Originally Posted by paigeo
i have 9 bikes i am looking at now. I need a strong frame to last through heavy abuse b/c of jumping and big trails, but the conponents have to at least be decent (above Acera) because they need to last about 2 years before they get upgraded. This are the bikes so far:
1. Ironhorse Warrior Sport or Comp
2. K2 Zed
3. Giant Rainier
4. Ironhorse maverick SE
5. Kona Scrap
6. Norco Katmandu
7. Norco Wolverine
8. Gary Fisher Opie
9. Fuji Panic
I am also unable to spend more than $450-500. Does anyone have any opinions about these bikes (e.g. which is the best?) or anyothers to suggest?
Hmm...are all those bikes even within ur price range? I think the ironhorses might be above ur limit...but that could jsut be cause i think ind CDN. I'm no expert but i think looking at the components wil lhelp you decide, it's easy to tell which bike is better...e.g. deore vs acera. So look at all the bikes in your price range in all ur LBS, and compare the componentry. If ur gonna be hard on the bike u'll want double butted rims for strength. Frame wise...i think that's the last thing to possibly go on any bike? correct me if i'm wrong...of course unless it's a walmart bike...
p.s. raiyn what's wrong with factory discs, e.g. hayes mx-2. I admit it was a ***** and a half to adjust for no rub, involving sanding of the mounting block...but isn't it still worth it for the extra stopping power and weather resistance?