MTB shopping - opinions?

[kuri]

My wife and I are looking to replace our bikes that were jacked last week.

So far her choice is between the GT 2.0 Avalanche and Specialized Hardrock. She had a Hardrock and likes how it rides, but have yet to try to GT. Both have comparable disc brakes and components, and are around the same price point ($500). We're going to look for 2008 Trek models later this week.

Any opinions on which brands have the better rep?

I'm leaning towards an '08 Trek 6000 marked down over the '09 Hardrock.

thanks.

[Mark57]

I can make you a pretty good deal on a six year old Hardrock and a six year old Giant. I just bought them off Craigslist from some crackhead in SD.


Seriously, at that price point there's probably not that much difference in quality or components. Get the ones that fit the best and are the most comfortable. The LBS here sells Trek and Specialized both, for me the Trek mtb and Specialized road fit best.

[mpipes]

You really can't go wrong with that price range as far as brand quality goes, so finding the preferred ride and best fit are the only things you need to worry about.

Cannondale has bikes in that price range too so if you can find them locally, definitely check them out. I love the way Cannondales handle so much, they're all I've ridden the past 20 years.

[kuri]

Originally Posted by Mark57

I can make you a pretty good deal on a six year old Hardrock and a six year old Giant. I just bought them off Craigslist from some crackhead in SD.

ooh, sweet - name the price!

Thanks for the advice. Yeah I like how the Trek rides over Specialized and Cannondale. Not gonna spend too much since we just do the weekend trail rides, and use 'em for riding around town.

[ODB]

I see this question a lot on various bike forums. The one thing they all seem to have in common is that they are almost all asking about the Hardrock vs. something else. I've not ridden one but it seems this says a lot for the Hardrock.

As always, it's all about fit!

[kuri]

My wife ended up with a good deal on an '08 Avalanche 2.0 & lucked into a great deal on an '08 GHS Alite.

After hitting a bunch of chain bike shops and getting tired of the usual full boat retail bullshit we hit up a cool local bike shop in Venice and the guy had one '08 GHS left, in a 21" and chrome - perfect! He took $300+ off so I grabbed it.

Way better components than the Hardrock and even the Trek 6000 so no hesitation there.

Took 'em on a good first ride today and can't wait to get up in the Santa Monica Mts this coming week