[Hawleyboy]

I’ve narrowed my search for a Hardtail down to these two bikes. I’m upgrading from an Academy Sports $500 special.Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Brian

 

[eb1888]

Both are too much for bikes with poor performing forks that can't have the dampers upgraded. So add $500 for a used Pike or new Marzocchi Z2 to the already high prices.

A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is $1700 with a Z2 fork already. Add to that the frame isn't too stiff riding like the Kona. It has some rear vertical compliance so it doesn't beat you up.

 

[*OneSpeed*]

Honzo every time. Geometry is everything and the Honzo is a blast to ride!

 

[PhillipJ]

2022 Roscoe looks pretty good but I don't think you can get one yet. 2021 is a bit meh.

 

[Hawleyboy]

Thank you all for the great information! Much appreciated!

 

[eb1888]

For a bike you can get from a shop look at the Rocky Mountain Growler 40 at $1800. At least the Raidon fork works.
Watch this review starting at 5 minutes.

Here's one on the Ragley.

 

[Hawleyboy]

For a bike you can get from a shop look at the Rocky Mountain Growler 40 at $1800. At least the Raidon fork works.
Watch this review starting at 5 minutes.

Here's one on the Ragley.

Thanks so much for the information!

 

[Hawleyboy]

Honzo every time. Geometry is everything and the Honzo is a blast to ride!

Both are too much for bikes with poor performing forks that can't have the dampers upgraded. So add $500 for a used Pike or new Marzocchi Z2 to the already high prices.

A Ragley Big Al 1.0 is $1700 with a Z2 fork already. Add to that the frame isn't too stiff riding like the Kona. It has some rear vertical compliance so it doesn't beat you up.

Thanks again for your help and information. My main issue is the availability of the bikes. No shops in my area have the bikes that you recommended, so that's why I kinda settled on the Kona and TREK. The TREK dealer has the Roscoe 7 on order with an EDD of summer of next year. The Kona shop called me yesterday to let me know that the big Honzo in my size is available now. Big decision for me...

 

[Koogs]

Thanks again for your help and information. My main issue is the availability of the bikes. No shops in my area have the bikes that you recommended, so that's why I kinda settled on the Kona and TREK. The TREK dealer has the Roscoe 7 on order with an EDD of summer of next year. The Kona shop called me yesterday to let me know that the big Honzo in my size is available now. Big decision for me...

I guess it really depends on how patient you are. between the 2 I'd bike the Roscoe. Cleaner lines, internal routing for everything. 29x2.6 vs 27.5x2.8. I am not sure of the finer points of the forks, but I think the recon is above the silver, but I dunno.

Having said that, there is definite advantages to having the bike now, vs maybe at the end of next summer... not so much as waiting a few months, but its 6-8 months and really only a maybe

 

[centershot]

Love my Honzo. Not a big Honzo but regular Al version with 29x2.5 tires. Fast, smooth and a blast to ride. I did upgrade the fork right away. Highly recommended.

 

[eb1888]

If you get on the list at CRC you'll get the Ragley before a Roscoe. 4 weeks has been mentioned. Contact them for an update.

 

[Hawleyboy]

Thanks again for all of the information and suggestions. I really appreciate the insight of the board. Today I bought the Kona Big Honzo DL, very happy!

 

[MattSPL]

Thanks again for all of the information and suggestions. I really appreciate the insight of the board. Today I bought the Kona Big Honzo DL, very happy!

Nice looking bike. Enjoy