D'oh! Sorry guys. I'm gonna have to recommend that swing bike. There's one here that looks pretty sweet: http://www.americasbikecompany.com/S...301-001-04.htm


I agree that you can't get a good full-suspension mountain bike. But you can't get a decent mountain bike?? Really?! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend my DMR to anyone looking for a pump track, DJ, or urban bike, unless they planned on going HUUUGE. If you're lucky, you can find one on eBay for $500ish. Might get lucky finding an NS Holy also. And for many people's purposes, the GT Chucker or Jamis Komodo will hold up just fine for drops, and both of those are going for $400. Sure, you get a rigid fork with the DMR and NS, and a RST Launch with the GT and Jamis, but whatever, I don't think the OP is expecting an 831 or Argyle for what he's willing to pay.

Really not sure what your point is exactly. If you`re going to post informationthen it should be reproducable and available to anyone. My comments were based on MSRP which anyone can at least match. If you want to compare that to something that might be won in an auction on eBay or bought used at a garage sale or won in a poker game then there`s really no frame of reference.

But lets look at some realities. DMR lists their best selling hardtail FRAME for over $400. Kona in this year`s lineup of mtb bikes has only ONE thats less than $500 - thant`s the Lan`i which lists at $449 and is suggested for XC if you`re a light beginner rider. There`s no lockout on the front suspension and the damping leaves a lot to be desired. OK - maybe I`m mistaken - they do have 2 kids bikes at $350 and $400.

But maybe you should give them a call and some advice. Because if they could really build a decent mtb for $500 with a decent front suspension - I`m sure they`d love to. I mean - even those other three kids bikes they market are $560, $700 and $1700 !!

And frames and components for downhill and DJ have to be designed to take more abuse so they`re usually more expensive. The only component group Shimano has built specifically for freeride and downhill is the Saint group. XT, SLX, Deore and XTR are only targeted to meet cross country, enduro and trekking.

So if you`re happy with what you have and want to insist that anyone can pick up a decent mtb with a decent front suspension for less than $500 - then I guess its pretty simple. You and I don`t agree on what a `decent` mtb is.

DMR Drone was NOS, which is why I got it cheap. That frame goes for like $200 MSRP. Complete is $640 on ChainReactionCycles. Anyone can find year end blowouts. I've gotten great deals on Craigslist, but that's not what I'm posting here.

I don't doubt that the fork on the Lana'i is a POS. But not having lockout isn't really a factor. My Domain doesn't have lockout and that thing kicks ass.

So, define it for me. What's decent? Obviously my bikes are not...at least not the two cheap ones. Tell me...what's the least expensive "decent" bike you can think of?

Granted, Im a noob... And I have ridden some very nice bikes since my first DB Response XE, but that thing is still alive and kickin after being through things no bike should be put through. It's trusty, albiet heavy, and costs half of what a Hardrock Disc costs. Well-rounded XC geometry, feels good off the rack. It's not just a first love fondness, it's a tried and true opinion that I'll defend.

But maybe our definitions of "decent" are different :p

I guess some of the info I posted last year caused some contraversy so I'd like to add an update. This year Shimano has been even clearer about the intended use of each component group and has added the following to their 2012 Trade Sales & Support Manual under Classification of MTB riding styles:

"WARNING
Don't use a bike equipped with casual MTB/City Bike components on aggressive off-road trail.


ALIVIO, ACERA and ALTUS components are not developed for serious MTB riding, while making a clear distinction with the high-end components such as DEORE and SAINT groups in terms of purpose of use.


For instance, the use of a bike equipped with ALIVIO or ACERA components for aggressive riding may cause damage and possible injury.


Also, TOURNEY components are the MTB-look product group for casual city riding on paved roads. We will appreciate that you understand the product level and intended use of each component group and please give guidance to users on safe riding"


So the bottom line is that anyone trying to sell you a bike with any of these components and suggesting that it's suitable for aggressive MTB riding is either uninformed or just wants your money. And unfortunately Shimano doesn't have to honor warranty claims made on components damaged while being used for anything outside their intended use.


It's your money and when you spend it you should at least get something suitable for what you plan on using it for. In fact you should insist on it.