finally...
 

Okay, i'm finally gonna go into my LBS and get my ass a freeride hardtail.

Between the 3, which would you go with and why?

I'm a beginner, btw. Want my dj's and my trail rides.

Trek Bruiser 1

Kona Shred

GT Ruckus 3.0

thanks alot,
Jason

One of the first two, I personally have a Bruiser and love it, not sure about that fork though. Kona probably has the best reputation for freeride hardtails though, i would think of getting one of them if I were to get a new bike.

Get the Shred or a Cowan.

Choose to avoid the Trek. You'll thank me later....

Killer B, have you ever ridden the Trek Bruiser bike? If not then don't just bash it right away. I have ridden one and one it, and can say that I have had no problems with it.

Get the shred. Or else. ;)

Definately DO NOT GET THE GT! Gt's are horrible. I know someone here with that same one and he has had it for only a month and has broken 4 things. I have a Bruiser 2, and it's ok, although, I get a lot of flats and I recently destroyed my back end. I have a friend with the Bruiser 1 and he's had fewer problems than I have. Although, the Shred looks like a really good bike as well.

wait a second...why is the bruiser 1 in there instead of the Bruiser 2? The Bruiser 2 is the same price as the kona shred? $899 CDN...

Yeah, if it's Bruiser 1 vs Shred then the Shred, if it's the Bruiser 2 then dunno. :)

i own a bruiser, and i love it so far it's been problemless

I just picked up a Giant STP1. It feels solid. Handles, shifts and breaks accuratley and isn't even that bad on the street.

I admit I am a noob, and don't really know about the different makes and components.

Is the STP line even comparable to the ones mentioned in the orignial post. Or is Giant a mass market bike store type brand?

Anyway, I have had mine out a few times on trails and just screwing around and not only have I found no faults yet, I actually and happier with it each time I take it out.

Just my $ .02