[ccarbot]

Doing a bunch of research lately trying to decide what to pick as my first true mtb. Looking to spend about $550, so in that range which of these would you say is the best spec'd/has the best components? I'm thinking that should be my priority, along with fit geometry, as opposed to color, etc. Only problem of course is that as a newb, I don't know a good spec set from a weak one.

Felt Q520 (would also look at a 620 if I can find a deal on a 2010): http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/MOUNTAIN/Q-Series/Q520.aspx

Trek/Fisher Advance: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/fisher_g2_hardtail/advance/

Trek 4300 Disc: http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/4_series/4300disc/

Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45759&eid=4340&menuItemId=9253

Giant Rincon: http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/rincon.black/3873/36247/

Thanks for the help!:thumbsup:

 

[gregnash]

First question... Do you have LBS in your area? If so go ride all that you can.. I like the Rincon/Revel (2011 model name) then the 4300 next. Rode all those except the Fisher and just like the Rincon/Revel better... also there is the Raleigh Talus 5.0 that is in that range... Most will say that with that price point, you will pretty much get the same bike from all manufacturers aside from a few component differences. So at this point fit will probably be more of a factor than the rest.

 

[airdonut41]

I agree with gregnash; go by feel. I personally liked the Hardrock Sport Disc of that bunch, but all of them are pretty nice. My friend went with a Rincon and loves it. Both of our bikes are 19", but his feels slightly too big for me and he says mine feels a bit small. Get a good fit from the LBS. You're not going to find much difference in components among them, so I would just get the one that is best suited to you as a rider.

 

[Go! Ninja Go!]

My first MTB was a Haro Flightline. I got the Comp on sale for what most of those list for. I'd definatly give them a look as it was a great bike for me to start on.

 

[ccarbot]

I live in a large metropolitan area (Miami), so yes, I've got the benefit of numerous LBS that I can check out, and certainly plan to. Fit is certainly going to be the big key, but I just want to know before even getting to that point if there are any bikes in my price range (even some I didn't mention in my first post) that are noteworthy for their componetry and/or overall quality.

On that note, any thoughts on the Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc? I may be able to find a 2010 for cheap, especially now that it'll no longer be a stand-alone company. My concern however is that they may become hard to get parts for, repair, etc. since the company is going the way of the dodo.

Also, what about Kona (specifically the fire mountain and blast)?

Lastly, are any of the bikes I've mentioned (or others in this class that I haven't mentioned) noticably lighter than the rest of the pack?

Thanks as always.

 

[Chase1996]

I live in a large metropolitan area (Miami), so yes, I've got the benefit of numerous LBS that I can check out, and certainly plan to. Fit is certainly going to be the big key, but I just want to know before even getting to that point if there are any bikes in my price range (even some I didn't mention in my first post) that are noteworthy for their componetry and/or overall quality.

On that note, any thoughts on the Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc? I may be able to find a 2010 for cheap, especially now that it'll no longer be a stand-alone company. My concern however is that they may become hard to get parts for, repair, etc. since the company is going the way of the dodo.

Also, what about Kona (specifically the fire mountain and blast)?

Lastly, are any of the bikes I've mentioned (or others in this class that I haven't mentioned) noticably lighter than the rest of the pack?

Thanks as always.

If you local LBS(s) don't have the Gary Fisher Wahoo (not sure about the Trek\Fisher version) or the Kona Blast in stock...you are going to have a hard time finding one right now.

Apparently Fisher has been out for months. Kona has no more Blast's as well. I was told that the new Kona line will be available sometime mid August?

 

[the.rebot]

They are right - you GOTTA ride them! You won't be sorry if you get the Rincon - I am so happy with mine, and for an entry level, it takes the trails well.