zighain

I need something a bit more durable but obviously cannot afford to go top notch. Just curious as to some other opinions on whats my best option. Ive only got around $850 to spend so I have been looking at a trek 6000 $849 and GF piranha $879. Thoughts on the two would be greatly appreciated or a suggestion on something else. Thanks for the help

samburger

I would check out craigslist before you make any final decisions (unless, like me, you just really want a new bike). For $850 you might be able to find something lightly used that you would rather have bought anyway, but thought you couldn't afford. If you don't find anything there that you like/fits you/kind of bike you want, then it really just comes down to what feels best to you. I like the Specialized Rockhopper for that price range, but most bikes in that price range will be one of three things: 1) decent frame with decent components, 2) good frame with okay components, or 3) okay frame with good components. The only way to find out which combination you like is to test each one you're considering & walk away with the one that feels right to you.

common man

i'm in the same boat as you. interested in trek 6000. i'm holding off until august when the new models come out. i believe that info on the 2011 specialized rockhopper is already out...i still want to hear from trek before pulling the trigger

https://www.specialized.com/ja/en/bc/...nuItemId=14121

https://www.precisionbikes.com/2010/0...ockhopper.html

if the rockhopper "int" is really $600...it'd be tough to resist...but i'm sure my cross-referencing is wrong. i know the above link has japanese letters but i think it gives good hints.

samburger

Hm, if that is the 2011 Rockhopper I might have to wait for that. I was having troubles deciding between the 2010 Hardrock Sport Disc & entry level Rockhopper, but was leaning towards the Hardrock mostly because of the disc brakes (double-wall rims & lockout on fork didn't hurt though). I might have to reconsider though, as it appears the 2011 Rockhopper has disc brakes on all the trim levels.

slow hand

If you have $850 to spend on just the bike, take a look at the Rockhopper Sport Disc:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...enuItemId=9253

Even at $770 MSRP, you would still come out under $850 with tax...assuming your tax rate is similar to ours in TN (9.25%).

With that one, you get their upgraded M4 frame, OK Avid BB5 mechanical disc brakes, Rock Shox, splined crankset, etc.

For $60 more, you could get the 29" wheels, if that's your thing, or for $940 MSRP, the Expert model. With that one, you get hydraulic disc brakes and a little nicer Shimano crank. But to me, the Comp is a better value, because the Tektro hydraulic brakes aren't that great....

Or, if you wanted to have some money left over for gear, pedals, shoes, etc, you could do like I did, and go with a Hardrock. Frame geometry is very similar if not the same, and you still get most of the same components except for the fork.

The Hardrock Sport Disc is a great value. For $550 MSRP, you get the Avid BB5 discs, lockout fork, the A1 frame, which is a step below the M4 on the Rockhopper, but still very light, I am told, splined crankset, double-walled rims, etc.

Personally, I went with the Hardrock Sport Disc 29. He gave me a small discount off MSRP, and it ended up being about $690 OTD, which left me room to get some clipless pedals, shoes, trip computer, helmet, seat bag, etc.

If you can't tell, I'm quickly becoming a Specialized fanboy!

slow hand

Oh, by the way, my dealer already has a 2011 Rockhopper in the shop, and he has a spec book for the 2011s.

I decided to order a 2011 Hardrock, because it has an upgraded fork and frame from the 2010.

Your LBS should have a spec book so you can compare 2010/2011 specs.

slow hand

Interesting...

I don't know how you found that link - I was unable to find any 2011 specs online for comparison.

The specs do seem accurate, but if you compare the geometries between that site and the US site, the numbers are all different. Maybe that is the Japanese site? The geometry numbers all seem smaller from the US models.

