johnxyz

Hey Guys,

Would like your suggestions for a HT spec'd with Deore or Deore LX group that is considered a top value. Also which Rock Shox model would you start with (similar to the Deore or LX level)? I'm confused on the difference between the Reba and Tora models - others?

Any of this under $750? or do I have to go to $1,000.

Just to baseline decent quality, several posters here and on the MTB Mag forum recommend at least Deore or Deore LX and a Rock Shox (I cannot recall which model, though).

Lastly - is there a significant diff. btwn. mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes? Which brand - Shimano, Hayes, Avid (not Tektronic (sp?), right - too crappy?)

Is an IBEX or left over (clearance sale) Iron Horse from Randal Scott my only options? Would like to sidestep BikesDirect, if possible. Other brands?

Oh yeah - when are '09's released? Any model worth waiting for?

Thanks a million

mtbtrek

look at the specialized rockhopper comp disc

jcook1989

Reba is a higher end XC fork then the Tora.

You can find a lot of well equipped hardtails in that price range.

There is a big difference between hydros and mechanicals. Shimano and Hayes are pretty good but when it comes to mechanicals the Avid bb5-bb7 are the way to go. I would only recommend hydros if you really need the stopping power.

johnxyz

Thanks jcook. Any particular brands/models that you like that you can recommend?

Cheers!

markfrommd

i am currently shopping for a similar bike and have pretty much decided on the specialized rockhopper comp disc.

look for the 08 version though not the 09

i found one for 10% off which isnt huge but brings the price down from $940 to $850

The 09 is only $770 but they downgraded the drivetrain and the fork, the 08 comp disc has a tora fork and the 09 has a dart 3

mr2crazed

The '09 Rockhopper Comp takes the place of the '08 Rockhopper Disk. Specialized has changed their lineup some. The 08 Rockhopper Disc is now Rockhopper Comp, 08 Rockhopper Disc Comp is now Rockhopper Pro, 08 Rockhopper Pro Disc is now Rockhopper Expert. Here are some specs I recently found on the '09 model.
https://bicyclecentreseverett.com/ite...ls.cfm?id=3379

I'm currently in the market for an '08 RH Comp as well.

johnxyz

Thanks guys - Looks like Specialized is the brand to check out.

Kinda off the wall question but I read another post reference that for the moderately priced name brands like Trek, their frames are tig - welded in Mainland China as opposed the the preceived higher quality welding performed in Taiwan for the off-brand/web only brands like Motobecane. I wanted to sort of skip BD due to lotsa folks problems (though not all ) but are Ibex or RS Iron Horse frames/bikes (mid-priced) fabricated in Mainland China or Taiwan?

Thanks again.

macro

I am biased, but giant makes some good hardtails and their prices are really hard to beat. When I went shopping for my mountain bike, the yukon was the best price for what I got. I dunno how it is with the higher end HT's but im sure its similar.

wheelhot

You should also check Giant, the bikes are usually the value for money ones, well at least last time. Not sure about now, but do check out Giant.

DickyJ

Don't do it dude! Specialized sucks.

johnxyz

OK - What value brands do you like? Thanks.

Oh yeah - is the Taiwan vs. Mainland China issue about the quality of tig welding much ado about nothing? Thanks.

DickyJ

v

Brian6751

"v" ?!!!!! what is that?

DickyJ

It points the way to enlightenment

wheelhot

Enlightenment? Isn't that Ellsworth?

DickyJ

Yeah, but no.

Brian6751

Oh I see. I am a Specialized shill myself. Got a Rockhopper for dirt and an E5 Allez for the road. Lots of bike for the $ and I really like the shop that sells them.

DickyJ

Yay!

To the OP: If you can stretch to a decently specced rockhopper, you shouldn't be dissapointed.
Check for end of season deals. A local shop here in London has an 08 (I think) pro disc with a £250 discount for example. Look at the comp disc too as well as brands mentioned in other posts.