N00b questions (bike recommendations)
 

I'm looking at getting a bike, and the last time I was on one was as a kid. Looking around, it looks like these things have progressed quite a bit in the last ten years or so. Anyhow, I'm looking at several bikes, and I know these threads happen all the time- I've already read a bunch of them- but I was wondering what people's recommendations are concerning the following bikes:

GF Tassajara
Specialized Hardrock
Raliegh M80 disc
Giant Iguana/ Iguana disc

I'm not going to be doing any extreme downhill, dirtjumping, or freeride type stuff (limited places for that kind of thing here in the mostly flatlands of Alabama), so this is going to be mostly a cross-country/ trails type bike.

Help a n00b out! :D

Also, if you have a Kona dealer in the area, check out the Kona Blast. I think it is well-equipped for the price and Kona has a lot of respect among mountain bikers.

Of the others you mentioned, I personally would prefer the Specialized Hardrock or Giant Iquana.

go for the hardrock!..but then i am biased with it cuz i own one. The gaint and the specialized are great bikes and if you can get a good deal for them, go for it. I got my 01 hardrock comp for 300 US or 425 CDN which is amazing and i found my kona cinder cone ont eh side of the street :) Amazing i tell you.

I own a hardrock too :) Paid $270 for mine. Today I did a 14 mile extremely technical course. It was well worth it because it was 15 minutes of light downhill heaven. Ive upgraded it slowly i.e. stem, h-bar, pedals, tires. Soon Ill be getting new brakes and bb. Then again, I have nothing better to do with my money. Its a great bike and you wont be disappointed one bit.

One again i vote the tassajara.The gary fisher frames just fite me well and they ride great.But all the bikes in that price range are almost equaLLY equipped.So just find the bike that fits YOU best and that you feel rides the best.

Personally, I don't like Raleigh's. Never have, probably never will. No real reason, cept I'm a bike snob and I've always associated them with middle to low end, never high end. Plus, they're heavy! Same components, on another bike is 2 lbs lighter! Seriously, they're tanks! BUT, at the same time Strong!

L8R

Thanks for all the replies- I went out and rode a few today, and was pleasantly suprised by a Kona V3 ($439 locally). It's the cheapest of the bunch I've looked at thus far, but the best shifting and quickest steering of that small bunch. Would probably have bought it then and there, except it was a Medium and I need either a Large or XL.

As for the Raleigh, it's slipping in the rankings as I discover that I can get a similarly equipped Specilaized, Giant, etc. for a few more bucks.

Who knows more about Kona? I also rode a Diamondback today that wasn't too bad, although a bit more expensive (and heavier feeling) than the Kona, but with disc brakes and a 100mm fork instead of 80, but it's selling for $569.

I still haven't ridden a Rockhopper- maybe tomorrow, if the LBS is open.

Thanks for the replies, keep them coming!

Definately ride a Specialized. They have a sweet "complete" package. Good mix of components and a great quality frame.

What about the Giant? Their new line of bikes continues to impress me. Since they weld their own frames, (an a lot of other companies) they are usually a bit cheaper or come with a better component spec.

Gary Fisher's and Trek's are good as well.

Diamondback isn't what it was 5 years ago. They seem to have dropped their higher end stuff, but a good solid bike.

Don't forget to check out Jamis, KHS, and Ironhorse. All putting out some sweet bikes these days.

If you want a good solid bike for the money, but can deal with a little more heft, check out Haro Bikes. Good bikes, very durable, cheap, but a bit heavy!

L8R

Kona V3? Theres no reference of that model on their website, nor have I ever heard of one. Are you sure thats legit?

He might mean haro v3...

Duhhhh. Sorry bout that. Meant Haro V3.

Gary Fisher. 609 USD (619 for the 04).

Best bang for the buck in your category. It'll progress with you faster than any of the other bikes. An 04 Tassajara gets the frame of the 03 HooKooEKoo (I believe the frame is 3.6 pounds or so).

Tassajara gets my nod of approval.

I'm gonna jump in here for Giant. They have great value for what they offer and their warranty service kicks arse!

Rockhopper hands down.! I got one...although its now upgraded to a superbike class ...even the stock is a very nice aggroxc/lightFR frame...go for it.

I'm looking out for a bike as well. I've narrowd my options down to the GF Tassajara, the Giant Iguana and the Specialized Rockhopper. Of the three the Tassajara seems to have the best components. But so far the Rockhopper feels nice, but I haven't been able to test them out where it counts. Any advice?

I own a Specialized hardrock 2004 version :) Its really nice to ride and fits my geometry really well... the only let down in my eyes is the shifters and mechs which will need a slight bit of upgrading :) But an amazing bike for £400 which is about £650.... ( i realise that is abit expernsive or what your looking for but its a nice bike with plently of upgradablity

mindbogger? explain your story? you found the cinder cone on the street? what year is it?