Hey guys, dont know if this is the place to put this or not, but I know some of you are bikers and I figured you would be able to help me out. I have recently started riding my roommates bike and have kinda fallen for biking. He has a Trek 4900 i think is what it is. I have been looking at a few and I rode a Specialized Hardrock sport. I loved how this bike rode and felt. Do you guys know anything about these bikes. How are they for reliability, and upgradability? The run about $380 at the local store but which is a little more than some online places but after I custom order it, I get to test ride if for up to two weeks before I pay for it. I figured that is worth the little bit extra. They will also give me a $30 store certificate for accesories. I figured a new seat would be in order right away so that might come in useful. Give me any suggestions you guys might have on ANYTHING mtb related. I dont want to (cant) spend much more than that right now so dont suggest bikes that are way more costly. Thanks!!!
Those bikes will both be alright. Really at that price point not to much differences are going to be found. How well the bike is going to last is going to depend on how hard you ride.
Dont order online. If you have a problem with anything its a pain in the ass. I know this from first hand experience. Go you your local bike store and talk to the sales guys there, usually smaller shops are more help and they arnt on commision most of the time.
Specialized is a good brand though, they use some in-house parts (parts with the specialized name) which in the past have been known to be not the absolute best at times.
If I were in your situation I would go to as many shops as possible and talk with the staff, if possible the mechanics (once in a while a sales person is clueless.. Think of them as.... personal trainers.. haha).
I would also look into Giants line of bicycles. Ive always found them to be really good value and the company is very good to deal with.
I worked in a bike store for about 5 years primarly as a mechanic, but also in sales. So ask any specific questions..
What bikes can you recommend for me in that price range. Lets say between 300 and 400. I know I wont be getting top of the line by any means, but thats why there are aftermarket upgrades right??? Just shoot me any bikes, from any well made brand that you can think of. I have heard of Giant, not sure if there is a dealer around here like Trek and Specialized, but I have heard of them and could probably find something someplace close.
Hmm cant really give exact bike recomendations because the US spec bikes and pricing for some reason is way different then that of canada.
But I can tell you what to look for..
Make sure it has an aluminum frame
Brand name suspension (rockshox, marzocchi, manitou)
Alloy Wheels
and at least 24 gears (want at least 8speeds in the back)
Really, all the companies bikes are going to be very similar speced at that price. Go out and ride them. the ride of a bike is the most important thing. I for one really cant stand how Gary Fisher bikes ride, but some people love them. Trek, Giant, Specialized, Kona, Norco, rocky mountain, even some iron horse are good bikes.
I just checked some internet sites.. I dont know if its just these sites.
But from what ive seen, prices have gone WAY down in the last year (ive been out of it for about a year).
You may even be able to get some disc brakes, as long as they are made by hayes, shimano, formula, or avid go for it. If not make sure the bike is disc ready.
Bike shopping is actually pretty fun. And remember, its the middle of summer. Prices are not set in stone at a bike store.
I think you're on the right trail with the Specialized Hardrock. Well made bikes and they seem to be a favorite for starters. You wouldn't go wrong with a low end Giant or Gary Fisher either. It is more about how the fit is for you. So my best advise is to test several ones and make sure the bike shop sets them up properly for you before you ride so you get an acurate feel for the bike.
Oh yeah, welcome to the club!
__________________
***
Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
Thanks for the help guys. Hey ODB, do you know of any Giant models and about how much they run??? I tried looking on their site and it wasnt very helpful. Maybe I wasnt looking in the right area. I think its going to be tough to beat the feel of the hardrock though. I am not counting anything out though. I am sure there can be better. Any more tips you guys have would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
The Rincon and the Yukon are in your price range and are nice bikes. We really need to get Silly (Sarah) in on this conversation since she works for a bike shop that sells Giant, Cannondale, Santa Cruz and others. She may have some good insight.
__________________
***
Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
My 4130 chromoly Surly has great ride quality. And so did my Reynolds 853 steel Zion. Far superior ride quality to that of Aluminum.
But you probably only suggested this because you will likely not find a steel bike for less than $400 beans.
To the original poster, you might consider used as well. You get get alot of bike for the money if you buy used. Yeah, you might have a few things that need some attention, but if you fall in love with MTB'n that Hard Rock isn't going to last long.
For example: I had this guy email me pics of this bike. Looks like a pretty good deal. You end up with Specialized's top end frame. Not bad. Course it isn't local to you. But you get the idea. http://www.dorba.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21106
Ask him to email you pics.
