[ThisIsMyName]

People seem to get good responses from more experienced riders regarding buying entry level bikes. Thus, like the many before me, here I go. The three bikes that I am considering buying are: (1) Giant Iguana (2) Specialized Hardrock Comp Disk (3) Rocky Mountain Fusion

Fusion:
http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2006/sport/fusion.aspx
Hardrock:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12275&bikeTab=techspec
Iguana:
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/cn/030.000.000/030.000.000.asp?model=10803

I've been biking on a Wal-Mart special for a couple of months and have discovered I really like mountain biking - even if I've only been biking on farm and river valley hills. The three bikes I mentioned are within my price range at the LBS (high 700s to mid 800s CAN). I'd be using the bike primarily for XC but I certainly wouldn't be averse to some mild downhill. Apparently, the Specialized has a really good frame though it might be a little on the heavy side. I haven't been able to compare overall weight. Which bike has the best components for the 700 to 800 dollar range? Is it a toss up? Also, am I being ripped by the LBS in terms of price? I haven't a clue.

By the way, to whoever might suggest I buy a bike online, I have no interest in buying a bike online. :smilewinkgrin:

 

[todd_freeride]

well hmm. check in my signature for Ibex bikes, they'll offer you a much better bike than any of those. the hardrock frame can take a punishing, it isnt all that heavy, the rockymountain seems pretty nice. in terms of light downhill ? XC bikes arent a very good way to go. the hardrock is the most versatile.

dont get a giant iguana or any of the bikes under it. the feel and geometry of the frame feels more like a granny bike than a mountain bike. they are designed to be more of a XC/comfert/bike path kind of bike. not a light DH/XC bike.

 

[thestarsfan9]

I just got a Giant Iguana about a month ago, and I've really been enjoying it for cross country trails. I'm just a beginner, so I don't know how much my opinion's worth, but compared to my old bike this thing's nice and light, and I love the way the Marzocchi EXR front fork soaks up all the jolts on those fast downhills and rough sections. I'm still getting used to the sport, but so far, I've been very happy with my Iguana.

 

[Jwiffle]

dont get a giant iguana or any of the bikes under it. the feel and geometry of the frame feels more like a granny bike than a mountain bike. they are designed to be more of a XC/comfert/bike path kind of bike. not a light DH/XC bike.

Actually, you are mistaken. It is the bikes UNDER the Iguana that are the recreational rides--Yukon, Rincon, Boulder. Even those are meant to be able to handle off road (well, the Boulder has really really cheap components, so it might not hold up so well); if you want a granny or path bike get the Sedona.

The Iguana shares the same geometry as Giant's flagship XC racer, the XTC. The Iguana is made of a heavier, cheaper aluminum, though. I see they still sell the Iguana in Canada. Here in the States, they have dropped it. Basically, they cut the middle between the Rainier and the Iguana and have just kept it the Rainier--previously the Iguana and Rainier were the same frame but with with different components for price point. They've also designed the frame to have more standover clearance.

Iguana is a great choice. Here in the states they ran $550-$600, so you can convert to Canadian dollars to see if you are getting a good deal.

 

[thestarsfan9]

I got a really good deal from my local sports store and picked up my iguana for $700 CDN. But from what I've seen, a normal price would be more like $800.