Surfer99

Looking at buying a new bike and need some help. Getting back into biking after a few years. I plan on doing some pretty basic mountain biking. Nothing to hardcore, some descents, climbs, mud, and sand. Here are the three bikes I am trying to decided from and the prices I have gotten quoted at my LBS:

Trek 6000 w/Disc Brakes:$859
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...6_series/6000/

Gary Fisher Marlin Disc:$749
https://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/marlin-disc

Cannondale F5 with CO2 Frame Technology w/Disc Brakes:$779
https://www.cannondale.com/bikes/09/cusa/model-9FS5.html

I have personally looked at each of them at my LBS and am still having trouble deciding. Each feel pretty comfortable. The Fisher is the cheapest and I know that Fisher and Trek are made by the same people so I am taking that into consideration. Just from what I know it seems as if Cannondale carries a pretty strong name but so do the others. So thats where I am stuck. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advanced!

sirtigersalot

those bikes are very very similar, the big diff being that the fisher is shimano, while the others are sram x5, i know they are now making deore with the push/pull downshifter, which makes it very similar to sram so...

Lets_roll

I realy like the Marlin. Some say G2 sux for downhills. My money would be on the Fish. They also have pretty good resale value too.

If you get chance check out the motobecane FLY xc $999. NO tax, and free shipping......................................she weighs 22.5lbs ..
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/fly_xc.htm

liquefied

I love my Marlin. Best looking budget hardtail out there.

Surfer99

Thanks for the advice. Only thing is that I def want to ride the bike before buying and hopefully buy it from a LBS.

Also for everyone who has been saying go with the Fisher, I have been leaning towards the Fisher from the begining. Not sure why but I just have.

Surfer99

The one thing I really about with the Fisher though is I have read on a few different forums that the frame on the Fisher is a love it or hate it type thing and I am worried that just because it feels fine riding around the LBS it might feel very different once I get it out on the trail.

Lets_roll

I've ridden a few bikes, here is what you have to look for when test driving.

See how much your torso leans over to reach the bars. ***( I like to lean, gives me more controlled feel. If the stem is too close, I feel I will flip over the bars if I were to hit a stump while on a decline or steep drop.

On the "up-hill", it's def. better, you can lean in real deep. The bike tries to pull the front wheel up.

When test driving Act like your in the forest with a bunch a trees, twisty turns, and declines. That will sorta simulate if the bike feels right.

I have a few rides, and there all setup different. If I were looking at "one" bike in that price range, I would look at the Rockhopper. It's got an aggressive feel, but not as much as the Fisher. https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...=38430&eid=107

I was torn between the Rockhopper and Marlin when I bought a new hardtail this year. To me the Fisher is the best looking, but the hopper felt better.

Far as trek, I was given a loaner for a few days. I didn't care for it at all.

In the end it's all personal preference, and what YOU get use to riding or "feel" for.

As far as my LBS's, they haven't served me well. I have been disappointed with the majority of them. I hate when they try and sell you what they have, insted of showing you what you want or need. However, there is a shop, about 50 miles from me that's pretty decent, but there prices are inflated. If you hang out on this forum, you will solve 99% of your problems, elimiating the need to run to the LBS. Sometimes you gotta dig deep, listen to few jokes, and bare a few smart "people". But for the most part these guys know their shi$.

About motobecane, Cycle spetrum is about 30 miles from me, they are owned by Bikesdirect.com. I was able to see the bikes they had online, at that store. If my budget would have allowed the FLY xc, or a FLY ti. It would be riding a motobecane. I went to check on the Phantom, they didn't have my size and I didn't like the colors. Not to mention CHELB talked me out of it. If you have a motobecane dealer near you, it's worth a look.

Good luck