toolius

I'm looking for a moutain bike for around $800. I know to get a decent bike you would normally spend atleast $1,100 or so.

but...

I found a GIANT Rainer SE for $699....Is that a good bike? Here are the specs...

MODEL Rainer SE
PRICE $699 USD
FRAME Supersized ALUXX 6061
FORK Marzocchi Z.5
REAR SUSPENSION n/a
TIRES
FRONT/REAR WTB NanoRaptor
BRAKES Avid Mech.disc
SHIFTERS Avid AD3
DERAILLEURS Shimano Deore
CRANKSET SR/SunTour MD304
CHAIN n/a
PEDALS Steel
STEM Alloy
HANDLEBAR Alloy
SADDLE Koski Contour
SEATPOST Alloy
HUBS
FRONT/REAR Alloy
AVAIL. SIZES XS, S, M, L
AVAIL. COLORS Race Yellow/Black, Black/Silver

The guy at the bike shop said he would upgrade the derailers to LX (?) or something for another $30.

Is there another bike I should be looking at for this price range?

Richard D

The spec looks okay (I'm not overly familiar with pricing in the US), personally I'd try and upgrade the crankset rather than the derailleurs. I'm a fairly happy Giant owner - the frames are quite good which is the most important part of the bike IMO.

Richard

The Toninator

if you get a model without the disks you should be able to get an upgrade on both.

fubar5

The Giant Rainer is the best MTB deal on two wheels.

Richard D

I'd make sure you get a chain though

Richard

The Toninator

Rockhopper A1 Comp FS MSRP - $870
https://www.specialized.com/SBCBkMode...=mountainbikes
Look around maybe you will find something you like.
FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, double butted front triangle, disc mounts, removeable derailler hanger
FRONT FORK Manitou Six Elite, 100mm travel, alloy steerer, ail damped with pre-load adjustment
REAR SHOCK N/A
HEADSET Ritchey 1-1/8", threadless
STEM Specialized welded alloy, 10 degree rise, anodized black
HANDLEBARS Specialized 30mm rise, 6 degree bend, black anodized
GRIPS S-Works Double Density, kraton
FRONT BRAKE Shimano BR-410, linear pull, black anodized
REAR BRAKE Shimano BR-410, linear pull, black anodized
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano ST-M510 , Deore
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore, 34.9mm clamp, bottom pull
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Deore LX
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano Deore ST-M-510
CASSETTE Shimano HG-50, 11x32, 9-speed
CHAIN Shimano, 9-speed, HG-53
CRANKSET Specialized Forearm II Comp, with black arms
CHAINRINGS 44Ax32Sx22S, w/black 7075 alloy outer ring, Tru-Shift
BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano BB-UN-52, square taper, 68 x 110
PEDALS Shimano PDM-505, clipless, w/reflector , cleats
RIMS Mavic X-139, 32h, 26", alloy double wall, w/machined side walls, black
FRONT HUB Specialized alloy,32h, w/hi-polished bearing surfaces, black
REAR HUB Shimano Deore, 32h, forged alloy, low flange, 9-speed, black
SPOKES 15GA, stainless, black, w/brass nipples
FRONT TIRE Specialized Rockster Pro 26"x2.1", kevlar, blackwall, 120 TPI
REAR TIRE Specialized Rockster Pro 26"x2.1", kevlar, blackwall, 20 TPI
TUBES Specialized ultra light, presta valve
SADDLE Specialized Pro MTB w/Body Geometry Technology (OEM)
SEAT POST Specialized alloy, 30.9x350mm
SEAT BINDER Specialized alloy collar, w/ QR
NOTE Chain stay cover, reflectors, owners manual
COLORS (Frame/Fork) Black/Red, Red/White

toolius

thanks for the replies guys....a couple of questions...


So if I upgrade the Giants crankset how does it compare to the Specialized Rock Hopper A1 Comp FS?

and if I choose the Specialized Rock Hopper A1 Comp FS, what do I lose if I downgrade to the Specialized Rock Hopper A1 FS?


Giant Ranier SE = $700 +$50 upgraded derailers
Giant Ranier SE w/upgraded crankset = $850 +$50 derailers upgr
Specialized Rock Hopper A1 FS = $650
Specialized Rock Hopper A1 Comp FS = $870


Desicions desicions!

which one to go with?

Richard D

The most important thing is fit - try them both(all) to see which you find most comfortable. Also look at how comfortable you feel with the bikeshop (if they're from different bikeshops).

I don't know a great deal about specialized's or what the specialized's own branded crankset is like. I only mentioned upgrading the Rainier's crankset/BB rather than the derailleurs, because I think you'll notice the performance difference more - the stock Deore derailleurs aren't bad as they are, whilst my experience of OEM Suntour cranksets hasn't been bad you can certainly get better. If the bikeshop will swap it for less than the cost of replacing it later, it's possibly worth swapping now, but only if you're saving money on an upgrade you think you will want.

Richard

fubar5

Well, with the bikes being so close in price and specs, fit should be your determining factor. Fit is more important than a better crankset or something. Also, Specialized bikes come with Body Geometry saddles, which are probably more comfartable than the Koski engineering or WTB saddle on the Giant.

a2psyklnut

Both are great bikes for the $$$$. However, I would broaden your selection (and test rides) to include companies like, Trek, Gary Fisher, Haro, Cannondale, Kona ...etc. Most companies all have bikes in your desired range. Try as many as possible and get the one you feel most comfortable on regardless of parts specs!

Giant will probably have the best overall price, but be sure the bike feels comfy or you'll never ride it!

toolius

Thanks for the info guys!

I just looked at a Jamis Dakota AL. The shop nearby has an '01 model for $800. It orgionally retailed for $969.

Anyone know anything about Jamis?

The shop manager there said that he would suggest going with Shimmano/deore components over specialized components...any thoughts on that?

a2psyklnut

Jamis makes very good bikes, they just don't have the reputation that other companies enjoy. Very well made frames and well spec'd with solid components.

As far as specialized components go; they are better than other companies "house brand" components. However, they are all pretty much clones of Shimano products. I personally like their strongarm cranks over the deore level Shimano cranks. And their "Stout" hubs are superior for strength, but everything else is pretty much a toss-up.

Werry ress bout wha eh ha, an consincrate on how eh fweels Grasshoppa!