Sanyo89

Hey I would like to purchase a quality mountain bike for around 350-500. Any suggestions and why? I see size is a factor on here. So I am 5-10 180. Thanks in advance.

Breitling

2008 17.5" Gary Fisher Wahoo--$510

next question please.

Podolak

Specialized Hardrock

I'm not sure of your inseam so you may need to decide between a medium frame and a large. You'll know better after you try them.

migoythepinoy

Cannondale F6 (or F5), Specialized Hardrock, Garyfisher Wahoo, Iron Horse Maverick 5.0 are all worthy bikes in that price range (and all have basically the same components) so you should just go to as many LBS's as possible and test ride all of these bikes whichever feels right (and looks right ) to you is the one you should get...

santiago

Very well written.

junkyard

Yeah, what migoythepinoy said.

roccobike

Definition of Free-For-All: Posting on BF forums Mountain Bike site, "I have $500, what MTB should I buy". Then stand back and watch.
The only post that surpasses this statement is, "How should I clean my chain" on the Mechanics Forum.

Breitling

very true. I've gotten to the point where there are so many of these that I just give the same answer for every single one: Gary Fisher Wahoo. Sometimes, I'll type out the whole thing about finding what fits you and you like, but if these people won't take the effort to read the FAQ, then I'm not taking the effort to give them a quality answer.

Okieslims

Thanks for this information. I'm having the same issue as the op. I got IPMBA certified on a high end cannondale and really enjoyed myself. So, after reading this I zoomed off to find some reviews on the f6. I can't find anything though Can anybody reccomend a really good review site. I tried the on that was posted above.

I'm looking to spend 5-600 on a bike that I can grow with as I get better on the trails and the street.

Thanks.

Okieslims

Yeah I understand how it could be annoying reading the same question over and over. The thing is that most noobs(myself included) don't know the first thing about what they want on a bike. We are generally looking for experienced people to lead us down the right path so we don't throw our money away on
a bike that were going to outgrow in 2 years. The only other realm where people are really willing to help us out is the bike store. I ,honestly, don't trust anyone that has $$$ to gain from helping me out. They are going to try to make a sale whether it's the best thing for me or not.

5-600 is a lot to me.

I appreciate you taking the time to point us in the right direction.

migoythepinoy

The F6 is an 08 sooo you wont really find any thing....but your LBS should have one...

Tra!l !

I started with an 07 Trek 4500 for like 500. I don't know about the 08' yet but I bet their cool. Just ride them all.

bewshy

I started with a 04 or 05 Kona Blast (forums here helped me decide) and have since "upgraded" to a 07 Caldera. I checked out the new Blasts and it looks like Kona knocked some of the components down a few grades.

Raiyn

Gee I seem to remember a big FAQ sticky at the top of the page that covers this sort of thing quite nicely. Where's that link? Oh here it is. https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/67259-please-read-before-asking-question-mtb-faq.html

migoythepinoy

The new konas are very dissappointing...

Sanyo89

I went to some bike stores today and looked at some of the bikes you guys suggested. I looked at a Haro flightline (2008 fall collection), Cannodale f7, specialized rockhopper, a trek 3700. The Haro and the trek felt the best to me and the guy at the bike store recommened the trek 4500. I think I might go with the trek but is there any opinions on the haro? thanks a lot

oh and all of these bikes were 400. the rockhopper might have been a little more.
both the trek and the haro felt great. I like the size and weight of both but which do you think will be more reliable in the long run?

santiago

Perfect. I think you'd be happy with either the Haro or the Trek. I'd personally go for the Trek between the two but in all honesty, there isn't much difference between the two at this price point. What matters is that the bike feels good to you.

ed 

I pretty much say to most new riders that you can't go wrong with the Hardrock.

I like the Fisher Wahoo too.

You would probably want a Medium size bike for your height.

The nice thing about the Hardrock line is that they are a good "all around" bike for figuring out what you want to do with it. Once you decide whether you're a Cross Country rider, All Mountain rider, DownHiller, or Freerider...(or whatever niche group lies within) then you can move that direction later. The Hardrock will not hang with a super-efficient XC bike, but it will be efficient enough to enjoy some trail. It's not made to huck a 20 cliff, but it's tough enough to handle aggressive riding w/o totally crapping out after two days so you can enjoy learning how to be an aggressive rider.

It's a good stepping stone.

ukie

I just bought Kona fire mountain 18". I am quite happy with it. It's good for the price. I crashed it twice already. No damage except for a bent hanger.

blue_neon

I have one thing to say:


Buy the bike that feels most comfortable for you.

If you choose to ignore the above statement you will regret it. People spend far too much time looking at bike specs then what actually counts.

Sanyo89

Yes I just bought a haro flightline. I think it was a great choice. It felt great riding compared to the others that were suggested. For only 400 it seems to be the best choice for me. Thanks for all of the suggestions and help

norco_rider77

i have a Norco Katmandu, $450 CAD, so a little less american. great bike, it takes everything i throw at it, even light dj. just thought id tell u before u buy ur bike.

z415

What about those "vs." things like SRAM v. Shimano or stuff like that?

OP: I suggest you go test ride at shops and choose based on comfort. Make sure you have the shop guys help you with bike fit because it may be comfy, but then you realize your saddle is way too low or something and your whole world will come crashing down!

Oh, and look around mtbr.com and stuff like that. Reviews are helpful, other riders can think of problems that may never occur to you.

Also, ignore brands... every brand mentioned so far are excellent brands. If you can get it at a LBS, its most likely pretty darn decent although everyone has preferred brands that they swear are better then others. Too bad not everyone rides the same exact way in the same exact areas or that would work really well.

Good luck.