Hi Everyone
I'm new to this board, just surfing around looking for people to ask about a new bike I want to purchase. Well I've been recently into bikes all of a sudden, i guess cuz i ride more and i want to bring it to university because first year sucked with my sucky bike, and i'm going to be living even further away. Anyways, I found these 4 bikes from 4 different stores, with 4 different prices. I'm just not sure which one is the "better" buy for that price, and also if the bike is manufactured good enough so as to not break down a few years down the road, because i'm not sure which bikes are made in China or Taiwan, or if they are made in china and assembled in China. So if you guys could give me your help, pointers, tips, experiences on any of these bikes, and which one is worth it, that'll be APPRECIATED!
All of them are Alivio back derailleur but i'm not sure what the other components are, like if it's acera or altus for the front shifters or front derailleur.
The bikes: (in CDN)
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Schwinn MESA GS $600, 1 yr warranty on components (1 yr free tune up)
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=176
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Giant Yukon $659 with Alivio (the picture has deore in it) (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/030...=96&model=9828
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GT Avalanche 2.0 $659 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://productcatalog.gtmountainbike...alog/index.php
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Specialized Hardrock COMP $590 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...untain&my=2003
*This one is a bit heavy, and i'm not fond of the color. but best price.
I'm leaning towards the Giant, if i can bargain with the guy. Something that is a plus for me, is the 5 year free tune up, because i will be bringing in my bike at least twice a yr, since i will be doing a lot of riding this summer, and to class everyday. The dealer with the Schwinn told me that, a lot of bike shops don't REALLY do a tune up, since they give it for free, and they do a half-sucky job on it to get it over with. I'm not sure if that's true or not. A tune-up is also $25 here. I could try to learn how to do a tune-up but i'm not really sure from reading all the stuff from the 'net, on how to adjust everything properly, and also i don't want to keep on buying the lubes,degreaser and what not... Well, that was QUITE a long post. I hope someone can help me! Thanks a lot!!
Matthew
P.S. If anyone lives in Toronto and can tell me some good stores to go too, that'll be great! Or any discounts! LOL