Originally Posted by gamblar04
I'm a fairly new rider looking for a new MTB for trail riding as well as some offroad fun. I'm trying to decide amongst a Rockhopper '04, Trek 4500 '04, and a Cannondale f300 '04. I've got a great feel for how the specs compare between the Rockhopper and Trek, which it sounds like the RH definitely has the edge. I just tested the Cannondale last night though and it felt real good. How do the specs of Cannondale compare to RH? Thanks in advance for the info...this is a great thread.
I was only able to compare the 05 F300 to the 04 'Hopper based on that they're a pretty much even in terms of spec. Without the correct info on the Cannondale I can't make a proper spec judgement. Personally I like Specialized bikes and really hate Cannondales. (Kind of a Chevy vs Ford thing.) Best advice I can give in a dead heat is pick the one that feels better.
Originally Posted by Paniolo
Thanks for this thread! I ride 5+ days a week on the road for commuting and weekend rides but a few days a month it would be cool to hit the trials with some freinds. So I've been looking for a hardtail, but want to keep $ down since it won't see a lot of use ... but all of it will be on the trail. I'm pretty big, 6'2 200#and from reading this thread I was interested in the Rockhopper or a GF Tass on sale.
lbs carries both and was pushing the Tass saying the rockhopper fork wasn't nearly as good esp for my weight. I asked to take rides on both and when he brought out a 21" '05 Rockhopper which he said had a much upgraded fork, esp for my weight .. a Manitou Skareb Super he would definately get that over the Tass for $500. Is this a good deal for me?
Interesting because no version of the Rockhopper for 05 comes with a Skareb. Personally i haven't found a Manitou I've liked out of all the one's I've tried. That said the Skareb is definately an upgrade from stock on either bike. I'm curious to know how it is that he's willing to sell you a bike for $500 equipped with a fork that's sold for the same price.
Originally Posted by Juniper
I rode a Kona Blast I borrowed from my LBS for around two hours a coupla' evenings ago. Some fairly flat cross-country; mostly some loooong and fairly steeeeep hills; hardpacked dirt and a bit of loose sand and rock. The thought kept going thru my mind - 'This is an amazing amount of bike for $600!'. Climbed like I was riding a feather. Might be worth checking out.
While the Blast is a great bike the thread is for those more in the $500 ballpark give or take a little. $600 puts it just outside the intended parameters.
Last edited by Raiyn; 09-17-04 at 11:14 PM.