|
Originally Posted by siliconSmith
1. Isn't it worth it if you buy a good lock (which will deter bike thieves), and then, in the event that the bike does get stolen, you claim the warranty from the lock manufacturer?
2. Why are even used bikes so expensive, or am I not looking in the right places? i.e, how much should i pay for a good 'beater'? 3. Is a new x-mart bike better than a used 'beater' for the same price? Then again, I haven't done any ground work and have just found all info online. I need to visit the local bike shops, once I get freed from midterms!
|
1 Attachment(s)
Hi everyone,
Decided to post after lurking and taking the time to read this thread because this is precisely what I was looking for. Props to Raiyn for starting this. I've gone to two LBS (I'm learning the jargon) that I'm pretty happy with. I am leaning towards one more than the other only because they're a dedicated bike shop whereas the other also sells hockey equipment (Hey, this is Canada). I spoke with the people at the two shops and came away with a list of bike models that I was going to research further. That's when I came across this thread and decided to take some of the info found here, the info from the various manufacturer's web pages and input from a buddy of mine who is a hardcore mountainbiker. My first draft is attached below as an image. I will update it as I get further input. The pink highlighted fields are what has been described as "to avoid". The green is what has been described as "desirable". The yellow has been described as "okay". Obviously any input, corrections and obviously any RECOMMENDATIONS are greatly appreciated. You'll notice that I've only stuck with Giant, Gary Fischer, Kona, DeVinci and Specialized because that's what these two LSBs carry. EDIT: I will take the time to test ride the bikes once I've brought the list down to a few. |
Originally Posted by santiago
Hi everyone,
Decided to post after lurking and taking the time to read this thread because this is precisely what I was looking for. Props to Raiyn for starting this. http://img195.exs.cx/img195/5752/bikeresearch4ty.jpg |
Alot has been mentioned in this thread about the rockhopper being more of a XC bike than a hardrock. What is it about the rockhopper bike that makes this so, and what is it about the Hardrock that makes it such a great all round bike.
Also, looking at the hardrock it appears to have a very small looking cockpit. Is this the case or is it just me, I'll be going to try one probably this weekend, but just wondered what those who own one think. |
Originally Posted by Raiyn
I threw in my 2 cents it's not as pretty as yours but.....
http://img195.exs.cx/img195/5752/bikeresearch4ty.jpg I do think that the regular Rockhopper would be a contender but my LBS didn't have it in his price list. He only had the Rockhopper Comp. I suspect it is pricy only because of the "LX" rear derailer. It appears to be higher up in the chain based on this link: http://bike.shimano.com/publish/cont...uct_links.html I have learned from this thread that in this price range the bikes with disks tend to skimp on the other components. I've also seen the Hardrock Sport get positive votes but it has the RST forks (my buddy suggested I avoid these) and it has an "OK" rear derailer. Would it be worth checking out other LSB for places that carry GT, Cannondales or other marks? Last question, when buying from a LSB, can I negotiate tune-ups and/or accessories? The last bike I bought was from a X-Mart about 15 years ago so I have little experience in this area. Any tips on this are greatly appreciated. I'll come back with more questions/thoughts as I go through this thread more often. (17 pages is a lot of reading!) |
Originally Posted by santiago
From what I've read, the Genesis geometry is a love-it-or-hate-it thing.
Originally Posted by santiago
I do think that the regular Rockhopper would be a contender but my LBS didn't have it in his price list. He only had the Rockhopper Comp. I suspect it is pricy only because of the "LX" rear derailer. It appears to be higher up in the chain based on this link:
Originally Posted by santiago
I have learned from this thread that in this price range the bikes with disks tend to skimp on the other components.
Originally Posted by santiago
I've also seen the Hardrock Sport get positive votes but it has the RST forks (my buddy suggested I avoid these) and it has an "OK" rear derailer.
Originally Posted by santiago
Would it be worth checking out other LSB for places that carry GT, Cannondales or other marks?
I would try any other brands in your area to get a more complete sampling
Originally Posted by santiago
Last question, when buying from a LSB, can I negotiate tune-ups and/or accessories? The last bike I bought was from a X-Mart about 15 years ago so I have little experience in this area.
As for tuneups some shops will give a lifetime tuneups while others will do a one time adjustment, and still others will do a year's worth. Find out what your local shop does and go from there. Bear in mind that if you hang around long enough and can follow simple instructions the vast majority of the easy stuff you can do at home |
1 Attachment(s)
Raiyn, thanks, would you mind posting up your version of the chart? I didn't have a chance to update my spreadsheet with your comments. I'll update my spreadsheet and repost it as an image.
