Bike Forums - View Single Post - The "around" $500 MTB thread.

10-31-04 | 04:47 PM

#193

Raiyn

I drink your MILKSHAKE

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 15,061

Likes: 3

From: St. Petersburg, FL

Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity

Quote:

Originally Posted by TX Hoss

You mention that there are no bikes in this price point that will fit someone our size, 6’ 250lbs. <snip>
OK, off the soapbox and on to the questions. I am 35, 6’ and 250lbs., and need a bike I can use for recreational riding. I will primarily ride on paved surfaces, paved trails, dirt trails and infrequently ride on some tough trails. I’ve read this entire thread before posting so hopefully my questions are totally ignorant. The two things I’ve determined from reading the posts are:

1. Feel is probably as important as anything else.
2. The bikes in this price point are going to be very similar.

Based on some of the comments, I am interested in the following four models:

Gary Fisher Tassajara
Specialized Hardrock Pro Disk
Giant Iguana
Ironhorse Warrior Expert

Given my size and riding level, the things driving my decision now are warranty, upgrade abilities and durability. From what I’ve seen, Specialized may be the best from the frame warranty/durability standpoint. I believe any of these bikes will be more than I need for my expected riding habits, but I am concerned with the warranty/durability issues because of my size. I’ll give up a few features for a more bulletproof bike. Anything I should avoid when making my purchase? Any flaws in my logic/choices? Anything that should drive me to one of these bikes over another? I’m going to be testing these models over the next few weeks. Thanks in advance for any replies.

When I mentioned that there was a lot of talk on the board of taking six foot DROPS on bikes that weren't designed for them hence the confusion (it WILL cost you to do 6 foot drops at our weight).. Most of the bikes mentioned in this thread will handle guys our size (I'm 6'4" 255#) with a modification to the fork (ie the "Heavy" spring kit)

I'd still recommend looking at the Rockhopper as the Hardrock is adding disc brakes at the cost of other components - not a good way to go. Specialized has the lifetime warranty on their frames and they're EXTREMELY good about it.

The Giant Iguana is a great bike for the money competent parts mix no real glaring holes in the components although you can definatly see where the extra money goes on the Rainier, better wheels, brakes drivetrain etc. The one place where the Iguana is hurting a bit is the Hayes mechanical brakes while they are adequate stoppers the pale in comparison to a properly tuned set of Avids.
I don't like Gary Fisher's geometry and Ironhorse has lacked appeal to me since they stopped using the "A" frame

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