Need Advice deciding on Hardtrail
 

Hello,

I have been riding flatland freestyle BMX for many years, and I am now interested in trying mountain biking. I anticipate that I will ride the bike on trails on weekends. I don't have any plans to ride too hard, just to enjoy the outdoors when the good weather finally sets in.

I am looking for a hardtrail in the $500-600 range, with decent components and mechanical disc brakes.

I have done some research, and based on my preferences , I have norrowed down the bikes that I am interested in to the following ones. However, I am having a hard time deciding which one to get. I am hoping that the experts on this forum can provide some advice.

- '03 Specialized Hardrock Pro ($530) with Shimano gears and disc brakes, and RockShox Judy TT forks: The bike seems nice, although I have read that some components, particularly the forks, are not that great.

- '03 Marin Hawk Hill ($525), with Shimano gears and disc brakes, and InSync Grind 523 forks: I am under the impression that Marin makes good mountain bikes. The top and down tubes seem thin, but the salesperson told me that their unconventional shape makes them very strong. The bike seems really nice except for the InSync forks. I have found little info about them, and the little I found was not very good. That concerns me.

- I was offered a '02 or '01 (can't remember, the frame is blue with yellow accents) Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, with Shimano gears and disc brakes, RockShox Judy TT forks, and Mavic rims. The salesperson told me that this is a $1000 bike that I could have for $699. It's a little more that I want to spend, but I wonder if I should jump on the opportunity as it seems like a really good bike, except for the forks.

I have also looked at Giant Iguana Disc which seems nice. However, it does not give me that warm fuzzy feeling when I look at it.

Anyway, thanks for reading, and most importantly, thanks for any advice suggestions.

Nicolas

Due to your background in bmx, you might find the specialized p1 or p2 to be a good fit for you. The geometry of those bikes are much like oversized and beefed up bmx bikes, but can still do well on the trails. You can get into a p1 for around 450-550 and a p2 for around 600-650. The frames are identicle, so its just a difference in componentry. The bikes you mentioned are good bikes for getting into mountain biking, but I guess it all depends on where you want to go with the sport. If you plan on getting into dirt jumping or urban assault, yet still want to ride trails, the specialized p series bikes will suit your needs fine. However, if you want to stick with trails only and are looking at the cross country side of the sport, those bikes will better suit you. I started off with the specialized rockhopper comp, and it was a great begginners ride. About 6 months later I was looking at my second bike, fully suspended, and now Im on that. Currently Im in the process of buying my 3rd bike, one suited for freeride purposes which is the side of the sport I am drifting to.



heres the link to the specialized website and the p series bikes.

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkFami...3&fan=P.Series

Everything should be based on how comfortable the bike feels to ride. Everything in a certain price range is usually about equal. I would go with what size, geometry fits you best, then go to looks. You definitely picked a couple good ones to start with. Just ride a bunch and go from there.

Thanks for the replies. I am afraid that I will not be able to make a true judgement of how the bikes feel from riding around the stores.

I am actually leaning towards the Marin because it has a classic shape. However the little info that I have found about the InSync Grind 523 suspension forks is pretty bad and it concerns me.

Are these forks that bad, or are they fine for recreational/occasional trails usage?

Thanks,
Nicolas

For what it's worth...jensonusa is selling the insync 523 for $35.00.

While I will certianly defer to those members with more experience...I will throw in my advice based on my recent bike search.

You can get a very nice hardtail in your price range. However, bikes in that neighborhood with disc brakes are certainly going to have some compromises in other areas. What you need to figure out is where the company cut its corners. Usually components and wheels. Components can always be changed but you are stuck with the frame. If you really want discs in the $500-600 range then you have to accept lesser quality in other areas. But it is probably easier/cheaper to get them to begin with than upgrade brakes, hubs and possibly rims later.

btw if you do a search, many recommend the Giant Rainier with avids for around $700. I have no personal experience with it but a lot of other people seem to like it. If you cant scrape up the extra $100 or so you can always look out for last year's model or a slightly used one. Good luck in your search.

