Sparky Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 Hey gang, I know that this isn't car related, but I do know that there are a few bicycle riders here. I have some options and some wants/needs in a low/midrange priced bike. I'm looking for disk brakes, alum frame, 24 speeds, hardtail, decent hardware, light weight, etc etc. Price range is around 500$, and here are some I've been looking at: Trek 4300: http://www2.trekbikes.com/Bikes/Mountain/Hardtail/Alpha_Aluminum/4300/index.php Marin Bobcat trail:http://www.marinbikes.com/bicycles_2005/html/bikes/bike_specs/specs_bobcat_trail.html Diamondback Response sport: http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp?deptid=14&itemid=134&va=0 Haro V4: http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/vseries-v4.php Giant Yukon http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2004_hardtail/product_123424.shtml Raleigh M40DX http:// http://www.raleighusa.com/items.asp?deptid=11&itemid=207&va=0 Specialized Rockhopper '04 http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=5969&JServSessionIdroot=uakjmamjln.j27004 does anybody have any experience with this type of bike or any of these bikes? Its a tough one as they all have a lot of the same features just with different hardware or combos of hardware. I supose in the end I really cant go wrong with any of the bikes listed above. Whadayall think?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jolane Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 Hey Sparky, Of the bikes you listed, I would say the best dollar value would be the Specialized. They seem to have some higher quality bikes, even though the components are typically "Specialized" brand. The resale value should be good also if you want to sell it in the future, relatively speaking. I would also highly recommend the Jamis brand (http://www.jamisbikes.com). Personally I have a Dakar XLT 3.0, and I also bought my GF a Dakar Comp last year. I am very happy with the quality of both, especially considering the prices versus other brands. I will say that after riding both Hydraulic and Mechanical disks, I prefer the mechanicals for several reasons. They are just as good as hydraulic. Also, don't get too hung up on the component set (i.e. Shimano LX, XT, XTR). I prefer shimano stuff, and would stick with LX or better. For your budget, at least try to get LX stuff for the derailers and shifters. Finally, if you don't have expierence with clip-less pedals, see if you can demo both styles (SPD and TIME). They are very different. Maybe you don't want anything but flats, and that is fine too to get started. I hope this helps. The most important thing is to make sure the bike fits you, size wise. Have the shop fit the stem, bars, etc to you. Also, try to choose a well reputed bike shop, as service after the purchase is very important. Also, try to find lifetime adjustments included with the purchase, saves some money in the long run on tune-ups and the such. Good Luck, Joshua Oh, maybe look for a used bike also. You might be able to get a better used bike for the same price as a decent new one. That is hit and miss though, of course. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 Can't recommend Rocky Mountain enough! Not sure if you can find them in the US very easily though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 I've currently got a Giant Carbon Fiber hardtail that is strictly a 2X9 race rig. It works great and was put together with race spares from my Jamis FS race bike. All the bikes you list are well within the range for what you want to do. However, I'm a HUGE fan of JAMIS bikes... I've got a Diamondback, and a GT, and the other two bikes mentioned above. The best fit for me is My Jamis. There are currently seven bikes in the Kelly family stable, along with wheel building tools (I build all my own) and every other tool needed to build at the track or home! Just need to RIDE more and turn wrenches on cars LESS! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest steveo Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 Can't recommend Rocky Mountain enough! Not sure if you can find them in the US very easily though. rocky mountain rocks! Kona is actually really good as well. From what you posted there i would go with the speacialized. BEst components from all the ones you have posted. http://www.rocky-mountain.com/bikes/2005/sport/trailhead.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aguyandaredhead Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 OK I have to give Rocky Mountain a 3rd vote.. I know it is not a brand you have listed but It's worth saying. I have the Element and I have loved it. Yes they are hard to find in the US but worth it if you can. Word to the wise though, if you buy one from someone in Canada and have them ship it too you it will have a Customs fee attached to it. Ask me how I know. I also had a Trek of the 7000 variety and liked it as well. Nice frame and came in many options. Traded it to a Cop in Colorado because they had just been issued Giant bikes for their route's and he hated them. I needed a dive computer he had and he needed my Trek to ride while on duty.. Just my opinion. Jeff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted January 8, 2005 Share Posted January 8, 2005 One of my riding partners has the Element Team edition, and the only bad thing we could knock it for was looking to damned good! That bike gorgious... Oh, and we knocked it for not having bearings on the pivots... Only bushings, and they didn't retrofit the 2004 roller bearing upgrade to previous year models... Scot was replacing the bushings once per year, and had to do the bushings once just before we went to Moab in 2002 and again when we got back a week later... Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted January 8, 2005 Author Share Posted January 8, 2005 The rocky Mountain bikes do look really nice, but I cannot find a dealer in my general area. I Want to take advantage of the free tune-ups and maintenance that the local stores offer So I will be concentrating on what I cant get new and locally. I will be checking out some Jamis bikes on monday but I think those might be slightly out of my price range, but they do look really nice. we shall see. I really need to stick to my budget and maybe go slightly under. If I can save some money I might skimp out on some upgradable components in order to purchase a second set of tires along with front and rear lights and a decent helmet. who really knows just how often I will get to really ride, I would hate to spend big money to not be able to ride. thanks for all the info, School starts again on the 18th so I will probably make my purchase then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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