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

02-22-05 | 11:45 PM

#317

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 hexagram13

I read all 14 pages, and I haven't seen the Giant Boulder SE mentioned anywhere. Retail is 289.00

Also, I read everything concerning the Trek 4300 and the Specialized Hardrock Sport, but which would you pick for $299 and $350, respectively?

Largely due to the fact that the Bou;der SE is crap compared to the Rincon The Rincon bumps you up to a 8 speed cassette system as opposed to the Boulder SE's 7 speed Freewheel, you get better derailiuers as well as the added benefit of easier to replace and upgrade parts. To me that's well worth the small bump in price.

As for the 4300 vs the Hardock Sport the 4300 has the better rear derailieur, but that's where it's advantage ends. the Hardrock comes with a Truvativ crank and BB combo that flat out smokes the SR crank and generic BB setup on the Trek.

Both have the same fork and a large smattering of house brand parts. Personally I've had bad luck when working with the low end Bontrager stuff and have had nothing but praise for the Specialized stuff.

Bottom line go ride them. Around the $300 mark you're looking at an introductory bike, not something I'd suggest spending a lot of money on trying to upgrade as that would make no economic sense

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