the norco wolverine is pretty decent for the money..i think its a bit more than 5 wit taxes more like 600 but its a good bike

I have a 01 Avalanche. I can't say much about it cus I never really rode with that bike( sadly), but I can tell you that the frame is solid. It's a bit heavy for a hardtail, but I won't have any doubt taking jumps and stuffs with it.

I got the 1.0 version in end of 2002. The bike was in the shop for quite a while and there isn't many people in the area who can spend that much on a bike, so he sold it to be for abt $600. You are looking a re-enforced frame with Judy XC shock, Deore and LX components and Avid mechanical disc brakes. I was more than happy. Now I just need to get home and ride it.

but home.... not anytime soon

It goes for $359 here... then went on sale for $349... and then they put a 10% off sale on it for the July 4th weekend. Its a nice beginner bike... but a Hardrock Sport IMHO would be a better buy for $300... its slightly heavier due to the beefier frame... but if you're set on the Trek then go for it... they also had a disc version right beside it... i dont remember the price but it pushed it over $410+... not worth it if you don't need it since it would be crappy discs anyway... unless you really had your heart set on discs because you know you'll never be happy when you bring it home.

If you have ANY questions relating to a bike in this price point ASK it here. That's why this thread exists

Hey guys!

I just got into the mtb sport and I'm looking for an entry level bike. I am not going to do crazy stunts and huge drops but just some trail riding. After all, im just a beginner. I had a few bikes in mind:

Giant Rincon
GT Avalanche 1.0
Specialized Rockhopper

These are all 04 models. The GT and Specialized are $400 in my LBSs while the Giant is $340. Since the Giant is a little cheaper, it also has lower grade components and that's why I'm kinda leaning towards the GT and Specialized. Since both of them have pretty much the same components, how do their frames compare? Also, which one is lighter?
If you have any preferences for one over another I'd love to hear them. Thanks!

I'd take the RockHopper any day of the week. Ever since Pacific (the "lovely" folks who supply the Wal-Mart with bikes) bought Schwinn and GT I wouldn't touch either of them with a ten foot pole.

actually guys, I tested an 04 Giant Iguana today. They have it on sale for $450 at another shop and I get lifetime free tune-ups for as long as I own the bike. What do you think about that one comparing to the Rockhopper ($400)? Iguana's got the same fork as the Rockhopper (Manitou 6) because it's the Spring Edition and not the newest 04 model. Disc brakes too but a low end model so probably not that big of a deal.

There is no "Spring Edition" for '04 there is however a '03 spring edition Link Personally I don't like bikes with integrated headsets like the Iguana but that's the only real negative I can come up with. Try them both and buy the one that feels better.

I have a question about buying used bikes. Is this recommended ever? I am a beginner and am really just looking for something to ride on the streets and occasional trail. Nothing serious here. I guess the question is, is it worth it to buy a bike that's 3 years old or so for something like $300, or will I be likely to have to spend a bunch of money replacing parts?

Of course it depends on each individual case and how much wear has been put it. How much do prices go down over time for new bikes? Is there a place on the internet (or stores in the SF Bay Area in California) that is sells old model bikes that have never been ridden?

The '05's are coming in hang around some shops and wait for the markdowns on the 04 models. Used bikes are easier for those more experienced than yourself as the added experience will give a person an idea of where to look for signs of trouble.

I picked up a Raleigh Ram 2.0 for $310 at our friends bike shop today (We get things from him at dealer cost). Definitely not the greates bike out there, but I am a beginner at mt biking so it will work for now. I was riding around on it today and it seems like a nice bike. And when I get better and want to upgrade we can get the XT2500 for a major deal.

Anyhoo, I think this $310 well spent, definitely easy on the wallet

Hey, everyone...1st post so forgive the newbie please.

