Hi guys, glad I found this forum. I'm fairly new to bicycles directly from motorcycles and want to get started. I don't have an extreme amount of money to spend...sadly about $450, maybe a little more. I have no idea of bicycle values or prices (why i'm asking for help) and would like some info on what mountain bike to get.

In a bike, i'm looking for something that will handle trail, medium length road rides, general off-road, and whatever else. If $450 is nothing, let me know, I can get more, but i'm not looking to spend a ton on a bicycle. I've spent over $12,000 on my motorcycles and just want the bike as a side hobby, but a good bike that will last and take some abuse (not extreme).

Thanks guys, any help is appreciated.

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EDIT:
Been looking around and found the Specialized Hardrock sport for $390.00...What do you guys think of this bike? Also, What would I be looking at in price for a bike with suspension compared to......oh lets say the $390 specialized....lol...I already know, alot more right? Again, any help is appreciated.

BTW: In case anyone is wondering for bike selection, I'm 5'11" 175

You can get a low-end servicable hardtail MTB for about that price range which will be decent for trails. Admiteddly, you will get a basic nonadjustable front fork and bare-bones stuff, but you can upgrade as you see fit.

Just make sure to factor in your budget the cost of a helmet, lock, and other tools.

I was reading the post that says "Read this before asking questions".............after I posted. lol, but still need a couple of opinions.

Figured about the suspension...thats ok, not looking for anything spectacular...Reason why I'm asking about specific bikes is because I need to know which shops to go to first. So do you guys think the specialized could be a good route? I really like the looks, but obviously need to try it out.

A lot of people here like the Specialized Hardrock as an entry level bike. You can also consider Gary Fisher, Trek, Kona, Cannondale, Giant, etc. Most of these companies will have comparable hardtails to the Hardrock. Ride as many as you can, pick the one that feels best.

Your best bet would be to look at some used bikes - this will stretch your $450 to a better bike for the $$.

JB, there are many good choices in that price range and it's a great time to find a 06 bike on markdown. I really suggest you test ride as many bikes as possible at your local bike shop. Each has it's own fit and feel and it will become apparent as to which you like better. A bike that fits you well will play a big factor in how much you will ride it. The Hardrocks are one of the most popular due to being good value with decent components. Take your time, research the threads here, ask questions, and shop carefully.

+1 I bought my full suspension cannondale jekyll almost fuly loaded for $600 used, good luck!

I'd love to get a great deal on a used bike, but I really have no idea in what i'm looking for in the bike to know if it were a great deal or not. If anyone knows of any good deals, send the link on by assuming you don't keep it for yourself!!!

So far today, I've looked at and rode 5 bikes:

1. Raleigh mojave 8.0
2. Specialized Rockhopper
3. Specialized Hardrock
4. Haro Escape Sport (had a Escape about 4 years back that kicked ass, I love these bikes)
5. Gary Fisher Pirahnna

Out of all of these bikes, 4 were in my price range now. the rockhopper, hardrock, '06 mojave 8.0 for $549, and the gary fisher.

I rode them all and honestly liked each one. They all felt different, but nothing I didnt like. Which out of these is the better choice?

Welcome from a former moto rider, builder, mechanic. I picked up a $10 old school Ross Signature series at the Salv. Army and am in the process of getting it ready to ride. Just waiting for a warranty/recall replacement fork crown from Marzocchi. Then with about a half hour 45 minutes work I'll be test riding.

Happy trails!

+ 1 more. Get a name brand bike and upgrade parts as you ride more. Be careful you are on the right sized frame.

JB, are their any Performance Bike shops near you? They carry Iron Horse and I picked up a new 06 Warrior Expert for less than $500. A well spec'd hardtail at a killer price. Check out www.rscycle.com then click on Iron Horse sale/closeouts. They also show the basic Warrior for $329. , again, a great deal with more than entry level parts. I am very pleased with the fit/finish on my Iron Horse. That said, I have ridden Rockhoppers and they are SOLID. HOw tall are you? I am 6-2, and rode the 19" Rockhopper and my Warrior is a 19.5". Check out Craigslist too, you may get lucky. FYI, I bought my 06 ROckhopper (base model with V brakes) on sale at $467. (nephew now rides it). My local bike shop had the Gary Fisher Tass on sale at $549., very nice spec'd bike with V brakes. Good luck and let us know what you find.

