AquariaGuy

Hi Everyone

I'm new to this board, just surfing around looking for people to ask about a new bike I want to purchase. Well I've been recently into bikes all of a sudden, i guess cuz i ride more and i want to bring it to university because first year sucked with my sucky bike, and i'm going to be living even further away. Anyways, I found these 4 bikes from 4 different stores, with 4 different prices. I'm just not sure which one is the "better" buy for that price, and also if the bike is manufactured good enough so as to not break down a few years down the road, because i'm not sure which bikes are made in China or Taiwan, or if they are made in china and assembled in China. So if you guys could give me your help, pointers, tips, experiences on any of these bikes, and which one is worth it, that'll be APPRECIATED!

All of them are Alivio back derailleur but i'm not sure what the other components are, like if it's acera or altus for the front shifters or front derailleur.

The bikes: (in CDN)

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Schwinn MESA GS $600, 1 yr warranty on components (1 yr free tune up)
https://www.schwinnbike.com/products/...ail.php?id=176

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Giant Yukon $659 with Alivio (the picture has deore in it) (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/030...=96&model=9828

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GT Avalanche 2.0 $659 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
https://productcatalog.gtmountainbike...alog/index.php

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Specialized Hardrock COMP $590 (5 yr warranty and 5 yr free tune up)
https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...untain&my=2003
*This one is a bit heavy, and i'm not fond of the color. but best price.

I'm leaning towards the Giant, if i can bargain with the guy. Something that is a plus for me, is the 5 year free tune up, because i will be bringing in my bike at least twice a yr, since i will be doing a lot of riding this summer, and to class everyday. The dealer with the Schwinn told me that, a lot of bike shops don't REALLY do a tune up, since they give it for free, and they do a half-sucky job on it to get it over with. I'm not sure if that's true or not. A tune-up is also $25 here. I could try to learn how to do a tune-up but i'm not really sure from reading all the stuff from the 'net, on how to adjust everything properly, and also i don't want to keep on buying the lubes,degreaser and what not... Well, that was QUITE a long post. I hope someone can help me! Thanks a lot!!

Matthew

P.S. If anyone lives in Toronto and can tell me some good stores to go too, that'll be great! Or any discounts! LOL

BurlySurly

They're all the exact same low end model. Pick a brand name and a pretty color you like.

AquariaGuy

I see...hmm....
Well i don't consider them "low-end", just suitable for my needs..which are not extreme trails and such.

BurlySurly

Dont get me wrong.

Theyre not crappy bikes by any means. Way better than something youd find at the local wal-mart, but really, they are what they are....basic model mountain bikes. Just pick the one that feels the nicest for you.

nismo400

get a specialized rockhopper.

AquariaGuy

Oh..i see what u mean...i guess so, it's more like recreational mtb, but i will go on quite a few trails with maybe a few jumps if my bike can handle it.

Nismo: Do you have a reason for the specialized? do you like specialized or just like 'em?

gonesh9

Specialized or Giant would be my preference, merely on brand quality.

steveK

$600 for a Schwinn Mesa GS is way too much. I would pass on that one. There's a guy on ebay selling Schwinn Mesa DS full suspension bike. He has a few evey week in different sizes and they are going for $200-$350. Here's a link. https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=27948

Check Ibex bikes out. I got their Ignition 2 for $500 and its a great bike for the price. https://www.ibexbikes.com/03bikes_index.html

tFUnK

for $500 US you can get a nice specialized rockhopper. dont deal with the fuss. the giant might also be worthwhile. as mentioned above, they are basically the same. i would steer away from the hardrock, never been a fan of them, no particular reason though, just dislike the geometry.

stateman

I prefer the Hardrock over the Giant. They are both very nice bikes, just my personal prefferance. If you do buy the HardRock Comp, $590 is way to much for it. My LBS sells it for $429. You can even get the HardRock Pro Disc for $550. Let us know what you decide on.

rappa

FWIW - I believe Specialized switched from 5 yr warranty to Lifetime limited on the frame. Check the FAQ section of their site. I own a Specialized Hardrock. Cost me a whopping $349 (after tax). If you decide to go w\the Specialized, do not fear for the frame. The frame is built pretty tough. I've only had mine a month and ridden it hard and had some pretty good wrecks (rocks, trees, downhill, drops). The only thing damaged were my body and my pride!

PS - I agree, that the price is way high for the HardRock Comp. My LBS has them for $449.

totaletech

$429 Canadaian????

