Trail Riding
 

Alright I keep digging deep and deeper into which mountain bike I should get for trail riding/ mountain biking. I was originally going to get the Marlin 5 then the Talon 2 but now I'm thinking the rockchopper comp utiil i keep second guessing myself. My budget is $750 and below. I read mountain bikes are different than trail bikes so my mind is blown and I have no idea what the heck to get. Any thoughts or insight would be great, this is my first real bike also thanks .

Have you been to dealers to look at the bikes? Do you prefer one of the dealers over the others? Do you have any preference toward paint color or wheel size?

Thanks for the responses I really like the Talon 2 but I feel the rockchopper comp has better components, color isn't really a big thing as long as I know I'm getting a good bike with none dated parts and I know my price range isn't going to get me top notch things. Thanks

Components look like a close call. I like that the Giant is 2x in front. The Giant's shifters are slightly higher level. The two forks I'm not sure about.

You say you really like the Talon 2. Do you feel equally about the Rockhopper?

Yeah I do

All of those forks are only fair, they are all coil spring forks, only really suitable for smooth trails. Certainly it is possible to manage with a lesser fork, but I would suggest something with a full air fork. If you are comfortable doing your own wrenching, bikesdirect.com has the Motobecane Fantom29 comp wtih a full air fork for $799. Motobecanes are solid frames, a bit heavier than Giant or Specialized but decent. My son has one.

For specialized the Rockhopper expert is the first model with full air fork at $900, most other brands it is $1000 for the first full air fork.

Could I put air forks on the comp or talon?

Yes. Any bike shop can help with that.

I just don't have budget for 800, $750 is the highest. Are there any bikes that you would suggest that aren't listed, or are these bikes good to go

truthfully at that range I would go with the Giant, and save while you decide if you want to upgrade the whole bike or just the fork, or maybe even find you are happy with what you have.