Good advice, Born2B.

I'm going to do that. I still have a few other shops I want to check out, but whatever shop I buy at, I'll definitely have them do that.

In you guys' opinon, what's the better bike for the money, the standard Rockhopper, or the Hardrock Pro? RH retails for 500, HR Pro is 549.

I'll probably end up upgrading it in the future, so what's the better frame to start with? Thanks.

I recently got a Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc 2005 for 460 bucks. I couldn't imagine me putting my money towards something better.

How much does the Pro Disc hardrock cost? I've looked at the retail price (700 US) but im not sure of the exact price.

Most shops around me sell them for $615-$660.....I got mine on sale for $569....

How do you like the pro disc..is it heavy?

They put it on the scale at my LBS and if I remember right it was only about 2lbs heavier than the entry level Rockhopper. I like it though I'm a newb and haven't ridden it much on the local trails yet. One thing is for sure though....I'm am really out of shape because I just about died doing a 2.2 mile loop....

How heavy is the entry level rockhopper then?

I'm in UK & was thinking about the following 2004 bikes which fit into the £400-550 range & was hoping for some advice?

Kona Blast
Trek 6500
Trek 6700
Cannondale F400

What are your thoughts chaps?

Cheers

Just bought the 2005 Kona Blast and love it. I've only had a chance to take it on a short simple trail close to my home but found it to be great. I can't comment on the others.

My price range is around $300 US, for a stock bike.


I read this entire BOOK of a thread and found nothing concerning the HARO V series, V1 and V2 models. These had really good reviews on mtbr.com and at the price they seem hard to beat. Suggestions?

I am not interested in the hardrock, or trek models. The other one I was considering was the Giant Rincon, but i heard some say it was heavy, is the SE model much better?

I would greatly appreciate some insight on the haro models or giant or another I should look into at this range. Is now a good time to call the LBS's about old model discounts? The bike would be used for a lot of urban miles ( including potholes and curbs with the smooth pavement), as well as park trails. Also, I am 5'2, female with strong frame but short limbs . thanks so much for your advice

Hook up with a deal with last years model for $320 like this one and you will be all setup.

how good of a bike is the HARO VSeries V4. I tested one today and i thought it was pretty good. and its only 500 bux. im thinking if i don't find anythign better in any other shops im going to grab it. let me know what you guys think?

I called all the local shops today, and no one has 04's in anymore. So it's going to be hard to get a clearance deal since I will have to wait until October or later for the 06's.

i been reading reviews on the fork on the rockhopper and alot say it leaks fluid all the time, i was wondering if anyone knows what kind of fluid it leaks? does it have hydraulic fluid in that shock?

Haro Has/Has had a name in BMX Bikes, I'm sure the V1's and V2's would be a good Entry level bike, as would the Giant's. Can you ride all of them and see which one feels best? As for wieght, For me mountain biking isn't the game of gram counting that road biking is, Especially at entry level bikes! I do agree that the specialized is all around hard to beat but it's not for everyone!

hello!

I need your help!
I'm looking for the best bike arround 600 dollar. I think te next bikes are fine, but would you please tell me what is the best bike for my money and why?

GF Tassajara, $600 in my LBS
Specialized Hard Rock Pro Disc $650
Specialized Rock hopper $450.00
Raliegh M80 $550.00

Any other suggestion?

Thanks a lot!

ok, first this is the under 500$ not 600 but, to your question, the hardrock is a very good bike for the price... but for a little less you can get the hardrock comp disc, which is good too.

Actually djp1...its the 'around' 500$ thread.

recently got a Specialized Hardrock Comp Disc 2005 for 460 bucks. I couldn't imagine me putting my money towards something better.




240 buck less than my LBS!

You are Lucky!

Where are your LBS?

Regards!

It was NEVER intended to go to $600. $550 maybe but NOT >$600
Of all people I should know.

Hey all.

Ok here is my specific needs:
I'm looking for a good quality entry level dual suspension mountain bike so I can ease myself into riding again.
And yes I don't have much money. I have say around $300 to $350 for the most.
I was thinking the smart move is to get an older 2004 or 2003 model of trek or giant or something but I'm not sure what.
And I hear alot of the older models are already bought up. Can someone give me an up to date up to the minute report on whats out there and what deals I can go for? I would appreciate it thanks.

Ok, I've been calling around (I live in the new york city area) and it seems that if you want to buy an entry level mtn bike from the bike shops for $300 - $350 range then your gonna be buying a front suspension bike only.
So if you wanted a good deal on a dual suspension entry level mountain bike like the trek y26 and what not...then you have to order it online? And if I go to a bike shop then I'm going to have to buy a front suspension bike for my budget. Is that what it looks like is going to happen?

Can someone guide me?

Just called a store in manhattan that carries the trek y26 for $399.00 $399.00 ********************
ARgh!

Whats irritating is that I'm not sure if a 17.5 inch or a 19 inch is the right size for me. I would have to go to a store and bother them for a fitting then tell em not interested. So that way I could find a better price online. LOL. Hey, he told me that its frame is aluminum and not steel. Is that correct?

Somone guide me here. hand hold me somone? *prefferably a pretty girl*

Hey where is everybody?

Anyways what do you guys think of the mongoose wing comp or wing elite bikes? Any good?

Full suspension bikes under a grand are a bad thing. The Y26 is an ANCIENT design that sucked when it was intorduced in 1996 and I wouldn't touch a Mongoose Wing if it was given to me with a suitcase full of money. Well that's a lie it would have to be a large suitcase