Would you choose a 2000ish vintage Specialized hard rock missing a crank for $65 or a mid-90s vintage Giant MTB complete for $120?

Let me know your opinions.

I'd go first by fit, second by component level, third by condition and fourth by quality of frame material. If all those were equal, you can easily get a crankset and BB for less than the difference in price

+1

It depends on the bikes and your purposes.

I have a 93 Giant Rincon (rigid mtb) that I love. The main differences I see between it and my LHT (26" wheel size) is the components (15 yr difference), shorter chainstays (by about an inch), 3rd water bottle mount, and flat handlebars. It has eyelets both front and rear for both racks and fenders and gearing more like a road bike.

I used to commute on it for years and found it very comfortable.

I also have a 99 Jamis exile (hardtail) which is different from both of them. It has a suspension fork, single eyelet in the rear, and mountain bike gearing.

Basically if I am going to commute on roads or go distances I would go with the Giant. If I were to actually go mountain biking I would go with the Jamis.

Thanks guys. I'm definitely going to check out both thoroughly. Just as option since the guys both listed. I don't think I'll pay his asking price though.

Knowing me I'd probably buy both. I'm like that.