nolagrrl

Join Date: Aug 2008 Hey Guys,

I'm new here, so I'd like to ask some advice. I'm interested in buying a mtn bike. I've done my research, so I know about all the different brands and stuff. I'm interested in what bike gives you the most bang for the buck. In my case, the buck is $500-$600. Now I know this is "entry-level" range, but do any bikes offer more(in terms of components, better frame, shocks, etc) than others in this range?

I read somewhere that brands like Giant and GT offer more bang than say Specialized or Trek, which is what most people seem to buy b/c of the brand recognition. I could care less about that. I want the best bike for the money. I've looked at the Giant Rincon, GT Avalanche(although all the different Avalanches confuse me), Cannondale F7 and F6, Trek 3900 and 4300. I haven't had a chance to check out Gary Fisher yet.

What would ya'll suggest for the best bang for my $500-$600 bucks? Thanks!!!

globe9

Hey Nolagrrl,

I'm in New Orleans too. What part are ya in?

I'd also consider Jamis or Marin. I own a Marin Hawk Hill that I got for less than $300 back in 06 on sale at Sierra Trading Post. Com. I'd say I got a great deal as it had above average components for that price range.

I also hear that Giant is a good buy. Don't know much about them though. I'm not even sure where the Giant dealer is around here. I'm sure you'll get some good answers though and welcome to the board. Also check out www.nomambo.com if you're in the New Orleans area...a good mtn biking forum for locals

born2bahick

If you aren't concerned with brand recognition, and want bang for your buck

santiago

At that price point, there will be little difference between the bikes, even those that appear to have better components than others. What will play a bigger role in what you get out of the bike is how it fits and feels to you.

Test ride a bunch in your price range and you'll have a short list as to what felt good to ride. You may even have a clear winner. If you don't and are still stuck choosing between more than one then come back with your short list and we'll give you our thoughts and opinions on each.

nacho

In that price range, I'd take a serious look at Jamis. Hell, for 09 the entry-level Trek is gonna be $499. I think you'd def. get more bang for your buck with a Jamis or some other lesser known brand that doesn't base it's prices based on advertising costs, endorsement costs, etc. The consumer pays for all that in the end.

Ricardo

If your budget is restrained, I'd look at slightly used bikes. If you are stubborn like me and want to get a new one I'd stay between Giant and Ironhorse.

Hope this helps,

Ricardo

ed 

Check out the "Closeout" crap at Jensonusa.com

kenhill3

+1. Hey, check this deal out! Hard to believe for $600.

johnxyz

Difference btwn the Warrior and Maverick lines for Iron Horse? Thanks.

Scratcher33

+1

gmrv4

Ibex has some pretty good deals on hardtails right now:

https://www.ibexbikes.com/

ed 

Before you buy a Jamis product...look at post #1 and #3 here.


I'm getting sick of hearing about this crap.

bcubed

I'm adding this on here because my situation is (IMO) too similar to warrant a 2nd post.

Recently, my 15-y.o. Nishiki Cascade was stolen in Montreal. One would think a big-box bike of such vintage wouldn't warrant the effort, but I digress. Basically, I want a STURDY, low-manitenance hardtail that can handle aggressive on and off road riding by a 210#er. I don't particularly care about weight, and am basically looking for a direct replacement (Cascade was great except for the marginal "rubber bumper" shock.)

Went to the bike store, checked out the Specialized Hardrock (the V-brake equipped trim level). Looked nice; the $440 price tag was o.k.

Next, hit the "big box" sports store (the one with the phallic name) and checked out the Ironhorse Maverick. Seemed similar in frame design, but a. Shimano vs. SRAM shifters and b. pretty sketchy fork. Price: $220 on sale.

Now, is the bike store bike worth double the $$? The only thing that seemed much better was the fork. I originally thought about buying a used bike for value and rebuilding, but it seems doubtful I'd find a used bike of comprable quality that'd cost less (after shipping) than the I.H. I'm thinking about picking up the Maverick and then a getting a used Judy "by the bay" and rebuilding.