They did, however, have a picture of the exact bike I ordered - Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc 29, in White/Brown:

common man

man...this is getting really tough.

trek 4500 2011 is 9 speed + hydraulic discs

trek 6000 2011 looks awesome...



my lbs told me to re-consider 29ers...trek has revitalized them as "gary fisher collection"..i need to read up on / verify the 26 vs 29er debate...

this trek cobia is lookin' good...

https://bikeline.com/product/11-trek-...on-72179-1.htm

samburger

The only debate I've heard on 26 vs. 29er is that 29ers have easier rollover but bend easier, 26s have more difficult rollover but don't bend as easily, & are quicker. That's what sold me--I do a lot of technical stuff, so smaller wheel size means it's easier to turn the wheels. Also better for trial biking IMO, which is something I've been messing around with lately. Though one of these days I'll probably get a dedicated trial bike.

dminor 

^^ Uh-oh . . . now you've done it.

samburger

Haha yeah I should have thought before posting that. In all fairness though, the only arguable things I said were that 29ers bend easier & 26's are better for trial biking. So I'll correct that:

29ers bend easier IF & ONLY IF they are compared to a 26" wheel made the same way from the same materials. It's physics. And the best bike for trial biking is the bike that feels best to you. For me, 26" wheels feel better than 29" wheels when I'm trying to learn to trial bike.

Everything else I said is fact. Bigger wheels do roll over things more easily, & smaller wheels are easier to turn. No one can argue what's been proven. And I'm sure there are a number of other things to consider when choosing between the two, but the fact is that I rode it 26" Hardrock & a 29er Hardrock & I liked the 26" better. I think I would much prefer a 29er for technical downhill though, but too much of what I do is flatland & uphill for a 29er to be worth it.

TwoHeadsBrewing

I own the Windsor Cliff 29er Pro from BikesDirect, which was $700. Tora Solo Air fork, X-7 deraillers, Juicy Five discs...and it rides NICE. I've beaten it up quite a bit over the past few months and it's stood up to it just fine. Since you've got a bit more to spend, I would recommend the Motobecane Fantom 29 Pro: https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...om29pro_08.htm. Very solid bike with good reviews, and great components for the money. Be aware that with all BD bikes you get a deal, but you also have to assemble tune yourself or take it to a shop. Not a problem for me, but might be for some.

Check the build photos here: https://picasaweb.google.com/benuntu/...rCliff29erPro#
My build thread and ride report: https://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.ph...ght=cliff+29er

common man

i hear that the increased inertial mass of a 29 wheel due to diameter & weight is tiny and that the decreased rolling resistance more than makes up. the 29er has more traction so you can more confidently maneuver it even if the smaller 26" is more maneuverable (dunno if that makes sense). someone mentioned that it is telling that we don't have 29" downhill bikes...but then someone else mentioned that 29" increase the height of the handlebars (which i like).

not all the assertions are soundly proven & tested but it does seem the best solution is to have both right now i can afford only one bike. in fact, it's important to get the fit / geometry right for me because i can't afford to buy a bike that has the wrong fit or geometry. so i'm likely going to go conventional and stick with the 26ers since i am more familiar with their geometry and this will be my first mountain bike.

slow hand

Wow...that Windsor is a really nice bike - I like the Avid hydro brakes and the Truvativ crank. And you got a smoking deal, sounds like!

If I'd known about that site, I likely would have ordered from there instead of from the LBS.

Tell me something - what makes that a better crank than, say, the Suntour (Shimano Octaspline standard) unit on the Hardrock I just ordered?

TwoHeadsBrewing

Thanks! It's been a pleasant surprise, considering I couldn't ride it before I bought it.

You know, I'm not sure there is any noticeable difference between our different cranksets. Mine is a fairly low-end crank ($50), but it seems to work fine. In all my years of biking, I've never had a crank that bugged me, so I think that each one will do the job. I ran a square taper Sugino crank for years on my Fisher hardtail and it never failed me and had a good solid feel. I'm sure on paper there are pros and cons to each design, but it doesn't seem to make a difference on the trail to me as a normal rider.

DX-MAN

Giant Yukon FX.

Bosock

I agree with the Giant Yukon...850 dollars full suspension and decent quality...great value

Jblodge

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/bik/1810965272.html

Check out this. It could be a good deal. seeing that the frame goes for $1400