Another question, earlier in the thread you gave positive marks to the Giant Iguana. It has what appears to be decent forks and the Deore rear derailer. It also has the disks that you marked as undesirable. Its price is very close to the Fischer Marlin, assuming both feel good following the test ride, which one has the leg up. Is it the Marlin with the V-brakes and Manitou forks or is it the Iguana with the RockShox Pilot C forks? EDIT: The hosted image for Raiyn's chart is working. I'm attaching the revised chart. |
Hi there,
I just have a couple of questions… The LBS is pushing out their older models to make space for the 05’s, and a couple of the models I was looking at are: Code:
Specialized Hardrock Sport 2004: $485 (v-brakes)I like the Hardrock, but I have heard that the rear derailleur is shoddy. Right now the chain on the POS bike I have right now falls off a lot so I don’t want to ever have to deal with that sort of problem again. If I really had tons of cash I’d go for the Rockhopper, but the big turnoff is the price. If I get that I think I probably won’t have enough cash for any textbooks or food next semester :( Overall I am kinda leaning towards the Shred but only because I haven’t heard of any really really big problems with it. Also I tried out a friends Ibex bike (http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-550-Details.html I think) which has disc brakes and they feel so much nicer than the horrible cantilever brakes I have on my bike. So is it worth spending a little extra money to get low end disc brakes compared to V-brakes? So what it comes down to is: Does anyone have any opinions on the Shred or should I sacrifice my education for the Rockhopper? |
RT-Hat,
I added the 2004 Kona Blast you're interested in to my chart. It does differ to the 2005 model. Appears to have a notch lower in a rear derailer. The other two models you're interested in are on the chart. Looks like you got slightly better prices in Nova Scotia than I got here in Quebec. http://stradasystems.com/mtb/images/MTBResearch.jpg |
Wow that rocker comp looks like a very good deal...
LX componentry and a splice up front? not bad for $869 canadian... |
Get a nice used hardtail. You'll get higher quality parts that'll last a lot longer than a new $500 bike.
|
Originally Posted by rt_hat
Hi there,
I just have a couple of questions… The LBS is pushing out their older models to make space for the 05’s, and a couple of the models I was looking at are: Code:
Specialized Hardrock Sport 2004: $485 (v-brakes)I like the Hardrock, but I have heard that the rear derailleur is shoddy. Right now the chain on the POS bike I have right now falls off a lot so I don’t want to ever have to deal with that sort of problem again.
Originally Posted by rt_hat
So is it worth spending a little extra money to get low end disc brakes compared to V-brakes? |
How is the Giant Boulder SE compared to the Specialized Hardrock? The Boulder SE is approximately $70 cheaper.
What about Giant Rincon vs. Specialized Hardrock? Both are similarly priced. The guy at the LBS told me that the Boulder SE and the Hardrock are approximately the same in terms of component quality, but the Boulder SE is cheaper because Giant makes its own frames whereas Specialized gets its frames from Giant. He also said that the Rincon is way better than the hardrock and retails for the same price. What do you guys think? |
I've updated my chart (see my previous post) since I had incorrectly described the components for the Specialized Rockhopper and I was able to get a price for it. The price for this is $700CAD list but will likely go for something like 650-675 CAD.
I am now looking seriously at the Gary Fischer Marlin and the Specialized Rockhopper since they appear very similar with respect to major components and are comparible in price. Should I look at any other components or are the major ones covered in my chart? I will take the time to test ride these two as I feel very confident that it is one of these two bikes that I will buy. Again, big kudos to this thread as it educated me quite a bit and led me to decide between these two bikes. Anyone have any strong opinions on my choice of Rockhopper vs. Marlin? |
Originally Posted by santiago
Anyone have any strong opinions on my choice of Rockhopper vs. Marlin?
|
Originally Posted by Raiyn
Rockhopper - stronger warranty I also prefer a balanced parts mix.
I was offered various discounts on accessories (25% off of clothing, bags roughly 33%, etc.) I have nothing, what accessories, tools, etc. should I look to get? I was thinking a simply toolset/repair kit, removeable mudguards and a pump. I did find the address of another LBS that is just north of me that carries Specialized, too. I'll try to run out to see them today. Thanks for any input. |
Originally Posted by santiago
I was offered various discounts on accessories (25% off of clothing, bags roughly 33%, etc.) I have nothing, what accessories, tools, etc. should I look to get? I was thinking a simply toolset/repair kit, removeable mudguards and a pump.
