whootang12

I'm in the hunt for a new mountain bike in the $400-$600 price range. I just want a reliable bike that will last a while and be good for moderate riding both in the city and offroad (no crazy jumps or downhill). I've been looking most closely at the 2008 Gary Fisher Marlin. I like how it looks, the frame feels nice (at least the 2007 does which I think is the same), and it seems to have the best components compared to all other bikes I've seen for the money ($570 in Boston). Am I missing anything here?

At my local LBS I've seen a few older models for sale as well. Would these be a better choice if they are still available?

2007 Gary Fisher Marlin ($480, but doesn't look as nice and the '08 has a few upgrades)
2006 Marin Hawk Hill SE ($549)
2007 Cannondale F5 ($549)

I'm open to other suggestions for models as well, please just tell me what the reasoning is. By the way, I'm replacing a 1997 Raleigh M40 without any suspension, so at this point even a Walmart bike would be a HUGE upgrade

Cyclist30907654

I wouldn't worry about components. All the bikes in this price range have similar components. Even if they are different, the difference in quality would be negligible. The most important thing to do at this point is try out all the bikes you can get your hands on and pick the one that feels the best to you.

NOS buys tend to be better deals, yes.


There are a lot more manufacturers out there. Look at Specialized, Trek, Giant, etc.


No it wouldn't.

xfimpg

A+ to what BenLi said, they are all pretty much the same. Focus on a good frame.
I can speak from experience that my first mtb was a Trek 4300 hardtail in 2005 - added a Thudbuster - and it's been very solid, no complaints.

whootang12

It seems that the Gary Fisher Genesis frame is thought to be one of the best, no?

Thanks for the insight on the components, I guess I've been focusing too much on those.

whootang12

Actually, what does everyone consider to be the key things to look for in a frame? Nobody posts weights it seems and I'm sure they are all pretty reliable and fully warrantied, no? Everything is aluminum in that price range as well I believe...

xfimpg

Good question.
My preference, because i'm a solid 200 pounder, is a solid frame that can withstand a beating.
So far the Trek SL (Super-Light) hasn't let me down, and I pound this thing really hard.
I'm sure weight has a bearing on choice, and then again like you mentionned earlier, a lot of aluminum in your price range.
Maybe look at this purchase differently; make this purchase knowing that down the road you'll increase your budget and buy a dualie and all the good things that come with it.

xfimpg

You know, i've read that somewhere before.

Have you checked out this site: www.mtbr.com?

kramnnim

Is buying online something you'd consider? Generally you can find better deals...

xfimpg

https://www.consumersearch.com/www/sp...s/reviews.html

whootang12

Thanks for the review site, it seemed to confirm that the genesis GF frame is really good. As for buying online, this could be one of the few things I'd be afraid of buying online.