KaoTiK

Well, I'm looking for a decent bike for screwing around on trails, in the woods, small jumps, like maybe 3 foot jumps if that, and things like that. Also quite a bit of road driving.

Anyway, the bikes I was looking at were the Norco Scrambler, Mountaineer, and the Kokanee.

My spending limit is pretty much 800 dollars CDN, I was going to get the Kokanee, then I found a Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS (year 2000) for 600 bucks.

What do you guys think?

Edit: Forgot to mention, the Rockhopper is in perfect condition, the guy bought it and got bored of it and its been sitting in his basement for the past 2 years, he rode it for maybe a year, and he babied it while he was using it.

Maelstrom 

I would get something new. I don't like buying used unless it is for a beater.

Take a look at the specialized hardrock. Good bikes for do everything bikes...Good for trails too.

KaoTiK

Well see, the only options are the ones I mentioned, basically, because I live in a small town and thats what my LBS offers.

I don't like buying used either, but its my friend whos selling it, so I know what he put it through.

So of the ones I mentioned, what do you think? Here is a spec sheet of the Rockhopper.

https://www.epinions.com/bike-Bicycle...y_~full_specs#

Maelstrom 

Sorry they are xc bikes. I don't really have a recommendation for you. I just don't think the bike your buddy is selling is worth the money he wants.

KaoTiK

The Norco bikes I mentioned aren't XC bikes... at least they aren't classified by Norco as XC bikes.

Anyway, I have two options:

2004 Norco Kokanee: Shimano HG-30 8 spd freewheel, Deore back shifter and Acera front shifter, Alivio Rapidfire, Marzocchi MZComp 4 inch travel. $639.99 ($736 with taxes)

2000 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS: 9 spd freewheel, Deore front and back shifters, Deore Rapidfire Plus, Manitou Magnum 3 inch travel. $600 (he paid $1500 for it when he got it)

Now, it's in perfect condition, and it appears to me that the only thing thats better on the Kokanee is the extra inch of travel on the front shocks, which I don't even need for my style of riding.

So aside from the fact that one is new and one isnt, which is a better deal? I don't care if the Rockhopper is worth 600 dollars, is it a better bike than the Norco Kokanee?

Maelstrom 

Rockhopper if you don't mind not having a warranty. Although I know nothing about that fork. But forks are easy to replace.

KaoTiK

Would year 2000 Deore derailleurs be any different from 2004 ones?

Maelstrom 

I haven't been riding that long so I seriously can't answer that except in theory. Parts have been progressing so I would assume 2004 deore is better than 2000...but again that is strictly theory.

KaoTiK

Hmm, any idea how much the 2000 Rockhopper A1 FS costs? I'm not sure if its the comp or not, but do you know how much either costs retail?

tFUnK

rockhopper a1fs were probably like $5-800 new, depending on specs. $600 is way too steep for that bike. i'd pay no more than $2-300 for a rockhopper. my friend got a 2002 rockhopper a1 fs for $500 and it came with deore/lx components and a judy fork.

KaoTiK

What if it was the Rockhopper A1 Comp FS?

tFUnK

i think the comp just has better components, but share the frame as the a1 fs. maybe the comp has a better fork? i don't know. knowing me, i'd probably just replace everything on the bike after a while anyway, so it won't be a deal-maker if it was a comp and not a a1 fs. depends on your personal preference, though. how much is that bike worth to you is what matters.