I think he mentioned that he was speaking in Canadian $'s.
I think $590 Canadian for the hardrock comp is a great price.

rappa

Oh, that's what CDN means (DOH!)

a2psyklnut

Like mentioned above, these are all entry-level mountain bikes. Again, they're much better than any "X-Mart" bike, but at these low prices, it's hard for one manufacturer to do anything really different from his competitors, (The margins are much smaller the less expensive the bike), so you will find many of the same components, frame material, front suspension...etc.

The biggest difference of bikes at this level are frame geometries and paint schemes.

I highly suggest you test ride each of the four bikes at least once more each. Decide which one is the most comfortable for you. Buy that one!

L8R

stateman

Yeah sorry about that. Didn't see the CDN!!!

KrisA

Personally for the price range you are looking at I'd get a Kona. From what I've seen in the lower end bikes you get slightly better parts on Kona's. Plus I like the looks of them!

For $550 - Hahanna

For $650 - Fire Mountain - I like this one, nice crank, RS fork, Alivio rapid fire shifters, plus you can get it in a cool polished aluminum finish.

a2psyklnut

Umm guys, $600 CDN converts to about $450 US dollars.

L8R

troie

Why are Ibex FS bikes so inexpensive?

AquariaGuy

Wow, thanks for all the replies guys! That was pretty fast. And about the confusion lol, ya the prices i listed were in canadian dollars heh.

I'm now leaning towards Specialized or Giant, but for the specialized, i don't really like the frame geometry and i hate the color RED, since in the fall i will be doing more road riding and it is a bit heavier, but shouldn't make a big deal. That Schwinn and Ibex are not bad, but i'm hoping to look for something in the LBS so i don't have to pay a bundle for shipping. Well i'll probaly take the Giant and Specialized out for a ride again, have rided the Specialized since it was raining when i went.

And also, i confused everyone about the warranty, because i meant that the warranty was the store warranty, not the manufacturer. All these bikes are lifetime warranty on the frame i think hehe.....my bad about the confusion!!

I doubt i'd get the disc brakes, i don't want my bike to be an eye opener because i will be locking it up at school during some night classes, and i'll probaly get it insured (still gotta figure out how that works)

Thanks for all the opinions, suggestions, experiences!! Keep 'em coming.

Matthew

steveK

Troie - Ibex is low cost because they are sold direct from Ibex in Georgia, no middleman bike shops to take their cut. Ibex are only sold online and through ebay. Ibex also doesn't spend much for advertising. I think they are a pretty small company, Jack is the guy who answers all the email. The frames are made in Taiwan and I guess that's where all the parts are put on also.

troie

So basically stay away from Ibex?

Scooby Snax

AquariaGuy, A coupple of good shops to deal with, depending on where in the city you are, D'onellas East end,
Bike Zone Mississauga, Chain reaction Etobicoke, Sport Swap Central, or PM World IRC here on the board, he is friendly with A shop in the north end.

Have you considered looking at MEC's gear swap? they have used bikes, and if you are riding to school, maybe you want a beater/commuter rather than a new bike?

any way you decide to go, pick the one that fits well, feels good and rides well.

Good luck,

Scoob

AquariaGuy

I live in North York, around the bayview village area, or if u don't know that, it's close to fairview mall. I haven't heard of MEC's bike shop, or all the other ones u listed heh.

I'm leaning towards the Giant or Specialized. but when i do my road biking at univ., i don't know if the weight will play a big factor. Also the red is a put off, since i called the shop and they said red is the ONLY color available to canada -_- sucks eh? While u guys in US have all these fancy wancy colors... heh
Not many of you here have Giants, do u?


Matt

Dannihilator

Note sig and avatar.

nismo400

i must admit i am somewhat biased towards specialized. The rockhopper is goin to be the best in terms of parts. I'm also pretty sure it would be like 2-3lbs lighter than any of the bikes on your list. The frame is the same as a 2002 stumpjumper but with the heavier A1 material. i was goin to get a Rockhopper, but i was gion to buy a bike to upgrade so i just figured i'd spring for the M4 stumpjumper. Anyways, if you can afford it, i think it might be slightly more than the bikes you're looking at. i'm not sure of the current exchange rates. Specialized also has a lifetime warrantee on their frames and a 1 year on the parts. i must admit i haven't ridden the rockhopper, but i suggest you give her a shot.