I have a couple options, and I need some advice. I have about $800-$1000 to spend, and I need two MTBs. I have a deposit on a 2006 Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc (https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...sp?spid=12990), with upgraded brakes (Hayes Nines), and a stock Hard Rock for the second bike. (I am getting a great deal on the Rockhopper - $650 for the bike, including the hydraulic brakes.)

OR, a pair of Giant Yukons or Trek 4300's. What is the better way to go, and why?

Thanks in advance.

Marc

Hi Marc!

Given the choices you've presented, I'd stick with the Specialized. I love my new Rockhopper, and suspect that you'll love yours too. If you had a Kona dealer nearby, I'd recommend you check them out. For the "two bikes for a grand" sweepstakes, though, stay with Specialized.

Ok, I just returned from the bike shop. I paid the $650 for the RH Comp Disc after taking a good test ride. This one:



Then I began to work on a bike for my son. We began with an 07 Hardrock Sport Disc for $450. Then I spotted another HR in a different spot in the shop, and it turned out to be this one - 2006 Hardrock Sport Disc:



After some hard negotiating, I got him to come down from $449 to $400, then with some cash waiving and talk of me looking elsewhere, he came down to the $350 I was hoping for. To me, it seems like a great deal, and my son test rode and loved it. Now, you guys, the experts, tell me if I did well please!

Now a new wrinkle has emerged. I spoke with my LBS guy and he informed me that on the ever-mysterious dealers-only invoice of available bikes, he saw about 100 or so 2006 Hardrock Pro bikes, available for about $650, and he could get me one of those for $550 if I wanted it instead of the Hardrock Sport Disc mentioned above. He assured me it was a better bike, and from what I've read he's right. But is it worth the extra $200 to move up from the Sport to the Pro? Comments please...

Not knowing the specs of the different models- But I would think that the extra money for the pro is going to buy a better spec bike. This will entail a better drive chain- better wheels and better components. But that price you got on the sport disc is good. The price on the pro is almost as good- but worth the $200**********.. If it was me then I would probably go for the pro, but it is your wallet

I agree with Stapfam on this one, point-for-point.

It does have better components on it, but would make a difference to your son. I don't know the answer to that. If your son is still growing or if there is any inclination that your son may get bored of biking, I would opt for the lower end model and save the $200 for gear and gas to the trailhead.

How serious are you two about mountain bikes. IF you're buying these for actual off-road use and not just for tooling around town, eventually, you will want to upgrade to full suspension bikes.

I don't know if you're horse trading due to limited funds or your personal enjoyment (nothing wrong with either), but if cost is an issue, you should limit your spending on these entry level hardtails. In a couple of years, spend some buck$ on a pair of full suspension bikes.

The other option is to buy to higher end componentry (Pro) on your hardtails now so you can swap it onto a full suspension frame when you feel inclined. It would be sort of a waste to swap the HR Sport level components onto a sweet full squishy frame.

Please don't ride these on the road. It would be such a wasteful shame. Please feed them plenty of dirt, rocks, and roots.

These may be a lower spec bike than a top end full suspension thingy, but they are built for offroad. This does not have to be gnarly 15% climbs on broken trails or 40mph downhills but do get them out and get them dirty. I have been mountain biking for 15 years and I have not yet progressed up to full suspension- they may be the ultimate but the ones that work are Mega bucks and the cheap ones are pogo sticks. I would still go with the suggestion of looking at the wallet to see which model you can afford, and then buy a helmet as your first accessory- before you leave the shop with the new bike in tow.

Ok, here's what I've decided upon. I paid in full for the RockHopper Comp Disc ($650 w/ Hayes Nines), and ordered the HardRock Pro Disc for my son ($550). I have a tendency to buy more expensive things than I really need, and this seems to be no exception. But my general philosophy is that you get what you pay for, and as long as I am getting excellent quality for my dollar, I'm happy with spending a little extra. Besides, if for some reason our new hobby/sport doesn't take, we will have a couple of higher value bikes with better resaleability!

Regardless, my son and I are both very excited about these bikes, and we can't wait to get started. We found a Labor Day sale at REI where they have Bell Furio helmets on sale from $60 down to $44, so we plan on picking up a couple of those, and maybe some riding gloves (any suggestions?).

As for riding shorts - I saw some boxer-type things you wear under normal shorts. Are these any good? Do they offer rash protection the same as full-on riding shorts, or is there a better way to go? Further, do we even need shorts at this point, or should we hold off a month or so?

Lastly, let me thanks every one of you for your insight. I am a Moderator on a BlackBerry forum, and I deal with newbies all the time, and sometimes it gets frustrating answeriung the same easy questions, as I'm sure you guys know. But you have all been patient and very helpful with my ignorance, so thanks a bunch.

Congrats, Seattle18, on your new bikes! I'm sure son & you will have a blast on them!

As to your questions, I've never tried the boxer-type things. I do, however, use standard spandex bicycling shorts with the padding sewn in. I like these not only for their comfort but also for their abrasion resistance. I had an accident in June that left me sliding down the asphalt on my butt. I walked (well, hobbled) away with no loss of skin! That alone makes me a convert for riding shorts!

You'll like the gloves too. Get some that are large enough (glove sizing for bicycle gloves seems to run small). I've got lots of different brands, and like them all. Just avoid any glove with real leather in it (they're not washable).

Helmets are fine - You'll be happy with the Bells, I predict.

Happy riding & keep us posted!

Nice bikes for sure! And, I would bet that the PNW has some awesome trails.

I have a pair of Fox Mid Ranger shorts (nylon baggies with an inner strech liner and chamois) from the turn of the century that I like. I'm not so thrilled about the newer versions because the fabric seems thicker (hotter) and the cut is much baggier and longer.

I prefer baggy bike shorts to be well-fitted around the hips. Or else, the fabric has a tendency of riding up and bunching up under your seat as you pedal. Honestly, for off-road riding where your spend more time standing on your pedals, shorts are not really all that critical.

Go ride.