I did find the address of another LBS that is just north of me that carries Specialized, too. I'll try to run out to see them today. Thanks for any input. Very good to have: A good multi tool -I recommend Topeak (something from the Alien line) Mini pump, water bottles & cages (for short trips), A Camelbak (long trips and trail rides) spare tube(s), patch kit Extras: Jerseys, bike shorts, as for fenders I recommend the Topeak DeFender series. |
Hello,
I Decided i would like to get a mtn bike (mostly for excercise) and have been reading lots of reviews and lurkin the forums for a few weeks. I will be using the bike almost completely for street riding. this will be my first bike since BMX like 10 years ago. Im 5'10 around 150lbs, i want something reliable , fun to ride and as LIGHT as possible. these are the bikes so far im interested in, the cheaper the better, but i would pay more if it will mean ill pay less later in upgrades / repairs. 05 Rockhopper - 500.00 05 Hardrock Comp Disc - 550.00 05 Trek 4500 - 460.00 Any suggestions of which of these would be best for someone like me?? also any idea what frame size i should get? Do you know which of these weights the least? Thanks! |
The Hardrock and rockhopper are good choices, here in the thing...with the rockhopper you'll get a better frame, lower end components, with the hardrock you'll get better components and a lower end frame...I dont' know mucha bout the trek.
|
Thanks for everyones input on this thread. I am considering options for me and my wife and have l;ooked at the following - All will be 2005 models. Note I am tring to keep my price point at around $500 retail for me and $350 for my wife. The riding we will do may be 70% street 20% trials 10% jumps n fun(probally nothing over a 4 foot drop).
For Me - really would like full suspension Trek y26 Linked Front Suspension InSync Grind 2, 70mm Rear Shock Mozo USA Wheels Wheels Alloy front, Shimano RM40 rear hub; WTB Dual Duty rims Tires Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0" Drivetrain Shifters Shimano EF29 Front Derailleur Shimano C050 Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera Crankset SR 42/34/24 Cassette SRAM 730 12-32, 7speed Pedals Alloy platform, clipless adaptable Components Saddle Bontrager Sport Seatpost Bontrager Handlebars 30mm rise Stem Bontrager, 25 degree Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed Brakeset Tektro V w/Shimano STI levers Schwinn Rocket 2005 Linked Frame Schwinn Iso-Drive suspended BB 4-bar proprietary design with 3.5" rear travel, custom drawn 7005 aluminum, fully sealed cartridge bearing pivots, forged dropouts with replaceable hanger Fork RST Gila T5 w/ Aluminum lowers, Coil / MCU spring, pre-load adjust, mini-boots, 100mm travel Rear Shock RST-22 coil spring, hydraulic damping, floating piston Spring size S-500 lbs, M-600 lbs, L-700 lbs, XL-800 lbs Crankset TruVativ X-Flow alloy arms, 42-32-22 Cr-Mo rings Bottom Bracket TruVativ sealed cartridge with chainline stabilizer 68 x 113 square taper Pedals ATB Resin body, Boron steel axle, Steel cage, w/ toe clips & straps Front Derailleur Shimano C-101, 31.8 clamp-on Rear Derailleur Shimano Alivio Shifters Shimano ST-EF29-8 Rapid Fire Freewheel SRAM 830 eight-speed index cassette 11-32 Chain Shimano CN-IG51 Rims Alex PC19 double wall with ground sidewall Tires WTB 26" x 2.1" Velociraptor Front and Rear specific tread pattern Front Hub Joy Tech Alloy double sealed QR, 32H Rear Hub Joy Tech Alloy Cassette double sealed 8-speed QR, 32H Spokes Stainless steel 14 gauge Nipples Brass CP Front Brake Tektro SCD-5 Linear Pull w/ 60mm MC pads, linear springs and Self-Centering device Rear Brake Tektro SCD-5 Linear Pull w/ 60mm MC pads, linear springs and Self-Centering device Brake Levers Shimano ST-EF29 Handlebar Schwinn Butted Alum. 20 mm Rise, 9 degree bend, 620 mm wide Stem Schwinn Ride Tuned TIG welded threadless , 10 degree rise with forged front load cap Grips Schwinn double density Kraton / Gel Headset FPD Threadless 1 1/8" Saddle WTB Speed V Sport w/ Comfort Zone Seat Post Schwinn Ride-Tuned Alloy with cold-forged alloy head 27.2 x 350mm Seat Clamp Alloy Low-Profile QR w/ forged clamp Extras Seat post water bottle mounting clamps Wife Trek 3700 Linked Front Suspension RST, 63mm Wheels Wheels Alloy hubs; Matrix 550 rims Tires Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0" Drivetrain Shifters Shimano EF29 Front Derailleur Shimano C051 Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera Crankset SR 48/38/28 Cassette Sunrace 13-34, 7 speed Pedals Nylon platform Components Saddle Bontrager Sport Seatpost