The Boulder '04 comes in two versions; the standard which has a steel frame and low-end parts, and the SE which is aluminum and has better parts (fork, rear derailleur and crank). The price difference between these two is neglectible, so the SE is a much better buy. IMO, it's a decent bike for starters. However, for just a little bit more money ($40 or so?) you can get the Rincon which has better derailleurs, better cassette and crank and is 8-speed instead of 7. Hope this helps. :)

Well, after doing more research, I've come to a few conclusions.

1. Motobecane sounds better than it is.
2. Buying bike components is a lot more expensive than a factory built bike. Damn.
3. There's a lot more to a bike than the shifters and derailleurs.

Basically, the Motobecane 700HT is a bike that's made to sound good, when in reality it has some major shortcomings. Here’s where the real problems in the bike lie (feel free to correct me if you think this is wrong):

1. The forks are the *cheapest* Rock Shox you can get. They’re a name brand, yes, but even ATI and Nvidia have their ****ty 9200SE and 5200LE cards. That’s what the Rock Shox Judy TT are.
2. The crank is actually okay (TruVativ FireX), but the bottom bracket is likely the cheapest $20 POS that could be found.
3. The disc brakes are the most worthless brakes you can find. They aren’t just the lowest end disc brakes from one manufacturer; Promax is the lowest end brake manufacturer in general. Pretty much any V-brakes would be better than the Promax disc brakes.
4. Handlebars, headset, seat, etc. are all junk as well. The frame might be okay, but I figure it’s still lowest-common-denominator material, as the same frame is also used in their $240 bikes (the Motobecane 300HT).

This is not to say that the bike is completely worthless, but they basically put on good shifters and derailleurs and put cheap crap everywhere else. Getting some slightly lower components in those areas and upgrading the forks and brakes is highly recommended.

I never did get a good reply on any of my questions, but after much searching around, this is what I found. Motobecane bikes are probably right on the same level as an equivalent priced Trek, Specialized, etc. However, with Trek and Specialized, you get a good warranty on the frame, and there are no tricks used to sell the bikes. You also get the bike fully assembled from a bike shop. Factor in the $70 it would cost to have a skilled mechanic assemble the 700HT, add in shipping, and the price is up to $560. $560 can buy a Specialized Rock Hopper or Trek 4900, which will both likely beat out the Motobecane. Plus, you get local support for tune-ups and such.

Why post all this information? Well, after all the time I spent looking for something like this, I'm hoping to save some other poor sap the trouble. Now, searching for "Motobecane 300HT", "Motobecane 500HT", or "Motobecane 700HT" will lead them to this thread, and they can read what I've listed. It's not that Sprtymama or Motobecane are rip-offs or con-jobs; it's simply that they are the (Michael) Dell of mountain bikes. It's like buying a Pentium 4 3.2 GHz processor and pairing it with integrated graphics and a motherboard that lacks and AGP slot. (Sorry if that doesn't make sense to others - I'm a computer geek, so the comparison makes perfect sense to me. :) )

Hey TroqdorJW,

A little late in the game, but you definitely figured it out.

I had heard that the guy importing the Motos' was a real jerk about warranties. However, that was numerous years ago and he might have changed his attitude.

Still, I'd much rather spend my money at a local shop with full service and a designated Rep from the bike company visiting the shop on a regular basis.

You mentioned "used" or "eBay" bikes. You realize that you will still have to do some basic assembly? Granted from your stated experience this shouldn't be a problem. Buying used is a double edge sword. If you know what you're buying than it's usually a good deal. I request A LOT of pictures before I buy and ask a lot of questions. I also ask very specific questions, so if the bike arrives and it's not all it's supposed to be, I have the person's written word if I have to make a claim.

Good Luck
L8R

OK have a dilema now. Seen two bikes I'm interested in, both for £400. The Trek 4500 and the GT Avalanche 1.0.

They both basically have the same parts just minor differences like the GT is full deore the Trek has one Alvio and Deore. Same forks. So it really comes down to the frame. There seems to be alot of hype over Trek bikes so my common sense seems to lean to that but I still quite like the GT. As far as induvidual parts are concerned I'm not too sure Cranksets, rims ect, this will be my first "proper" mtbike. So any advice is welcome. :)

Here are the specs for both.

Trek 4500

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha SL aluminum
FORK: RockShox Judy TT

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Alloy F, Shimano C201 R hub; Matrix 750 rims
TIRES: Bontrager ACX, 26x2.2", 52/54

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano Alivio
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano Alivio
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano Deore
CRANKSET: Shimano M430 42/32/22
CASSETTE: SRAM 850 11-32, 9 speed
PEDALS: Alloy platform, clipless adaptable

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager FS 2000
SEATPOST: Bontrager Sport
HANDLEBARS: Bontrager Sport, 25mm rise
STEM: Bontrager Sport, 10 degree
HEADSET: Aheadset, semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers



GT Avalanche 1.0


Frame:
GT Triple Triangle w/ Butted 6061 alum, Zero Stack headset, disc compatible with removeable hanger
Rock Shock Judy TT, 80mm Travel
Crankset: Truvativ Five-D 44/32/22
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: ATB Resin body, Steel cage, toe clip compatible
Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore
Shifters: Shimano Deore 9-Speed integrated
Cassette: SRAM 9-Speed index cassette 12-32
Chain: Shimano 9-Speed
Rims: Alloy double wall ATB with CNC Sidewalls
Tires: Tioga Factory Extreme Front and Factory XC rear 26 x 1.95
Front Hub: Alloy QR
Rear Hub: Shimano 9-Speed
Spokes: Stainless steel 14 gauge
Nipples: Brass CP
Front Brake: Tektro Linear Pull, 110 mm arms, 70 mm DIN pads
Rear Brake: Tektro Linear Pull, 110 mm arms, 70 mm DIN pads
Brake Levers: Shimano Deore integrated
Handlebar: Alum. 20 mm Rise, 6 degree bend, anatomically sized
Stem: GT Design, Tig welded threadless, 10 degree rise with 4-bolt face plate
Grips: GT ATB
Headset: Tange Zero Stack system for 1 1/8"
Saddle: GT MTN
Seat Post: Alloy Micro adjust
Seat Clamp: GT Forged Alum QR

does the bike company 'claud butler' exist in america? if it does could you tell me what you think. I have £500 to spend (about $700)i think and my LBS is selling one with discs for £470. help much appreciated.

