agc1976

If I wanted to buy a Mountain Bike, how much should I look to spend to get a decent bike? It will be just for recreational riding but I'm willing to pay more than the $350 entry level if it means It will be more reliable and I'll be able to notice a reasonable difference while riding. Maximum willing to spend would be around $1,200 but would like to avoid spending that much if it's not really "necessary" to enjoy good hassle-free recreational riding. Please advice on both, HT and FS. Thanks!

UBUvelo

on one end of the spectrum (from what i've read), the entry level Specialized HardRock is one....or slide up the scale for disc brakes, etc...

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...e.jsp?eid=4340

that's just a starting point. others here will certainly give you some good choices.

ed 

Specialized Rockhopper for 2010 is pimpin the Dart.

Zephyr11

So what'll it be? Full susser or hardtail? Price points are different for each.

Let's look at hardtail first. Your entry level hardtails start somewhere around $350. For $1200, you can get a pretty nice hardtail. Specialized Rockhopper SL, Trek 6500, Fisher Tassajara, C'dale F4, Giant XtC 1, and a lot of other companies' mid-level hardtails all hit that price point, and if you want something a little burlier, the Jamis Komodo II and GT Chucker 1.0 can be had for that (or less). Lots of bikes between those two prices too, so you can weigh how much you want to spend vs. how much bike you want to buy.

$1200 will also get you in the door as far as FS bikes go too. Specialized's FSRxc, Trek Fuel EX 5, and Giant Trance X4 start a little higher, but you may be able to find a 2009 closeout for your price limit. And the Giant Yukon FX, Haro Shift R3, and Jamis Dakar XC are all under $1200.

ed 

Specialized Rockhopper SL...with a Dart 3

rnorris

Depends on what you mean by "recreational riding". If your trail riding isn't too technical, front suspension may fit the bill without forcing you to part with too many bills of the dollar variety. If the bike is going to spend most of its time in technical dirt, full sus would be worthwhile. I have one, but my full rigid urban commuter bike (Marin Point Reyes) handles light gravel trail riding just fine.

Zephyr11

Yeah, I just saw that in your other post. I didn't even bother to check the specs, I just assumed it came with something a little nicer. Weak.

Well, the 6500 has a Tora, and Komodo II has a DJ1! (Only two I still have minimized and was able to check quickly).

UBUvelo

also, full sus 'recreational' riding might be an oxymoron (my moronic favorite word of the week...!)

born2bahick

MTB Action listed this as a very decent entry level in late 2006/ 2007.

johnnytheboy

drop the coin and spring for this:
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...45863&eid=4342

Siu Blue Wind

Oh dang. I paid too much.

meanwhile

For $1200 I'd buy a good hardtail - maybe a very good one, used. Partly I'd rather have a nice hardtail than a less nice FS, but also a decent FS can easily overwhelm the terrain it's ridden on, killing the fun. Of course, a lot depends on the trails you have available.

What would people think about the option of the OP later adding a Thudbuster post if he needed it?

toyman

What is your mechanical ability? Do you 'need' the services of you LBS to get your bike set up and tuned properly? If not, the used market could get you a nice bike. If you do, talk to them and get some suggestions based on your budget and riding type. If you buy an entry-level bike with a good frame and lower-end components, you can always grow the bike with your needs. You may end up spending marginally more to upgrade, but you'll have time to settle in on what you like or dislike. Just a thought!

dminor 

It is still one of the smokinest values out there, IMO. I would buy one in a heartbeat if I wasn't always 'equipment-poor' from my gravity addiction.

cyrusjax

that giant is a lovely bike

Zephyr11

Did I misquote a price? I wouldn't be surprised...I had a bunch of windows open that I was toggling between and it was getting confusing. Which one are you talking about?

DenisMenchov

Yah, well before you start recommending bikes, the op needs to decide if he wants an HT or an FS. Where does the OP plan to ride? $1200 doesn't quite strike me as a recreation bike. That is some serious cash for some serious muscle. I was going to say, the specs on this HT is sick for $1200:

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...fly_pro_09.htm

It's too bad it's sold out. I mean for 1200, those are some really great specs. Maybe wait until they come back in stock?

dminor 

I think the OP is looking for what's possible and reasonable to expect within his price range and then he/she will decide. There've been some solid suggestions thrown out so far. I think the discussion has been productive.

kenhill3

Jeez, I didn't even think that was possible.

Terry66

I “almost” bought the 09 Yukon FS earlier this year, but ended up buying a left over 2008 Giant Trance X2 for roughly the same money…EXTREMELY happy with it. I would definitely shop around at your LBS and see what they have. With the 2010s rolling out, you might be able to upgrade to a nicer bike than you thought.

ed 

You should google my story about the lovely Motobecane I ate for lunch.

What good are all those components hanging off a pop can?

DenisMenchov

Your experience isn't representative to everyone's experience with BD. I'm sure every manafacturer(specialized, giant, etc.) has had defective frames put out, in which the welds cracked, tubing cracked, etc. It's the nature of the manfacturing process. One person's bad experience with a frame / bike doesn't mean that company is crap. I'm sure I could pull tons of internet stories on specialized frames cracking.

DenisMenchov

And likewise, on tough terrain where a FS is needed, a Hardtail can kill the fun

kenhill3

For me, whatever, riding my FS or HT, it's ALL fun!

As long as I'm riding I'm happy and gay.

DenisMenchov

I'm gay.