Any more tips you guys have would be appreciated. Thanks!!!
What kind of elevation change do you have near you? Lots of climbing? Rocks? Roots? Or fairly smooth and flat? Have you noticed any Single Speeders around you? It's worth a look. They are great for relatively flat areas. And they can climb better than most think. We even have a few riders who do the Ouchitah Challenge on Single Speeds. Less maintenance and they make you strong, more all over body workout. This is the Redline Monocog 29'r. Yes it's rigid. But it's got 29" wheels (they still make a 26" standard version) and it's made of steel, so the ride quality is FAR superior to Aluminum bikes. Oh, and they cost around $400 brand new...or something like that. Enjoy your search. Just option for you to look at.
I guess steel is okay in the flat-land of Texas J/K. Of course bosser99 is in Nebraska.
You got this all backwards my good man ODB. The steel would benefit you greatly in Ark. They are much smoother than Aluminum HT's. Unless you are on Full Suspension (which I don't think you are.....errr....or were you the one that ended up with the Giant NRS????). As far as HT's go......they are MUCH better for smoothing out rocky stuff than Aluminum.
Now you could argue the Single Speed thing. I wouldn't resist on that front.
Well, in Nebraska we dont have much for hills, but we do have some pretty nice paths in the city I live in. Also, I have friends out in the Iowa City, Iowa area and they have some pretty good riding out there. They also head to Colorado alot and I would like to go with them sometime. I went and test rode another Specialized Hardrock tonight and I love that bike. They have a 2006 model for only $330. That still includes the 30 dollar certificate. I really like it better than the trek I have been borrowing. Also, the guy had me try a couple different seats and WOW. What a difference. The one I picked has a little wider back on it and it seemed to sit better under my "sit bones." Not sure what that is, but thats what the guy called it, and I could tell it was way more comfortable.
About three miles. I just took it down a little stretch on the local bike path. Nothing hard, just a few small hills, and some city riding (streets, sidewalks, curbs).
Those are good bikes, popular and they've been around a while. You can always upgrade the groupo to something else as time passes.
I like Cannondale but that's all I've ever ridden. My butt is used to the rigid feel so it doesn't bother me anymore (I think because my butt is numb from this thing).
I test rode a cannondale also, but it was out of my price range and it didnt feel as nice as the Specialized. You said your butt was used to the feel, are they known for being rigid to ride on? How upgradable do you guys think these Rockhards are? Could I keep upgrading it, or would it reach a limit where it could only be upgraded to a so-so bike?
I test rode a cannondale also, but it was out of my price range and it didnt feel as nice as the Specialized. You said your butt was used to the feel, are they known for being rigid to ride on? How upgradable do you guys think these Rockhards are? Could I keep upgrading it, or would it reach a limit where it could only be upgraded to a so-so bike?
Honestly.. In my opinion for what your doing dont by a cannondale. They are very expensive and really not as good as they could be.
My 4130 chromoly Surly has great ride quality. And so did my Reynolds 853 steel Zion. Far superior ride quality to that of Aluminum.
But you probably only suggested this because you will likely not find a steel bike for less than $400 beans.
To the original poster, you might consider used as well. You get get alot of bike for the money if you buy used. Yeah, you might have a few things that need some attention, but if you fall in love with MTB'n that Hard Rock isn't going to last long.
For example: I had this guy email me pics of this bike. Looks like a pretty good deal. You end up with Specialized's top end frame. Not bad. Course it isn't local to you. But you get the idea. http://www.dorba.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21106
Ask him to email you pics.
haha. funny you should say that.
Im in love with steel singlespeed hardtails, I was just suggesting aluminum for him to get him away from cheap generic steel.
My $.02. A friend of mine who uses her bike for commuting and for occasional jaunts into some rolling double track-nothing too technical- owns a Hardrock. She absolutely loves it.
I made a mistake the first bike I bought. I bought the first one I test rode and regretted it immediately. It was a bad fit, bad geometry and was too much $$ to spend before I even knew what I was doing. I guess the point is...KNOW how you plan to use the bike, don't spend any more than necessary for the intended use of the bike but spend enough to make a good bike for you, and test ride several to know what works for you best. What's best for some is not best for all.
Oh and I second Frank's opinion on the Cannondale.
__________________
The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'.
The Rincon and the Yukon are in your price range and are nice bikes. We really need to get Silly (Sarah) in on this conversation since she works for a bike shop that sells Giant, Cannondale, Santa Cruz and others. She may have some good insight.