Bontrager Handlebars 25.4, 30mm rise Stem Bontrager, 25.4, 25 degree Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed Brakeset Tektro V w/Shimano STI levers Specalized Hardrock Womens Sport Linked FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, Designs For Women geometry, DT/HT 3D box gusset, forged dropouts with reinforced disc mount and eyelets, replaceable forged alloy derailleur hanger, designed for 100mm travel fork FORK RST Gilla T5, 100mm travel, preload adjust, 28.6mm Cr-Mo stanchion and 1-1/8” steerer, coil/MCU spring HEADSET 1 1/8” threadless, sealed loose ball, alloy cap STEM Specialized Mobius, alloy, 10 degree rise HANDLEBARS Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep TAPE / GRIPS Specialized “Telluride” double density Kraton FRONT BRAKE Tektro “V”, linear spring, stainless steel pipe REAR BRAKE Tektro “V”, linear spring, stainless steel pipe BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Altus FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Altus CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t CHAIN Shimano IG-31 CRANKSET Truvativ X-Flow, alloy, capless bolts CHAINRINGS 42t Cr-Mo x 32t heat-treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat-treated Cr-Mo BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ, 68x113mm, square taper, sealed cartridge bearing with drive side crank stop PEDALS Dual sided, composite body, steel cage, toe clip compatible RIMS Alex DH-20, 26"x1.5", double wall, machined side wall, black FRONT HUB Joy-Tech, 36 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR REAR HUB Joy-Tech, freehub, 36 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR SPOKES 2.0mm (14g) stainless steel, brass nipples, L267/R267mm front, L266/R264mm rear FRONT TIRE Specialized Enduro Sport, 26"x2.2", wire bead REAR TIRE Specialized Enduro Sport, 26"x2.2", wire bead TUBES Specialized schraeder valve SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Sport ATB Women’s SEAT POST Alloy 30.9mmx300/350mm, micro adjust SEAT BINDER Alloy QR, 36mm I.D. NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual Please feel free to share any models you are won over with (relative to price) for performance and value made by GT, Gary Fisher, Trek, Schwinn, or Specalized(limited to these per my vendor). Again looking for a base of around $500 MSRP for me and $350 for my wife. Also, should I scrap the idea of a Scwhinn Rocket in favor for a hardtail with disc's? Specialized bikes Trek Bikes Schwinn Bikes Fisher Bikes GT Bikes Thanks for any help/comments! |
Originally Posted by antiloop
Hello,
I Decided i would like to get a mtn bike (mostly for excercise) and have been reading lots of reviews and lurkin the forums for a few weeks. I will be using the bike almost completely for street riding. this will be my first bike since BMX like 10 years ago. Im 5'10 around 150lbs, i want something reliable , fun to ride and as LIGHT as possible. these are the bikes so far im interested in, the cheaper the better, but i would pay more if it will mean ill pay less later in upgrades / repairs. 05 Rockhopper - 500.00 05 Hardrock Comp Disc - 550.00 05 Trek 4500 - 460.00 Any suggestions of which of these would be best for someone like me?? also any idea what frame size i should get? Do you know which of these weights the least? Thanks! |
Originally Posted by crashnburn
Wife Trek 3700 Linked Front Suspension RST, 63mm Wheels Wheels Alloy hubs; Matrix 550 rims Tires Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0" Drivetrain Shifters Shimano EF29 Front Derailleur Shimano C051 Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera Crankset SR 48/38/28 Cassette Sunrace 13-34, 7 speed Pedals Nylon platform Components Saddle Bontrager Sport Seatpost Bontrager Handlebars 25.4, 30mm rise Stem Bontrager, 25.4, 25 degree Headset Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed Brakeset Tektro V w/Shimano STI levers Specalized Hardrock Womens Sport Linked FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, Designs For Women geometry, DT/HT 3D box gusset, forged dropouts with reinforced disc mount and eyelets, replaceable forged alloy derailleur hanger, designed for 100mm travel fork FORK RST Gilla T5, 100mm travel, preload adjust, 28.6mm Cr-Mo stanchion and 1-1/8” steerer, coil/MCU spring HEADSET 1 1/8” threadless, sealed loose ball, alloy cap STEM Specialized Mobius, alloy, 10 degree rise HANDLEBARS Alloy, 38mm rise, 9 degree sweep TAPE / GRIPS Specialized “Telluride” double density Kraton FRONT BRAKE Tektro “V”, linear spring, stainless steel pipe REAR BRAKE Tektro “V”, linear