With those prices for the Iron Horse, that seems very good... If I find a dealer around here that has them, I may just order one from that website Jimx200... Are the Iron Horse's really good? What about this one for the price, is this a good full suspension? I read some good things about it...


Iron Horse Yakuza Aniki 2006 (Freeride) The Iron Horse Yakuza Aniki, one of the hottest selling Freeride bikes of 2005, is back and better than ever for 2006.

***LIMITED TIME SALE PRICING***

MSRP: $949.99
You Save: 42.0%
ONLINE PRICE: $599.00
Or this one for a hardtail...How do you think this compares to the Rockhopper or Gary fisher pirahnna?


Iron Horse Warrior Expert 2006 (XC Race)

NEW

Built for speed, the 2006 Warrior Expert is a high end cross country bike that won't bust your budget.

About a year ago, I was looking at the same bikes. I tried both Specialized models you mentioned, the GF Pirahnna, a Fuji and Trek 4500 and 3900. Landed up getting a 05 leftover Rockhopper. I went for more frame and I'll upgrade components later as needed.
As you shop around, you may want to take into account the quality of the bike mechanics at each shop. I found the size of the firm selling the bike, such as a large chain, did not always guarentee good mechanics. A good mechanic can make the difference between enjoying your riding vs making it a chore. You might want to go to the regional forums and find out who in your area has good mechanics.

So is anyone familiar with the Iron Horse Yakuza Aniki??? for $599.99, compared to the normal $949.00 MSRP, I think it would be worth it to get this, assuming its components are good and for a full suspension bike, durable...

For a full suspension bike is this worth it? Thanks for all the input so far guys. I appreciate it since I have no idea what I'm looking at or buying. BTW: THE LINK FOR THE YAKUZA IS ABOVE IN THE POSTS ABOVE

I went to the 1 of 3 LBS in a 3 block radius of eachother and they are the only one that carry specialized. They are super nice and very knowledgable. I got the '06 Rockhopper for $429.00 and they threw in a few goodies with it. The shop is called "The bike peddler" and the place is great. I'm glad I found it and found the '06 model. Thank you to everyone that helped me out, and gave me great input and advice... Well, here it is!!!

Congrats! You'll enjoy that bike alot.

nice bike and pics, now take those goofy reflectors off!!

LOL, they WERE goofy weren't they...Already took them off and took it for a 2 mile test ride on and off road. It rides great...I love the suspension on it, easily adjustable and user friendly....not to mention pretty damn decent for this bike....

Just curious...What would it take to bend any part of the rear end? I am doing some pretty hard trail with small 1, maybe 2 foot drops on occasion...anything I have to worry about with this bike doing these activities?

JB, you did well. Great bike, great price too. The Rockhoppers are noted for their excellent geometry and stout frame. That bike will last many years...if something breaks, it's a frame damn worthy of any upgrade(s). Now go get that thing dirty. And don't forget a helmet (one of the secrets to longevity)..lol.

Looks great and congratulations. The bike can easily take one to two foot drops so go out and enjoy yourself.

I had a similar experience around Christmas. Went all over town to every shop in the book, and the last place I stopped had a left over 06 Rockhopper Comp. Saved money and LOVE the bike.

Nice Bike!! Specialized makes good sturdy well priced bikes. Here is a 1989 Hardrock .I got it a few months back. The wheels,seatpost,and handlebars aren't original,of course. It is still going strong despite years of use-abuse neglect, and being submerged for 24 days-Katrina.
Luck,
Charlie
PS This is a steel frame, but I actually think aluminum is better. It is a good 1.5 lbs lighter,and the tires have much more to do with ride quality than the frame material. In truth, once an inexpensive frame is dented much, it is toast, no matter what material.All the "steel can be repaired, and breaks slower" is BS.A frame worth less than $400 isn't worth paying to repair.Very few frames are worth $400!!
Very nice bike!! "Steel is real" is BS, but you will hear it from a lot of old timers; Not so much from MTB riders.