I get?
Specialized Hardrock for $250
Raleigh m50 for $300
Fisher Tarpon for $275

Or any online deals to recommend?

Saw these in the nearby stores on sale. I used to BMX, want to get back into biking, but don't want to spend a lot on a bike until I'm sure I'm sticking with it. Mostly road going, but there will be some rough terrain involved so I don't want to go with a hybrid, I was pretty reckless when I used to BMX so I expect that my mountain bike will be put through the same conditions...

The aluminum really doesn't have that much of a weight advantage over the chromalloy, fork is pretty cheap so it doesn't sway me either way.

From the reviews I'm reading people do seem to like the Raleigh, but I think $300 may be a bit expensive for it?

Terrago

My wife rides a Specialized Hardrock and I cannot recommend it to you... The frame is great, but it is loaded with cheap parts. Specialized is a good company and they are selling great bikes. Our Hardrock is an exception. I had to true the wheels, replace the BB and crankset... My Giant Terrago was in the same price range without these problems.

moabrider47

I'm kind of with Terrago. Most people here will probably argue otherewise, but I feel like Specialized isn't a good brand to go with to get the most for your money. I checked the stats on the Raleigh, and after a quick glance I didn't notice much different about the specs for these two bikes. I know some people who like their Raleighs, and most magazines usually give the bikes good ratings in tests. The Gary Fisher does have a steel frame, so you could have an issue if you really thrashy the bike and leave it out in the rain and stuff. Make sure to dry it out good afterwards. Durability-wise, I wouldn't worry about the material of the frame-It doesn't sound like your going to be doing multiple-foot drops or anything. I think your choice really comes down to which of these bikes looks the best to you(there isn't much difference in parts specs) and most importantly which of these bikes fits you best. I would avoid buying from the internet since it sounds like this will be the first mountain bike purchase for a while. Fit should be tour biggest consideration. Good luck in your search!

-Moab

Raiyn

You got that right pal. I'll be the first to argue that point. On ANY lower end bike from ANY company you can expect lower end parts. The Hardrock has an excellent frame from what I've seen and heard (I have an older model before they went to the new design) Both of my current bikes are Specialized and while I'll admit I made specific changes (see them here) the stock setup is a LOT for the money MSRP on the bike I bought was right around $1100. The LBS had it listed at $950 and I won't get into the "bro discount". You never told us what level of Hardrock you were looking at. If, by chance, it's the Hardrock Comp I'd say go for it. I wasn't as impressed with anything below that. As far as the Raleigh and the Fisher (shakes head) I'm sorry I wasn't impressed at all. I realize this is a first mountain bike, but you don't want something disposable. If you end up enjoying yourself (you will) you'll spend tons of money upgrading or if you hate it those other two will be an absolute pain in the rump to offload and get more than a fraction of what you paid. You stand the best chance with a Hardrock Comp.

a2psyklnut

The Raleigh is a TANK, it weighs a ton compared to the other two. You can lighten up the Specialized and the GF, but no matter what you do to the Raleigh, it'll always be a tank!

It all depends on which bike is most comfortable. Each manf. makes their bikes to slightly different geometries. I like Specialized as a whole. GF make the Genisis Geometry which feels wierd to me!

L8R

dcdomain

I really don't think I'll be upgrading this first bike at all. I'll ride it and see how far I get into this 'hobby'/'sport'. If I really get interested, I'll just sell it at a loss and buy another bike.

I had a hard time finding it, but I think the bike on sale is probably this one, but the 2002 model: https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...ntain&my=2003. I held up an aluminum bike and the CroMo and to be honest I didn't notice that much of a difference.

It's around $250 + tax... should I really pay the extra $200 or so for the Hardrock Comp... (I don't really care about shocks) so aside from that I think the main difference is the frame material correct? How about this, what's the best bike I can get for $300 or for $500? I was really just looking to jump on some winter deals. Anyone know of any online?

Raiyn

You really don't care about shocks? You should. especially if you make comments like this Yes the Comp is that much better. It has better components all the way around. You should be able to talk your LBS down a bit (how much depends on your relationship with them -- are you a good customer? etc.)

#700

tokus

If your leaning towards the 500 range then the Specialized Rockhopper may be something to look at. I'm sure you could get last years model for about 400 and they have much better components. My LBS has last years Rockhopper Comp FSR for 800 which I think is about 300 dollars under the retail so I'm sure they could knock 100 or so off the 02 RH hardtail's retail.

Raiyn

Now there's a sensible lad.

a2psyklnut

Please clarify! Are you going to just "ride around the neighborhood, or are you going to be doing some aggro riding like you would BMX style, jumping, sprinting, launching off curbs and jumps.

If your tendency is to go more aggro, I'd suggest a bike more along the lines of Specialized P.2! and a lot of others of that style Haro Escape 8.1, K2 Disco Monkey,....etc.

I had a Specialized P.3 (2000 model) very similar to this year's P.2, that I used for pretty aggro XC riding and smaller drops. I loved to jump the thing. And basically had a ball doing whatever! I used to say, it was like a BMX Cruiser on Steroids, and gears.


L8R

dcdomain

Mostly road going with the jumps, curbs mixed in, and some time on trails in the woods. I'll head back today to the bike stores and take a look at the Rockhopper and see how much they are selling that for.

Specialized Rockhopper
Speciliazed Hardrock Comp

fall back is the Specialized Hardrock ChroMa if I can't get any good deals on the other two.

a2psyklnut

While at the Specialized dealer, please check out the P.2 and the P.1. The P.1 is a single speed and MSRP on it is only $440.

That might be just what you need!

L8R

a2psyklnut

Ooops, MSRP last year was $440, according to Specialized website it's now $530. Still a pretty good deal!

Raiyn

Just bear in mind that the P series is not an "all-day" bike meaning the geometry sucks for long rides in the saddle

a2psyklnut

I dunno, I had a P.3, (esentially the same bike), and it wasn't bad for long rides, especially if you come from a BMX background. My P.3 essentially rode a lot like my cruiser. Due to the long travel fork, you sat very upright. I will agree, that it's not good for FAST XC rides, but that's more due to a squishy long travel fork on one burly bike. If you're just cruising, it's great!

L8R

dcdomain

I'm not sure how I would like riding up the hills of Pittsburgh on a single speed bike. If I were to get a single speed bike, I might go back to BMX.

Anyway I went back and took a lock at the Rockhopper, it's around $500, no deals to be had...

*%@(*#$)@...

dcdomain

Hmmm came back home and saw that www.cyclecraft.com has some Tarpon's for $200...