spring, stainless steel pipe BRAKE LEVERS Shimano Altus FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera, 31.8mm clamp, bottom pull REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Altus CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 8-speed, 11x32t CHAIN Shimano IG-31 CRANKSET Truvativ X-Flow, alloy, capless bolts CHAINRINGS 42t Cr-Mo x 32t heat-treated Cr-Mo x 22t heat-treated Cr-Mo BOTTOM BRACKET Truvativ, 68x113mm, square taper, sealed cartridge bearing with drive side crank stop PEDALS Dual sided, composite body, steel cage, toe clip compatible RIMS Alex DH-20, 26"x1.5", double wall, machined side wall, black FRONT HUB Joy-Tech, 36 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR REAR HUB Joy-Tech, freehub, 36 hole, ground race double sealed loose ball with alloy QR SPOKES 2.0mm (14g) stainless steel, brass nipples, L267/R267mm front, L266/R264mm rear FRONT TIRE Specialized Enduro Sport, 26"x2.2", wire bead REAR TIRE Specialized Enduro Sport, 26"x2.2", wire bead TUBES Specialized schraeder valve SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry Sport ATB Women’s SEAT POST Alloy 30.9mmx300/350mm, micro adjust SEAT BINDER Alloy QR, 36mm I.D. NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual Please feel free to share any models you are won over with (relative to price) for performance and value made by GT, Gary Fisher, Trek, Schwinn, or Specalized(limited to these per my vendor). Again looking for a base of around $500 MSRP for me and $350 for my wife. Also, should I scrap the idea of a Scwhinn Rocket in favor for a hardtail with disc's? Specialized bikes Trek Bikes Schwinn Bikes Fisher Bikes GT Bikes Thanks for any help/comments! |
Thanks for the advice, with respect to the favorable and unfavorable charts I have looked at a couple other options:
GT 2005 Avalanche 3.0 Disc (MSRP $400) - Has Tektro IO cable actuated disc brake, FD Suntour XC-202, RD Shimano Acera, Fork SR Suntour XC-60 one piece aluminum lowers with disc mount and preload adjustment Linked GT 2005 Avalanche 2.0 Disc (MSRP $500) - Has Tectro Aquilla brakes, FD Suntour XCC-322, RD Shimano Deore, Fork Marzocchi MZ- Comp, Linked GT 2005 Avalanche 1.0 Disc (MSRP $600 - can splurge)- Avid cable actuated disc brake, FD Suntour XCC-504, RD Shimano Deore LX, Fork Rock Shock Judy C Linked Trek 4500 (MSRP $600 - can splurge)- Has Shimano 495, mechanical disc w/alloy levers, FD Shimano Acera, RD Shimano Deore, Fork RockShox Judy TT w/preload adjust Linked Gary Fisher Marlin - Has Promax V brakes w/alloy levers, FD Alivio, RD Shimano Deore, Fork Manitou Axel Comp w/TPC Lock-Out From what I gathered you thing the following components are crap - Brakes Hays mx2's (are HMX's ok?) Forks Judy TT and RST Gilla Plus 5 and suntour (Is the Marzocchi ok how about the Judy c?) , And a person should go for at least a Alvio/Aceria or Deore derailures if they can get it. Please suggest what I should pick up - I will worry about my wifes later :-) I am limited to Trek, GT, Schwinn and Gary Fisher - I really want a good (not great) disc option to start as it will hard to scale this with it's expense in the future ( I can up my entry price a bit considering this $650 max MSRP). If your advice is aginst the GT or Schwinn just because Pacific bought them I am not concerned unless there has been a drop in quality. I again appreciate all of your knowledgeable help and your opinions are respected. THANKS!! |
Originally Posted by crashnburn
If your advice is aginst the GT or Schwinn just because Pacific bought them I am not concerned unless there has been a drop in quality.
Dorel is also the parent company of Pacific Cycles. Any company that allows children to die for profits does not deserve any business. http://www.pacific-cycle.com/news/news_detail.php?id=18 All of my statements above are documented. Please follow the links. |
Originally Posted by santiago
I am not a fan of Dorel. Dorel has been fined in the past for failing to report product failures that have resulted in the deaths of babies through their Cosco and Safety 1st brands. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/cosco.html
Dorel is also the parent company of Pacific Cycles. Any company that allows children to die for profits does not deserve any business. http://www.pacific-cycle.com/news/news_detail.php?id=18 All of my statements above are documented. Please follow the links. Any thoughts on the Haro Xtreme X1? Here How about the Marzocchi MZ- Comp fork? |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:47 AM. |
Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.