Help with Entry Level Bike
 

Hi

I am buying my first mountain bike and need some advice on what to buy. I checked out a bunch of bike shops and found 3 bikes that I think are fairly comparable and all have disk brakes, but differ in price...any advice on which I should go with and why???
1. Giant Yukon for $423
2. Trek 4300 fir $387
3. Raleigh 05 M59 DX

Any advice would be really helpful!!!
Thanks!!

i hearr good things about the 4500 in this forum

I think the Yukon is the best bike out of your three choices. When faced with a similar situation back in March/April of this year, I bought a Specialized Hardrock Sport for $340 and I'm pretty happy with it.

I currently have an 05 4300 and for the most part am pretty happy. For the price it was hard to beat. As far as the rest I can't offer much advice. Feel free to click the link in my signature to see pics of my 4300 and the story that led to it's purchase. Maybe it'll save you from making some of the same mistakes I did.

Good luck and once you decide, have fun riding!

I'd get a Giant or a Trek. You can also get a Specialized Hardrock Comp for around $450 with disc brakes.

Have a look at the Haro range, V series. I bought the V3 Australian spec over the Yukon earlier this year. I liked the Yukon (mmmm...satin blaaaack...) but there was no way I could fit v-brakes to the rear which meant I couldn't fit my rack for longer trail rides. Everything else about it I preferred except that crap suntour fork.