Knave

I'm getting a new bike soon, and I'm having a trouble making a decision. I'm mainly interested in singletrack, aggressive rural/forest trails, and some XC. My budget is about $1200 to $1500, and after checking out a lot of bikes, I'm looking mostly at the Specialized P All Mountain and Specialized Rockhopper (I'm certain I want a hardtail). I really want to ride trails with obstacles, but I don't want to rule out the occasional light freeride. And being able to pedal a lot is a must.

I liked what I read about the P All Mountain because it can do trails as well as some urban if I want to get into that area, and it also has a really strong frame. Problem is I can't find it. The Canadian distributor is sold out of large and no one seems to have it in stock. If I tried really hard I could probably find one somewhere, maybe from the UK, but I don't know if it would be more trouble than it's worth. With the Rockhopper more readily available, I'm wondering if I'd really notice a difference at my skill level.

So basically... I need a bit of help please.

ed 

No more will you need.

Kyle385

Yes chelboed, we need thumbnails....

ed 

Sorry dude...I just figured people were getting tired of seeing me post billboard sized pic's of my own bike everywhere. I mean...I really am proud of how well it's working out for me, but I'm trying to be sensitive to other peoples feelings here.

Here y'go

ed 

Okay, first let's deal with red...
You need something that will climb and carve...a hardtail (as you said) sounds like a perfect match for you.

green...
$1200-$1500 is a huge budget for a hardtail...I can do a frakin good amount under 1k.

blue...
Oh yeah...already covered it. I just like blue

orange...
What exactly is your skill level? Reason being...for $1500, I could build one heck'uv'a fun bike. I think I have near that in mine.

edit: I forgot about the exchange rate, DANGIT!! You can still do a great deal with that kinda coin.

JensonUSA (ships to you) has great deals on this kinda crap. The NOS 2004 Komodo frame like mine is a great do-it-all'er. It's very light, strong, and efficient. I have no concern with breaking it on a set of stairs, and it climbs so well...all I have up front is a 32t single ring. (1x9, BABY!!)

If you aren't of the skill level to be able to build a bike, I'd go to a VeloCanuck shop and check into a Norco Manik or Banshee Scirocco.

Quijibo187

Take a look at the Marin Nail Trail, hot bike.

https://www.marinbikes.com/2008/ca/bi...nail_trail.php

I'm quite pleased with my Palisades Trail (one step down). Great frame and fork on the Nail Trail. Nice component spec, and a very competitive price (at least within Canada)

ed 

Nice...I'm kinda leaning toward a 5" fork suggestion for this OP, but it's definately NOT necessary. Just a little more fun for the agressive riding.

I think the Marin leans toward the XC side of things. Which would work just fine.

Knave

Thanks for all the input. You really dissected my post. It's funny you should mention the Norco because the Sasquatch and Manik were actually the first bikes that came to mind when I started looking, but someone had said that because the seat post on the Sasquatch was angled back a bit more, it wouldn't be great for a bike you plan to pedal a lot.

As for my skill level, this will be my first official mountain biking season. I know my budget is probably a little over the top for a beginner, but I don't want to have to change bikes too soon once I get a bit better. I currently have a hardtail that I take through the woods back home all the time, but it's not worth more than $250, and I've never ridden public mountain biking trails.

troie

https://www.bansheebikes.com/bikes/viento.html
https://www.bansheebikes.com/bikes/scirocco.html

Go shopping now.

Glynis27

^^^I would agree with this. Along the same lines as the bike I just built.


Transition Vagrant

Hardtails are lots of fun.

ed 

I like it!

Knave

The Banshee Scirocco looks really cool; versatile, an idea which I like. But a lot of places seem to talk about building it up yourself, which is something I don't think I'm experienced enough for yet. Do they sell it as a complete bike or only a frame?

troie

One site shows that they sell them built but the prices are all jacked. In my opinion, you have two options:

1. Buy everything and take it to LBS and have them build it.
2. Go to speedgoat.com, order everything and use the "Mad Scientist Bike Builder" and have speedgoat build it.

https://www.speedgoat.com/productB.asp?part=130408

btw, nice comment under your name.