Yep I worked at a giant dealer and had a grassroots sponsership though them for a little while actually. Those bikes really cant be beat for the money.
Very 'neutral' riding feel I found, which is a very good thing for a first real mountain bike. Very predictible and fun to ride. Not to mention the frames are made especially well. Im not possitive now, but last year for sure, many high end specialized mountain bike frames were being made at giants plant.
Well, in Nebraska we dont have much for hills, but we do have some pretty nice paths in the city I live in. Also, I have friends out in the Iowa City, Iowa area and they have some pretty good riding out there. They also head to Colorado alot and I would like to go with them sometime. I went and test rode another Specialized Hardrock tonight and I love that bike. They have a 2006 model for only $330. That still includes the 30 dollar certificate. I really like it better than the trek I have been borrowing. Also, the guy had me try a couple different seats and WOW. What a difference. The one I picked has a little wider back on it and it seemed to sit better under my "sit bones." Not sure what that is, but thats what the guy called it, and I could tell it was way more comfortable.
You will like the specialized im sure. The hardrock series is good. Actually the frames are very strong on those bikes, not somthing your probally concerned about to much (frame failure is very rare) but nice to know.
Try to test a few other bikes, and if you like that one the best go for it.
Most shops will have some kind of tune-up deal with a bike you buy from them so thats usually a bonus.
For general care:
Keep the tires inflated to correct psi
Keep it clean! I cant stress this enough.
Use some degreaser and wipe off the chain with a cloth then lube it back up every few rides.
When you first get it everything should work pretty well. After just a ride or two all of the cables are going to stretch. Either take it back and get them adjusted or do it youself if you have the knowledge (its really not that hard). 99.99% of shops will do this for free though. Maybe just watch them as they are doing this and see what they are doing. That would be much easier then trying to explain over the internet.
Probally once a year I reccomend a pretty full overhaul if you ride in the mud/grit alot. This would include replacing all the cables (probally cost you $20 or so), and taking out the bottom bracket (where the cranks attatch too) and cleaning/lubing that area. This doesnt need to be done that often but after a year of riding it can be really nice to have the bike running as good as new for only a few bucks. Usually at this time id check things like brake pads and drivetrain components to make sure they are all still working well.
If you do these things the bike is going to last you a very long time.
Crap, I looked at a Gary Fisher Advance, and a Trek 3900 today and really liked them also. They both felt very comfortable to ride. Which of all of these would you guys say is best. The guy at the bike shop said the Trek and Gary Fisher are pretty much the exact same bike, except the GF has a better front shock. So here we go, the Specialized Hardrock, the Gary Fisher Advance, or the Trek 3900. All are about the same price give or take about 10 bucks.
Which one did you like riding the most? They all have similar components so it all comes down to frame geometry. That is a personal preference, don't let anyone here or anywhere else tell you which is best, only your butt, legs and shoulders know. Test them several times. One other factor. Give some points to the bike shop that gives the best service and has gone the farthest for you.
__________________
***
Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
Well then I have to give points to the shop that has the Trek and the Gary Fisher. The guy that owns that place offered to go out on a bike with me for a few miles. He said he would hop on his and take me out and make sure the bike was fitted for me and give me some riding advice. The guy seemed REALLY helpful. Looks like I have some more test riding to do. I will probably go test ride the specialized again too.
Honestly.. In my opinion for what your doing dont by a cannondale. They are very expensive and really not as good as they could be.
Blasphemy! I love my Cannondale!
I have ridden a really sweet Specialized when I was in Arizona. I could see owning one of them, but I have always loved the way a Cannondale rides. Maybe it's just that their geometry is well-suited for my body. I don't know. Doesn't hurt that it is so light.
I did test drive a Turner for a few days, and it shifted like butter!
One thing I liked about the Specialized was how it shifted and how the shifter was set up. You use your thumbs to up and down shift. Also, it shifted way better than the Trek I have been riding. It might just be something wrong with this certain Trek, but the Specialized was a noticable difference in shifting. I will probably be buying the new bike later this week.
Getting into MTB riding, need info
with the Specialized Hardrock. Well made bikes and they seem to be a favorite for starters. You wouldn't go wrong with a low end Giant or Gary Fisher either. It is more about how the fit is for you. So my best advise is to test several ones and make sure the bike shop sets them up properly for you before you ride so you get an acurate feel for the bike.
Linear Mode
