thebike

Hi

Im am looking for a new bike

I am 6 feet and depending on how much iron I am lifting 205-220 lbs

I am riding on allot of paved roads, dirt roads, gravel roads, and off trail in muddy, sandy, and rock terrane. Idd say I'm doing 50% on road 50% off road.

I am looking for a hard tail with front suspension, that is adjustable - one I can make very hard.

I would prefer a lighter bike

I have a price range from 1,000-1,300

I have been out of the bike scene for a long time and I'm flying blind. I have looked at a Marin alloy forget the model but it was 999.00 it only came in one color and it was a ugly grayish color. I was not thrilled about what the bike handled like, but then again I don't thing the shop did a good job putting it together. Looked at a Trek in the same price range and was even less impressed. I heard Gaint made both Specialized and Trek. There are allot of brands I have never herd off, and I need some help. I now allot of people rave about Cannondale. However, I have broken a Cannondale frame in the past. I was told Santa Cruz was the way to go, but I am unfamiliar with them. Like I said I have seen so many on line and bike Mag. that I have never herd of. Please help, don't want to wast that kind of cash thanks PS cant spell so please over look the SP.

Thanks

MtbScott

i wouldnt overlook specialized. Take a look at the hardrock pro, its cheaper than what your lookin for ($700) , so you can make upgrades if you want. it will handle drops and your road riding. i dont think you can go wrong with that. but try it first

joelsp

At that price range, and if you want a bike built to be somewhat bullet proof, the Kona Hoss may be right up your alley. In fact you could get the Hoss Dee-Lux at $1099 which has much nicer components.

thebike

ya how about some tips here Kona Hoss? dosent look like it be toomgood for road riding.

dno101

from your personal build detail, and in particular for your intended use, i feel you should avoid any of the 'urban' jump style frames where they have a noticeable gradient slope from bars down towards the seat post (kona do a bucket load of that type) - don't believe you would get on with one of them and would probably end up needing a two foot long seat post just to be comfy.....if you are set on getting a hardtail, then marin or specialized make solid hardtails. in all honesty though, with your stature, i would seriously consider a decent full suspension such as a scott high octane; just for example. take care over the rear shock though, as that really makes a full suspension - don't wanna be bobbing like a meir cat under pedal stroke.....

thebike

ya its going to be a hardtail..... any one elss got a bike to look at, other than the above said Marin or Specialized.