Good Entry Level HT Under 1k

[el_d00der1n0]

I've got a buddy that wants to get a MTB, but he's not sure what to start on. I started on a HardRock, and I wasn't too happy with it after a few months.

He used to spin, but this would be his first dirt.

What do you all think? I'm suggesting Rockhopper right now, but maybe there's something spec'd better by someone other than Speshy?

TIA

 

[brownlandshark]

There are lots of nice ones. The Trek 6000 is a pretty classic, solid rig and later on with a fork upgrade it is really nice. I'd replace the stock chain with a better one and also the rear cassette to improve shifting. Rockhoppers nice too. In that price point check out KHS too. Some nice bang for the buck there.

 

[ryandood]

I have an 07 Rockhopper that I love. It started out as the stock disc model but has a few upgrades now. Good solid bike to start out on for me. Tell him to start looking on CL, always good deals on there.

 

[el_d00der1n0]

I have an 07 Rockhopper that I love. It started out as the stock disc model but has a few upgrades now. Good solid bike to start out on for me. Tell him to start looking on CL, always good deals on
there.

CL's great if you know about the bikes. He wants to buy from a shop, and frankly, that's better for me cuz I don't want to be his wrench.

 

[ChariotsOfTires]

I have an 07 Rockhopper that I love. It started out as the stock disc model but has a few upgrades now. Good solid bike to start out on for me. Tell him to start looking on CL, always good deals on there.

I too have an 07 Rockhopper base model. I paid $500 for it have definately got my money's worth. I would recommend doing the disc model or higher. The Disc model should be around $800.
:bang:

 

[ryandood]

I too have an 07 Rockhopper base model. I paid $500 for it have definately got my money's worth. I would recommend doing the disc model or higher. The Disc model should be around $800.
:bang:

I got mine from CL for $310 pretty much brand spanking new. Couldn't be happier. Unless I had more bikes. Then I'd be happier. That's not the point, the Rockhopper has done me well in my noobness.

 

[ODB]

Kona Caldera, perhaps? I also noticed in the recent "trail bike" issue of MB Action that the Gary Fisher Pirahna had a nice spec--SRAM X5, Shimano hydraulic discs, Tora in the front--for $799.

 

[el_d00der1n0]

Kona Caldera, perhaps? I also noticed in the recent "trail bike" issue of MB Action that the Gary Fisher Pirahna had a nice spec--SRAM X5, Shimano hydraulic discs, Tora in the front--for $799.

Found the GF. Nice spec for the price. Good find!

 

[northshore]

Haro Flightline.

 

[el_d00der1n0]

Haro Flightline.

that's great that it's named for flightline (the trails that used to be by palomar airport).

that place kicked my butt. my first switchbacks ever, and they were made of wood bridges.

i'm avoiding the dart. i don't know much about it, but my tora is just ok, so i figure the dart must be like rst.

 

[thebush]

Kona Caldera, perhaps? I also noticed in the recent "trail bike" issue of MB Action that the Gary Fisher Pirahna had a nice spec--SRAM X5, Shimano hydraulic discs, Tora in the front--for $799.

I'll second the Caldera. I owned the 2007 model and after replacing every part on it I sold it and now regret it #-o My favorite do all hardtail.

 

[foofighter]

have him look at those motocabane deals they're dirt cheap so the price for entry isnt so bad

 

[Rockinthecasbah]

Marin makes a few decently speced bikes

 

[dutch]

+1 to no dart. they're pretty cheesy unless you get at least the dart 3 (w/lockout) or the 4 which i think ha rebound adjustment too.

 

[ChipsandSalsa]

Dooder,

If I were helping a newbie select a mountain bike who was willing to spend a grand, I would point him in this direction...http://treksandiego.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1101 On Wednesday, March 26th, this bike gets marked down even further to $799.

I know some people believe it best to start out on a hardtail and purchase a full-suspension later, but I disagree.

In any event, if he did not like the bike, he could probably sell it at a minimal loss.

 

[92se-r]

Hardtails all feel the same to me. Just go on CL and look for a kona or Giant hard tail. The only difference in bikes will be the spec list. IMO, there's no point in buying a new bike for a newb because they don't konw what they want and like yet.

 

[el_d00der1n0]

Dooder,

If I were helping a newbie select a mountain bike who was willing to spend a grand, I would point him in this direction...http://treksandiego.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1101 On Wednesday, March 26th, this bike gets marked down even further to $799.

I know some people believe it best to start out on a hardtail and purchase a full-suspension later, but I disagree.

In any event, if he did not like the bike, he could probably sell it at a minimal loss.

that's a great deal even at 999. where do you get the insider info?

Hardtails all feel the same to me. Just go on CL and look for a kona or Giant hard tail. The only difference in bikes will be the spec list. IMO, there's no point in buying a new bike for a newb because they don't konw what they want and like yet.

i could have saved some $$$ if i knew a little more going in though.

 

[92se-r]

I originally started out with a full rigid when I was growing up. Got my drivers license and didn't bike for years. Unretired in college and got a hard tail because I didn't want a full suspension hiding bad riding habits. Outgrew that in terms of skill level. Ended up getting an Iron Horse DW-Link bike. Loved it and rode the crap out of it for 3 years. Then I decided that I needed a race bike. Built a 22lb hard tail. HATED IT. I ended up slower on that thing than my 30 lb Iron Horse. Ended up getting an Anthem frame. Built it up to be a 25 lb 3.5" travel bike. I also have a REign for 6+" of travel for the chunk.

All I'm saying is that first hard tail, I should have bought used and not bought new. I just had no idea what I was doing at the time and there is no way you stay with the first bike you buy. It is very rare that you get the bike that fits you perfectly both when you are a newb, and when you grow into a better rider.

 

[ChipsandSalsa]

that's a great deal even at 999. where do you get the insider info?

It is in the latest flier they sent me. I figure I am not really leaking "insider info" since it is addressed to me or "Current Resident."

 

[Bellvis]

My buddy has been running a GT Avalanche Disc for a few months now and loves it. He got it at Performance for under $500.