[genxblend]

Perhaps someone can give me some advice on purchasing a quality xc hardtail bike. I'm getting back into mtn biking after a 10 year hiatus. There are some really cool trails that I'm looking forward to exploring here in southern Utah.

So far the local bike shops have steered me towards the Cannondale F4, Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, and the Trek 6000.

I'd appreciate any feedback regarding the bikes listed above. Also, if you have any other suggestions, I'd welcome those as well. I don't want to spend more than $900.

 

[dogonfr]

1 hun over your price but a very sweet bike that tottaly rocks!!! Ibex is a net company that offers a fantastic bike at a smoking good deal with some of the best customer service in the industry. :cornut::cornut:

https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ASTA-COMP-X7-Details.html

 

[anirban]

All the bikes that your LBS showed you- Cannondale F4, Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc, and the Trek 6000- are very good bikes.

I checked out the configurations of the three bikes, and they are all virtually similar, with the major difference being in the fork and the geometry.

The Rockhopper has a Rockshox Tora... which is the best of the three.

I suggest that you test ride the three bikes as much as possible, and see which one is more comfortable for you- that should be the deciding factor since they are all so closely matched (regards to components). Personally, I would either take the Trek 6000, or the Specialized Rockhopper.... I am a little biased towards Trek because that what I ride ... but the the Tora fork is definitely places the Rockhopper in a sweet spot.

 

[corleone]

I would go with a rockhopper...see if you can find an 06 model should save you a good bit and are still nicely equiped.

If you are willing to buy online look at:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22389&subcategory_ID=3050

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.7988/.f?sc=7&category=55

If you are willing to stretch the bank:

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8093/.f?sc=7&category=55

BTW www.performancebike.com price matches so if you went with them for the above bike you could buy their discount card for 20 bucks and get 110 bucks back in store credit to buy other stuff with...shorts helmet ect.