trekowner1925

Which bike under 500 (maybe a little over but between 500-600) should i buy? I have a trek 3900 and its too small, its a alpha, older model, and its just gotten to small for me. Please post suggestions, not just brands. I'm REALLY REALLY looking for a bike that has disc brakes, that would be really nice as well. I'll be doing a lot of trail riding, and mountain biking, but i can't decide whether to get a Hard tail or a Full suspension bike. Please post your suggestion, I'll greatly appreciate it.

helmut

Hardrock Sport Disc. Just go to your nearest Specialized store and pick one up, coz it is equal to, or better, than anything else out there for the price and you won't be disappointed. Don't bother with full suspension under $1000.

trekowner1925

thanks man. anyone else?

lofnsjoke

go to a bike shop and check out what they got. test ride, test ride. test ride. very few knowledgeable are going to respond to this thread, since there are so many of these threads posted.

oh and READ THIS!!!!!

johnnytheboy

https://www.target.com/Huffy-Cyclone-...8&pf_rd_t=5101

Terry66

I second the Specialized Hardrock...killer hardtail for the money. I have an 09 and it is a blast to ride when not riding the FS. With the 2010s coming out, you should be able to get a Hardrock Comp disc for around $500 or less

trekowner1925

nice bike, I'll probably get one, but keep telling me what you guys have/recommend. the guy who suggested the target bike..

HeyitsDave

I chose a Moto Fantom trail over the hardrock and trek.

Zephyr11

+1

Most of the bikes around that price range will have similar components. They will, however, have slightly different geometry, which will make them fit differently, and means that some of them will feel better than others. Most of the major bike companies will have a bike at that price point. And check out '09 closeouts because you may find a deal.

trekowner1925

Thank you both. Still open to more ideas!

kenhill3

I will say that your question has been answered above about as completely as it ever is, almost all the threads like this say the same thing time after time after time.

1) Do not buy a throw-away bike such as ANY bike from a 'big box' store- find a Local Bike Store that you like.

2) If you are able, test ride A LOT of bikes and see how you like them.

3) The one bike brand that comes up quite often when answering your particular question is: Specialized. A really nice bike is the Specialized Hardrock as posted above.

lofnsjoke

the funny thing is that target actually has one of the better equipped bikes for the price. the forge sawback is better equipped than most entry level bikes out there. only problem is that it is an online purchase only...so cant test ride it.

DenisMenchov

$449

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cane_700HT.htm

subigo

+1 for the Motobecane...

I got the 600HT this week and it's solid. It's also my 3rd bike from Bikes Direct and I've never had a problem with them. If you need to find your size, go test out the Rockhoppers... they're pretty much the same geometry.

Esteban32696

What I ride & am pleased with.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/...in/2280/32123/

Jordan300

This bike is awesome, I'd go with this one

Terry66

+1 on test rides!

I also have a Gary Fisher Wahoo which is roughly the same price point. Both are decent bikes for the money. The Wahoo has 100mm front forks (compared to 85mm on the Hardrock) and slightly better components in my opinion. On paper alone, I would go with the Wahoo, but I much prefer the Hardrock as it just “feels” right to me. Do your research, get a ton of information and then ride a bunch of bikes!

billyymc

Bought my daughter an Ibex Alpine for $500 a few weeks ago. Online sales only, like bikesdirect, but without the "eww" factor that bikesdirect bikes seem to bring to some people.

The Alpine is a really nice bike. Well made powdercoated frame, with a component selection generally better than anything else at that price range. I was looking at the Hardrock for her, but ended up at IBEX. If you are uncomfortable buying online, the Hardrock is a nice bike. Not sure IBEX has any Alpines left right now -- if not, you're out of luck until next spring.

aL1

Hardrock!

cyrusjax

The hardrock is a kick ass bike, defo worth the money.

trekowner1925

Thanks to everyone who is posting in here and helping me out, i've read and considered all of them, i am thinking more on the Specialized Hardrock side though, but can i get specialized colors? (none of the other colors really turn me on)

randym95

I am also interested in this bike. Anyone know about how much it weighs?

thanks,
Randy

wookv

FWIW, I have a Giant Yukon '08 with disc brakes. I got it from my LBS for $450. It's nothing fancy, but for a noob like me, it's taken a lot of knocks/spills/over the handlebars/tumbles/you name it.

born2bahick

I Think you have to pick your own bike, What fits, is what u sit. I like the hardrock too, but I can't tell over the internet if it fits you, and neither can any other enthusiastic bike forum members. Please don't listen to me or any one else on the internet. Go to a local bike shop and try every bike within a few inches either way of your recommended size

johnnytheboy

why on EARTH would you suggest a good-as-dead 26" hardtail????!!!
haven't you been reading the crap you posted lately?
he'd be throwing away his money on this outdated technology!!!!!!
shame on you!!!