SteveDave

Recently my buddy proposed the idea of us starting to bike. Now I haven't gone biking in about 15yrs so I figured since I don't have a bike that I would just borrow my father's MTN Bike (some crappy FS Elite Gran Teton). Man......do I really see the need for a better bike. The ride was actually so horrible that my buddy and I switched halfway and I rode his bike and it was a world of difference. So I realize that I really need to just drop the money on a new bike but now I'm really spinning around in circles trying to figure out what bike to buy. We stopped in at a local shop that specializes in Giant and the guy was explaining to me that he does custom bike fits and ensures that your setup is perfect. Apparently he races professionally and said that his main concern is the correct fit. Plus this guy also throws in lifetime tune-ups. Now he was suggesting that I get a Boulder or if I felt like it, a Rincon. So I started browsing around and people start complaining about the fork and the grips, then the weight. So I read on and I see someone say "Oh Specialized makes a Rockhopper that's nice, then I read a Hardrock and the room starts to spin with more and more suggestions so my question is:

With the following factors taken into consideration(no particular order), what would be a enjoyable bike to just ride?


1. Weight (don't want a fatty )
2. Comfort
3. Warranty
4. Service area ( Bike shop guy is 15mins away so really close, others like Specialized 1hr)
5. Components
6. $450-$500 budget.
7. I'm not going to be going insane and doing crazy downhills and jumps, just moderate trailrides at the most.

Thanks in advance, I'm sure that someone can help me out.

the-one1

He's right. Get the one that fits. At that price range, all the bikes are the same (low end, high weight parts).
My 1st bike I went with a Rincon vs a Rock Hopper due to looks and fit.

helmut

I'm a big fan of the Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc. Retails around $550, so you can pick it up at $500 pretty easily. It's got a Sram X4 drivetrain (which I quite like and have on my Cannondale) and BB5 discs. I think the 29er version is about the same price, so go sit on them both and see which one you like better. The 29ers tend to roll over obstacles a bit better, and hold momentum better over flowing, swoopy track. The downside is a little less maneuverability, and steeper gearing. Any decent shop should give you a free fitting, and at least 2 free adjustments.

SteveDave

Cannondale is actually made right down the road from me. Do they have any bikes in that price bracket worth considering?

jjbod1

Not trying to make your head spin anymore But other options would be a Gary Fisher Advance
https://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/advance
Or a Trek 4300, I think that is in the same range , but not positive. Both brands make nice starter bikes. Same company, just different fit, as far as the frame is concerned.

SteveDave

Funny thing is, I'm sure that any of these bikes are far better than the bike I rode today. I was thinking to myself..."How bad can this be? Free bike, pfft I'll be fine." Not fine.........not even close lol.

c_m_shooter

Like was already said, the bikes in your price range are all going to be about the same, so get the one that feels best from the shop with the best service.

daisylovesbikes

At that price range look at the different models suggested and my advice would be to go with whichever bike feels right for you. You can't beat riding a few different bikes to help you decide!

A top tip would be to get the one that also has the highest spec fork for the money...

SteveDave

Well I'm pretty much thinking that I'm either going to go with:

Specialized Rockhopper/ Hardrock Disc

or

Giant Rincon

It may come down to the fact that there is a Giant dealer 15mins away and as I mentioned he gives unlimited lifetime tuneups. The specialized dealer is about 1hr away, but that's not a huge deal. I dunno, probably should check both out for the sake of doing so.

Between the two, how do I know who has the better fork? As I mentioned I haven't rode in many years. Also, I'm no opposed to upgrading the fork at some point either.

Disc brake systems worth the price? Or are they a pain?

Bikernator

I have a Rincon. The fork is not impressive, nor do I believe any of the others will be in this price range. The disc brakes require a lot of fiddling to get right, and some on-the-trail adjustments have been necessary; but again, same deal in this price range. And compared to some other bikes I've messed with, it's heavy as hell. Though people say it doesn't matter so much due to the weight of the rider, but I think it does on slow, really technical parts when you're trying to balance. A Hardrock has not been one of the bikes I've messed with so I can't really say how it compares.

On the other hand, me and my roommate (has a Rincon, too) have ridden the hell out of them and they've not failed in any way (at least not in any way that could be contributed to poor bike quality). I really like the bike, it's been a great beginner ride. Shifts well, brakes are okay, very comfortable fit (for me). Plus it sounds like a good bike shop. Just ride each of them around, as close to back-to-back as possible, and see which one is more comfortable...

ed 

Hardrock

SteveDave

If I raised my price point to $750 range how much better would my options be as far as quality components on a bike?

SteveDave

I've heard that the Hardrock has a lot of "Chainslap" is that true with yours?

born2bahick

Lotta bike for the money if you know about sizing and geometry

Or This
Either of these two offer considerable more bang for buck, better suspension, lighter and better components.

kenhill3

[QUOTE=born2bahick;9617309]Lotta bike for the money if you know about sizing and geometry


B2B-

I checked out that Jamis Dakota. You are correct sir, for $700 that is indeed a lotta schweet bike.

SteveDave

That's a nice Jamis, unfortunately they don't have it in any store around here except one.....and they want $1100 for it. :*(

kenhill3

Are you aware that that bike is available mailorder?

SteveDave

Yes but I have no idea on my sizing. As mentioned I haven't rode in several years.

TechRydr

nttbasa - this thread could have been avoided: https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/67259-please-read-before-asking-question-mtb-faq.html and this thread will answer all your questions...

Glad to hear you're hooked on mtb'ing, buy one and post pic's!

kenhill3

Only three sizes available, 15.5" , 17" , 19" . One will probably fit, unless you are less than 5' or more than 6'.

I'm 5'-10", 30" inseam, and I would order the 17" size.

It is true that a properly fit bike at the LBS is ultimately the best way to go.

UBUvelo

the nearby, helpful LBS would make me choose the Rincon. with continued rapport, he'd definitely keep it going strong and...he might help you upgrade (parts or new bike) should you find yourself getting into MTBking more than you think!

SteveDave

Well next week a buddy of mine and I are going to head out to the Specialized Dealer and look at a Hardrock Comp Disc 2009 and then it's off to the LBS to check out the Giant Rincon or maybe a Yukon. The only problem with the LBS is that he doesn't stock any bikes except the Boulder.

ed 

6'2" and I'd go 19 in a heartbeat.

SteveDave

I'm 6'0" and about 170lbs, so if that helps great. I figured a fitting at a bike shop would be my best bet. The last ride I went on I wasn't properly fitted to the bike and my legs never extended past about 90-100degrees. I figure it can't hurt.

SteveDave

Ended up buying a Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 29er. So far, so good. I've taken it out a few times and it's served me well so far. I'm not digging the pedals all that much and will probably look to upgrade them at some point. Anyone have any suggestions for a good set of pedals?