Looking to spend around $350.00 or so on a new bike. I commute (not every day) a few miles on bad pavement and some gravel. I would like front suspension and a hard tail. I want a good frame that I can upgrade components later. I have been riding for 10 or more years.
I know what bike I want but can't afford $900-$1200 bikes.
My budget allows me this, looking at specialized hardrock XC, Raleigh Mojave 4.5, Gary fisher Advance.
I am currently ridding an old rockhopper rigid frame 21"
Thanks for any ideas

I've never done this but I've heard some people at my bike shop that have had success stories with buying a Nashbar mnt. frame and then putting parts on it. It really allows you to get personal with your rig and you are comfortable with fixing it up or changing stuff later on

Just an idea

craigslist! I am bowled over by some of the deals that I see posted in my local CL. Many are in your price range. I bet you could score a used high quality mtb frame that is way out of the $350 new range. After seeing some of the deals out there, it would be hard for me to seriously consider buying new. I would have a feeling that I was spending too much for too little. If nothing else, at least take a peek, you might be surprised.

Another option would be to throw your $350 at the rockhopper. Give it the wheels/drive train/front-end that it always dreamed of. Thats the route I have been going with my bikes.

Had to come back and add some examples. These are just out of one CL results page. It really goes on and on:
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/295905216.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/295825646.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/295767337.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/bik/295946713.html
https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/bik/295933318.html (prob too small, but note the price)

Check out walmart...

I have a Specialized Hardrock Sport that I picked up for $350 back in August of '06, right when the '07 models hit. I can honestly say it's worth every dollar. Is it perfect? By no means, but I've put 700+ hard miles on it since, and it hasn't flinched. Only things that are different from stock are the tubes, got sick of getting flats on the trails .

Basically, it's a great bike. I've beat the tar out of it, and it comes back for more. In fact, I've been neglecting it a bit lately in favor of my shiny new Trek, so I think I'm going to get it out on the trail today for some more abuse.

Are there much better? Certainly. It's heavy, some of the components are low-end, and the fork kind of stinks. However it rides nice, has a great saddle, and is bulletproof.

Anyway, I suggest checking it out. YOu may want to swap out the stock tires with something like the Conti Town and Country, but beyond that it's hard to beat. I know it lists for $399, but most shops here are selling them around $350-375.

[QUOTE=soreyes]craigslist! I am bowled over by some of the deals that I see posted in my local CL. Many are in your price range. I bet you could score a used high quality mtb frame that is way out of the $350 new range. After seeing some of the deals out there, it would be hard for me to seriously consider buying new. I would have a feeling that I was spending too much for too little. If nothing else, at least take a peek, you might be surprised.


Yeah I checked out craiglist too. Smokin hot deals. almost too hot; kinda makes me wonder if they are stolen. I use to hang around with some city cops here and they told me Tradin' Times publication was one of the biggest fencing operations around; and the news paper personal adds.

Thanks for the ideas
I think I am going with a good frame and build up the componets "Customize It"
Forgot about Craigslist great idea
e-bay found some killer deals on a few bianchi frames "such a beautiful bike"
Wal-mart? who mentioned that... Bad bad idea
Wal-mart destroys our communities rips off employees and sells crap
Sorry had to vent

Kona has some great bikes, cheap.

I agree with bikepacker67. Kona sells great mountain bikes.