I am looking for an entry bike to get back into this sport. I haven't ridden much since high school (~10y ago) but a few of my friends at work ride (one competitively in college; he has 2 race-prepped C'dales which we rode last night ~15 miles) and I'd also like to use it for part of my fitness regiment and for a little reflection ("ME" time). My aforementioned friend used to work at a bike shop and they have a few that I'm looking at. They are:

'04 Raleigh M-50 - $265
'04 Raleigh M-60 - $385
'04 Trek 4500 - $340
'04 Trek 4900 - $450
'03 Cannondale F300 - $500
'04 Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo - $550

I'd rather stay in the $3-400 range, but I'll go up and grab a more expensive bike listed if it provides a definitive advantage (I also may be able to get them for a little bit less than the prices above).

What do you all think? I haven't bought a bike in a decade and need a little help with what is good and what isn't (frame, fork, components, etc).

Thanks for any help in advance!
-Matt

If I was you I'd look at that Hoo Koo E Koo because if they're going to sell you a $860 bike for $550 you'd be a moron for not buying it. The Cannondale's price isn't much of a markdown as the MSRP on that bike is $530, and the Trek has plenty of satisfied owners here on the board. Have you read this thread completely there are several other bikes listed. Also check out www.mtbr.com for reviews on the bikes you have listed. Personally I would get some thing closer to $500 as the quality of componetry REALLY starts to slide below that marker, especially if you plan on having the bike for a while and plan on upgrading.

Bought this in a pawn shop for $130 bucks, would anyone know how old this bike is?

I'm saying 1999.

I mostly ride to and from class/work but also hit some trails on the weekends. I'm looking for a hardtail and have somewhere between $400-800 dollars to spend... I haven't decided yet. Right now, from just looking at some local bike shops I'm considering the Raleigh m80, Raleigh talus and am going to make a stop at a kona shop probably tomorrow. Any input?

The HooKoo's frame was too big, argh. I'm looking at the Raleigh M60 ($385) and the Trek 4500 ($340). I'd think about reaching for the Trek 4900 but the component difference isn't much at all. Thoughts? Also, if $500 is the target, what should I be looking at? Any components (ie, shock/deraileurs/etc) I should stay away from? It's not that I can't spend $1000+ on a bike, I won't utilize all of its features (I'll mostly be on the street and/or light trails).

I'm seconding the Kona Scrap and the RockHopper.

Skibumjon,
My LBS dealer also sells a lot of raleighs and the Talus looks like a pretty good hardtail to me

Well as of right now it's between the Raleigh m80, raleigh talus or possible kona scrap...but largest frame for kona is 17 i believe...and I'm 6'4...we'll see...I may take a drive out to the specialized shop too...

I've bought a brand new GT Aggressor frame on e-bay for $71.45, that I'm switching my components from my old bike(GT Zeskar LE).

You can find really good deals on ebay.

Well, I did it.

I bought the Cannondale F300 today - not the 2003 model that was on sale, but a new 2004. The '03s were all sold out, but they honored the sale price of $500 (the '03 was listed at) for the '04 so I went with it - it's a great bike for me.

I rode it before deciding, along with a Raleigh M50, Raleigh M60 (the M80 was too big), GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc, and Trek 3700 (the 4500 and 4900 were both too big). The Cannondale just felt right.

I'm not sure of the year. Since it's used, you may want an LBS to go over the bike and look for cracks, major (but hard to spot) flaws, and wear on the shock. It's hard to tell by the camera angle, but the handlebars seem to be set pointing kinda downward and forward, instead of the usual back/rise.

Oh yeah, and if you want to be super-groovy about it, check the serial # with the police to check whether it's hot. Chances are slim you'd have a problem even if it was, but getting stopped on the street by a pissed former owner (I once got a guy stopped by cops who was riding my stolen bike in Philly) it could be a real pain for you.

In any case, your $130 should get you many hours of riding- have fun!

Is there a major difference between the Shimano Deore LX rear der. and the SRAM X.7?
Same for the shifters Shimano Deore vs the SRAM X.7? The major difference (except the shock) on the bikes I am looking at is these components. Please let me know if there is any major concern for either?

They would be equivalent for each manufacturers line