its called a claud butler 'cape wrath'

it is aluminum frame, very light.

anybody got any info on the 05 rockhopper comp ???? Sounds like the 05 RH is out... looks like they've changed the front shock...

anyways thanks

Specialized Hardrock or Giant Boulder?
 

Which one is better?

the Specialized Hardrock or Giant Boulder?

haven't tried either bikes yet but the trigger shifters on the giant look pretty sweet no?

all opinions welcome :)

How much is the Free Agent Betty (I have thier 2002 catalog)? Do they still make this bike? It's not a BMX but looks like a DJ MTN bike with a straight fork and Deore components. The frame has gussets welded on the headtube area. Looks pretty cool!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot...

Last spring I bought a new Kona Hahana (I think a 2001 or 2002 model) for $335. Cro-moly frame, Acera components, Kona Project 2 straight fork (1 1/8 threadless). Alex rims/Formula hubs/SS spokes. Tektro V-brakes. The Acera rear derailler failed so I installed a NOS Shimano Mountain LX and now it shifts fine.

What an awesome bike! Rides like a Cadillac (I haven't had a new bike in awhile). It doesn't seem to even need suspension! What an incredible bargain, too. I would have gladly paid what I did just for the frame and fork alone! Too bad Kona doesn't make 'em like these anymore (except for the Smoke).

Hello everybody, this is a great thread for a noob like me. I am looking at 2 bikes right now for just basic trail riding but with the ability to upgrade if I get more serious.

The 2 models I am interested in are the GT Avalanche 1.0 (2003 & 2004) and the Specialized Rockhopper (2004 & 2005). After reading through this thread I am heavily leaning towards the Rockhopper and was just wondering what the differences in the '04 & '05 Rockhopper models are? Is the '05 worth the extra $$$ over the '04? Are the GT & Rockhopper easily upgraded to hyd. disc brakes? Are any of the mechanical disc brakes found on bikes in this price range worthwhile or are hydraulics the only way to go for a disc brake?

Thanks alot for any help with these questions. :)

Have you looked at Giant? I just recently purchased Giant Yukon that came with an excellent frame that i can make alot of upgrades with, lifetime warranty on the frame, and a front and rear disc brakes. All for about $460 USD. I really like the bike, i was also looking at Rockhoppers when the LBS suggested this one.

i dont think giant has lifetime warranty. I believe its 5 years.

Trek 3700 OR Giant Boulder SE ?
 

I will be purchasing either a TREK 3700 or a GIANT Boulder SE soon. They have the same price tag.
Can anyone tell me the differences between these bikes?
I am mostly concerned with durability and quality of the components, and then comfort of the ride.
The bike will be used 70% on paved trails (afternoon rides with the kids), and 30% on intermediate mountain trails.
Has anyone had good or bad experiences with either of these bikes?
Thanks.

KONA SCRAP i think

I was interested in the Avalanche 1.0 too but couldn't find any availbile in any shops near me. Setled for a Dawes Watoga. Same stuff on it really except it has disc ready hubs too :D

I'm trying to help someone buy a decent MTB. I'm looking at the GT Avalanche 2.0 (V-brake) which, compared to several other bikes in this price range, seems like a very decent buy. The rearderailleur is Alivio and the front is Acera, which is at least better then the CO50 SIS many others have. It's also 8-spd and has Alex DM-18 doublewall rims instead of 7-spd and singlewall rims wich many other bikes are equipped with. Anyway, in the US it has a RS Judy TT fork, but here (Europe) the fork is a Mozo R-200. I'm not familiar with Mozo forks so I would like an opinion on it from someone who is. And please, don't go saying its all crap and *****. Remember, it's a $500 MTB so I would like to know how it compares to other forks that are on bikes in this price range such as the Suntour XC-60, RST Capa, RST Gila, InSync, etc.

I just picked up a 2004 Specialized Rockhopper today. :) After visiting many LBS everyone I talked to said to stay away from the GT's now that Wallmart (or was it Target?) bought them out. I was pretty interested in a GT Avalanche 1.0 at first and it seems like a very nice bike for the price range but I was told most LBS won't service GT anymore. I am very happy with my Rockhopper though, it's a very solid bike.

is a 2005 rockhopper fro $500 plus 50 dollars in accecories and lifetime tuneups a good deal? Also what bikes can handle 6 feet and 260 pounds of human like me.

Yes
Nothing that we discuss in this thread. Prepare to SPEND and even then you'll have a hell of a time.

Yeah well, this isn't really getting me anywhere. The thing I'm interested in is if the Avalanche 2.0 is a decent bike for starters, whether GT is owned by Pacific or not. I've compared the specs with other bikes in this pricerange and, along with the Haro V2, it seems like one of the better buys (Acera front instead of CO50 SIS, doublewall rims instead of singlewall, 8-spd instead of 7, some other stuff). I've also read a lot of positive reviews about the Avalanche series including how good the frame is. Hey I think I just answered my own question lol. :) Don't get me wrong, I appreciate you telling about Pacific (not that I didn't already knew). In fact, I wonder if that influences LBS warranty and repairs in any way? And what about the Mozo fork?