Buying XC Bike... Which one to Buy?
 

Recently i have been looking to buy a decent Cross Country bike and would like to get some advice.

Here is what I am looking for in a bike:
Affordable - around the $1000 range, plus/minus a couple hundred
Durable - I want a bike that can take a beating and is not purely used for racing (which means i dont need a super light bike).
Reputable name - so I don't need to go searching for a bike shop that will service my bike
I am 5'10" and 135 lbs. - So no monster bikes that are available in only large sizes.

The bikes that interest me most so far are:
Kona Kula (2006 preferred)
Norco EXC Two HT (even though the price is a little high)

Now, I would like to know what you think... Give me comments on anything I've said, throw some advice at me, or even better would be to post some pictures of your bike and tell me a little about it.

Any questions you have in terms of what I'm looking for specifically I would be glad to answer.

Many thanks, in advance.

K2 Apache 5.0

I'm very happy with mine. I upgraded the brakes to Avid Juicy 7.

Interesting rear suspension and nice overall bike... I think I'll be going with a front suspension only though.

Thanks for the response :)

Same here. At $1,000 you will not get a full suspension bike that works properly- You have to start looking at the High end bikes for that.

A Hardtail will be cheaper- but if you stick at the same Price of $1,000- you will getter better wheels- best forks and better components. You have looked at Konas and that is a great name in offroad bikes. Once a Kona Owner- You will stay partial to that Marque.They make a great bike. And a hardtail is plenty suitable for XC riding- Look at the Racers and very few Full Suspension bikes used in that.

Now- The Kona Caldera is a Good bike to start on- Look at it!!!!

Plenty of others but also be aware that the 2007 sales are about to begin to make way for the 08 bikes- some good bargains to be had.

Great, thanks for the insite :)

More comments appreciated