Motman320

I recently went on a Moab camping trip with some friends and got some mountain biking in. I'm a road biker here in Colorado and it's plenty fun for me. Since my parents are asking me for a graduation present I was thinking a mountain bike... If you had 1-2k to spend on a bike right now what would you buy? Keep in mind I'm a road biker. I've always grown up and learned on a MTB, but I'm talking full suspension this time. I used to love my BMX dirt bike, I can't imagine the MTB trails around here.

So far I've just thought of the Mongoose Canaan Comp. What in the hell is the diference between the comp and the elite??

Ka_Jun

Compare the specs, now, what's different, other than US$500?
Comp

Color(s): Tan
Size(s): S, M, L, XL
Frame: FreeDrive XC/Enduro 3.9" (100 mm) travel, butted alloy frame
Fork: Rock Shox Tora 318 Air, 100 mm travel, alloy steerer, air spring, Motion Control, rebound and lock out.
Rear Shock: Fox Float R, air spring rebound adjust, (6.5x1.5")
Crankset: Shimano Deore, hollow forged 2pc, 22/32/44T alloy
Bottom Bracket: Shimano external bearing
Pedals: Crank Brothers Smarty clipless
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Shifters: Shimano Deore Rapidfire
Freewheel: Shimano CS-HG50-9 11-32 9 speed
Chain: KMC Z-9200
Rims: WTB SpeedDisc XC 32°
Tires: Kenda 26x2.1 Small Block Eight, DTC, folding bead
Front Hub: Shimano HB-M525 disc, 32°
Rear Hub: Shimano FH-M525 disc, 8/9 speed cassette, 32°
Spokes: Stainless steel
Nipples: Brass UCP
Front Brake: Hayes Stroker Trail, hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor
Rear Brake: Hayes Stroker Trail, hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor
Brake Levers: Hayes Stroker Trail, hydraulic disc
Handlebar: Easton EA30 Lo Rise, 31.8 mm
Stem: Mongoose 31.8 stem, with CNC M-logo
Grips: Mongoose No-Flange M-logo Lock On grip
Headset: FSA IS-3 integrated
Saddle: WTB Rocket V Comp
Seat Post: Mongoose, 2014 alloy, doube bolt, 31.6 mm
Seat Clamp: CNC Alloy w/bolt

Elite
Color(s): White
Size(s): S, M, L, XL
Frame: FreeDrive XC/Enduro 3.9" (100 mm) travel, butted alloy frame
Fork: Rock Shox Recon Race, 100 mm travel, air spring, Motion Control, and rebound adjust
Rear Shock: Fox RP2, two position ProPedal, air spring rebound adjust, (6.5x1.5")
Crankset: Shimano XT, hollow forged 2pc, 22/32/44T alloy
Bottom Bracket: Shimano external bearing
Pedals: Crank Brothers Smarty clipless
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore XT shadow
Shifters: Shimano Deore XT Rapidfire dual release
Freewheel: Shimano XT 11-32 9 speed
Chain: Shimano HG-73
Rims: WTB SpeedDisc XC 32°
Tires: Kenda 26x2.1 Small Block Eight, DTC, folding bead
Front Hub: Shimano XT Centerlock disc, 32°
Rear Hub: Shimano XT Centerlock disc, 8/9 speed cassette, 32°
Spokes: DT Swiss 14/15 ga black
Nipples: Brass UCP
Front Brake: Shimano XT, hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor
Rear Brake: Shimano XT, hydraulic disc, 160 mm rotor
Brake Levers: Shimano XT, hydraulic disc
Handlebar: Easton EA50 Lo Rise, 31.8 mm
Stem: Easton EA50 6* angle
Grips: Mongoose No-Flange M-logo Lock On grip
Headset: FSA IS-2 integrated
Saddle: WTB Silverado Race
Seat Post: Easton EA50 double bolt, 31.6 mm
Seat Clamp: CNC Alloy w/bolt

ed 

If I were U, I'd do differently than me...b/c I'd build one. So putting myself in your shoes...I'd get a Specialized FSR XC Pro...MSRP $2200 but could prob. be had for 2k.

kcham16

+1 to Ed's mention to build. you can get a Turner Flux frame for $1000 right now, not to mention tons of other frames and deals. then hit up pricepoint, jenson and the usuals for parts. i think jenson is actually having a sale right now on close-out 'only one left' kind of bikes. maybe there's something in there for you. good luck.

M_S

The Canaan Elite, to translate to road components, has Ultegra level stuff (XT). The Comp is Tiagra level (deore). The fork, wheels, and shock are also better on the Elite. Personally, I would say that the shock, crank, and wheels alone are more than worth the 500 dollars.