The main upside to the bike store is the professional assembly, but I'd prolly want to go over any bike I bought prior to ride. Also, for the "support your local shop" argument, they're some of the most elitist, snobbish folks around, and I wouldn't care if they closed tomorrow.

junkyard

You realize that you are posting on a forum that is viewed by many LBS owners and employees, right?

mtnbiker66

Wow. I must be really fortunate to deal with good shops. Are all the shops in your area like this?

santiago

I think he's referring to a shop local to him in particular.

To the OP, I'm curious to know what shop you're referring to as I'm in Montreal. I know there are a few that are a little elitist but there are plenty of bikes shops around Montreal to choose from.

I pretty much stick to one or two shops but the one I really like to deal with is Cycles St-Laurent. They're in Ville-St-Laurent on du College near Ste-Croix. That's near Vanier College / Cegep St-Laurent if you're familiar with the area.

I live further east on the island and probably have 20 bike shops between my place and theirs. I think it's worth my time to go out to Ville-St-Laurent.

ed 

Oh we had better walk on egg shells then.

bcubed

EDIT: Decided you didn't need my blow-by-blow rant. The reason I had issue with THIS shop is:

1. Took bike in for work. Was half done due to liability concerns, yet they tried to bill me for it anyway.
2. Most shop members I've dealt w/ send out a condescending vibe if you aren't up for the "big ticket" items.
3. Honestly, they don't really have much tech knowledge (the salesfolk anyway) beyond "selling points" of new bikes.

I was just window shopping at this place cause it was open at the time. I realise I had three choices here: 1. buy the "big box" bike, 2. buy the LBS bike, 3. buy a bike at another shop. All I was saying, is don't expect to sway me from 1. to 2. on the basis of loyalty to this particular LBS.

junkyard

Hardly sounds elitist to me. Sounds more like you made a few unreasonable requests.

wheelhot

For me, there are 2 ways to get best bang for the bike.
1. Get a close out model or the previous year model.
2. Get from a mass-manufacturing company. For me its Giant.

Brian6751

Which means, get last years model from a mass-manufacturing company. $600 should still get you a 2008 Trek 4500 or a 2008 Specialized Rockhopper. I did not have any luck with 2008 Giants in that range. Seemed to be all low end stuff left.

bcubed

Enlighten me: which requests were unreasonable?

That work be done on time when stated in advance that it was an issue?
That I not have to pay for incomplete work?
That I inquired if they had a dead cycle computer kicking aroud? (LBS talk a good game re: "reduce, recycle, reuse")
That I not be treated like a second-class customer for wanting to extend the life of existing componentry vs. buy a bunch of new stuff?

I'm not "anti-LBS"; I'm "pro-you-reap-what-you-sow."

junkyard

1) From your post, it sounded like you brought it in on Thursday and demanded that it be done by close of business Friday. What was their current workload?
2) You shouldn't pay in full for incomplete work. If work was done, however, you should pay for that.
3) It is not the LBS' responsibility to search for and give you a dead cycle computer. If they had one lying around, great, but did you really expect them to search through the trash for it?
4) Stop being so sensitive.

bcubed

1. I brought it in Thur, said "I need this by close tomorrow--can you do it?" THAT'S when they should mention workload.
2. I don't pay AT ALL for incomplete work. Either LBS wants to do the work or not. If they couldn't decide 'till the freewheel was off that they didn't wanna do it--that's on them (you want my $$ so bad, screw on the $*#@* new freewheel!)
3. I didn't say "dig thru the trash"...that was the disproportionate response I got back.
4. I'm not sensitive--I'm just not gonna buy the "support your LBS" guilt trip for these elitist, "hard sell" types. Would YOU be inclined to frequent a hooker who said every 30 secs "You done yet, mistah? 'Cause this is overtime, you know."

Quit being such a knee-jerk "support the LBS uber alles" type.

ca7erham

Sounds like you need to go to more biking events and meet someone who works at the shop. Also, trying to argue with Junkyard is kinda like fighting a large walrus.