Best Hardtail for 1000-1500?
 

I was looking at the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Disc, but I do not know much about components. I tried searching on MTBreviews for the Fox F90Rl fork, but I can't find anything. What is your opinion on this bike and can you reccomend any other ones, for single track XC racing?

Hmm, is there a Stumpjumper Comp disc? I though there was just Stumpjumper with rim brakes, the women design and the Stumpjumper with discs which is 1600$ (maybe this is what you mean?).

You may also want to look at the Trek 8000, its 1500$ and looks like a very nice light bike, complete with a ZR9000 frame, RockShox Reba fork and overall light selection of parts, I like how Treks ride for XC.

The Stumpy looks really nice too.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13547
That's where the Comp disc one is at. I'll check out the Trek.

Rocky Mountain Vertex 30

Whatever is lightest, has a decent fork, and actually fits. FIT is more important than anything else. You should test-ride at least 6 bikes in your price range. Hit the big shops like Bow, Cyclepath, Calgary Cycle [south], Ridley's, etc. Watch out for the Bike Shop. Good prices [except for their over-priced Rocky Mtn bikes], BAAAAD after-sale service [IMHO]. Think about bikes like a Norco Nitro - it compares favourably to other bikes at the $1500 mark.

o sasquatch

norco sasquatch

Maybe if he's freeriding, or doing lite DH.

He's doing XC.

Yeah I'm looking for Xc. I'll head out to Bowcycle and test ride some bikes. They let you test them there right?

Yes they will! In fact, I wouldn't generally buy a bike I couldn't test ride. If a shop says, "No, you can't test ride that bike", just take your money elsewhere.

Alright, thanks

Trust me any level of the Stumpjumper is worth every penny. It has a good combination of components and most LBS will let you swap out what ever you don't like and only charge you the difference. The Fox fork is great, the BB7s are the best, and the frame is really light.

I was thinking of getting an FS now... which is worth more of my money for XC? FS or hardtail Stumpjumper? Thanks

Depends where you live/what you ride.

Whistler, go FS. Cleveland (like my unlucky arse) go HT.

You're still waffling? For $1500 you can get a mediocre FS or a decent hardtail. That's all there is to it...

I have a stumpjumper disc, it's awesome. If you get a FS you won't get the greatest parts for $1500.

Are you young, strong and stupid? (Stupid as in not wise and still think your bones are made of rubber;) ) Got a good strong back? Still think women will say "Poor baby!" when you come home all busted up? Go for the hardtail.

Old, wise, weak and have a bad back? And you've found that women don't say "Poor baby!" but instead snicker at your pain? Go full squishy.

That said, I'm old, weak and stupid. I have both;) The FS climbs extremely well, goes down stuff like a champ, delivers me home less beat up but... I hate to ride it on long rides. The seat going up and down constantly wears me out more (works my legs more). If I try to use it for epic rides (25+ miles) I get back to the car feeling like I've spent the day riding through jello. My back is great but my legs a just beat!

The hardtail will deliver me back home feeling like someone has tried to remove a kidney...without a knife! My body is beat but my legs feel fine. Rides of up to 60+ miles are no problem. But it also doesn't climb as well (needs more finesse) and you have to pick a good line for coming down.

But at $1500, you ain't gonna get a great FS. You will get a great hardtail. For a great FS, you need to jump up another $1000.

oh, I didn't read it all

Thanks a lot. I'll go with the Stumpjumper Comp Disc, and when I really get into the sport, and can afford another thousand dollars I might go with a FS.

Good call.

I have a '06 Trek 8500. I love it. I payed $1800. But if your budget allows, you should look into it. It's loaded with Bontrager Race and XT parts w/a frame thats lighter than aluminum. My 19.5" weighs 26.5lbs with some generic platform pedals.