I'll second what descartes said. I don't think I've ever heard a cyclist disappointed by the Giant Rainier. Giant also makes a disc version of their Iguana for $500-600, although the LBS I talked to admitted that the specs aren't as good as the regular Iguana. There is a problem on their website today, so I couldn't compare them myself.
Also, I wouldn't be too quick to discredit the virtues of V-brakes unless you plan on hilly terrain and aggressive riding.
The other bikes you are looking at seem decent as well, although the Judy TT is Rockshox base line fork. It is heavier and not as smooth as others, but is stiff enough for a lightweight like me.

I, too, am with descartes on this one. If you want disc breaks on an entry-level bike you're going to end up with a bad fork. It may not prove a problem if your riding is really as mild as you describe. However, I suspect that after gaining some confidence riding off road you will end up doing things that the forks aren't suited for. Of the 2 forks you mentioned, I would say the Judy is certainly the better bet, but thats best of the worst. Judy is a pretty low quality fork. Just something for you to consider. Here's a review of the '03 Judy TT

http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/200...t_122087.shtml

From an old BMXer, I will say, I agree with the suggestion to get a beefier bike like the Specialized P.2. It'll hold up to what a BMXer considers "FUN".

I know you know of Haro, they make a pretty decent hardtail in your price range. The Escape 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3.

It's heavier than the Specialized Hardrock style of bike, but will stand up to some abuse!

There are more and more bikes available that are similar to these. You'll just have to look around and see what you come up with!

Thank you all for the replies.

Well after long and hard thinking, browsing the internet, mtbreview.com and checking out bikes at stores, I decided that the best value for my money was the 2001 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp Disc. It was more than what I felt I should pay for my first mountain bike, but it seemed to be a steal for $699.

The bike appears indeed incredibly equipped for that price: Shimano Deore shifters and derailleurs, Mavic X223 rims, and Magura Julie hydraulic disc brakes (that was actually a surprise to me as the showroom model has Hayes mechanical disc brakes)

Yet, I think I am going to return the bike.

As hard as it is to fathom, I think the bike is too nice for me and what I intend to use it for. There are also a few things that bother me about the bike:
- I am 6'3. The salesperson advised that I get a 21" frame. However I am used to riding BMX bike and to riding something relatively nimble. The bike feels too tall and I am afraid that it will not be easy to maneuver in rough terrain.
- The colors of the bike are too flashy and showy for me. I want a bike that is more subtle in its appearance
- I do not feel confident with my ability to maintain and service hydraulic brakes. I would rather have mechanical disc brakes which I feel completely capable of maintaining

In summary, I think I am going to return the bike tomorrow for a refund, and buy a Marin Hawk Hill for $525 instead. I will probably get a 18.5".

Thanks again,
Nicolas

Sorry to hear the first bike didnt work out.

I still urge you to look at the specialzied p1 or p2. They are great bikes for the money, and will suit your bmx background perfectly. However, it may be hard to locate one since specialized has run out of a lot of their 2003 lines of bikes. If you do see one, however, I strongly urge you to check it out, or ask the lbs when they will have some in stock or if they can order one.

Another suggestion would be to check out kona bikes. The Kona stuff, and scab would fit your budget nicely and are comprable to the p series bikes of specialized. The kona roast, kona's best out of bounds hardtail is also a sweet bike, although more expensive. This bike would be a better all around bike then the previous two I mentioned, but you will be paying more unless you find a deal on a 2002 or 2001.

http://konaworld.com/kw_index.cfm

I also suggest you check our Haro, as someone else mentioned and look at the escape series. The 2003 escape 8.3 is a super beefy frame and a great all mountain bike. The 2002 model is also worth looking at and would be a great bike for you. You could probably find a good deal on a 2002.

http://harobikes.com/2003/mtb.html