[idontplaynice]

I choose these two because they are the big names and often compete directly with eachother on some of the models, such as Trek 4500 vs Specialized Hardrock.

How does the Trek aluminum frames compare with the Specialized aluminum frames? Is one clearly better than the other?

 

[CS2]

I can't see how. There are only a few actual mfg's of frames in the world. Most mfg's get their frames done, to their specs, at one of those facilities. Quality, for a given price level, should be similar.

Read this, if you already haven't. You will be shocked.

http://allanti.com/articles/where-was-my-bike-made-pg328.htm

 

[DavidNeiles]

More than likely they are made in the same factory! Giant produces a lot of other companies' frames, ie Trek's, Specs, etc; and like CS2 said, you would be surprised!!:eekster:

Remember, you are paying more for a name on the frame; not quality when comparing any Taiwain made frame. The Bike Industry has changed a lot since I have been in it since the early 90's.

 

[agabriel]

I'm not sure I agree with David - in fact I don't agree at all... I was reading an interview with founder of either Pivot or Tomac (don't recall exactly which) and he was saying he wanted to go US, but all the quality and experience was in Taiwan. 8 - 10 yrs ago the frames coming out may not have been great, but I definitely think you can get equal product these days. It comes down to the company and a bit of QA - some companies are obviously better than others.

With that said play nice isn't looking at the bikes with best Al each manufacturer is purchasing. I think he would be better served focusing on fit at that end of the spectrum. They are both good starter bikes.

 

[DavidNeiles]

I'm not sure I agree with David - in fact I don't agree at all... I was reading an interview with founder of either Pivot or Tomac (don't recall exactly which) and he was saying he wanted to go US, but all the quality and experience was in Taiwan. 8 - 10 yrs ago the frames coming out may not have been great, but I definitely think you can get equal product these days. It comes down to the company and a bit of QA - some companies are obviously better than others.

With that said play nice isn't looking at the bikes with best Al each manufacturer is purchasing. I think he would be better served focusing on fit at that end of the spectrum. They are both good starter bikes.

Funny thing, that article you read in mountain bike magizine with Tomac, he has his frames made at A-pro in Taiwain, my Diamondback Sortie is made there too along with Mission frames!! And I agree that Taiwain frames now a days are as good as USA frames for the most part. I still respect and love the custom companies here. ie Lynskey, made here in Chattanooga TN! you must not have read the link on this thread. I have read it before a lot and have a copy at the shop for customers to read! It explains a lot of stuff. So I don't see why you don't agree with me when we really agree that Taiwain frames are great now a days. You want to look at who gives you the best bang for the buck. Fit is important too.

Don't get caught up in the marketing game companies play, Lots of good brands to choose from now a days.

 

[agabriel]

You know - pretty easy, I misread your post. My bad

 

[DavidNeiles]

Its all good going for a ride, later

 

[redranger]

As for the 2 bikes idontplayniceis looking at, I tell anybody who is looking at that pricepoint is to ride as many bikes in your area from local shops.I tell them you are looking at the shops and looking for a bike that fits and feels right. If you are looking from a dealer, the people you deal with are important on how they treat you. Those bikes are going to be speced close to one another, so I think fit is important. Both companies have good warranty programs. If he takes off in the sport, he will eventually outgrow the bike and move up in performance, like most of us have. Hope that helps, See Ya

 

[Berkley]

When you're comparing bikes at that price point, there is virtually no difference.

Even on higher end bikes, you'd be hard-pressed to tell (and probably couldn't).

 

[idontplaynice]

When you're comparing bikes at that price point, there is virtually no difference.

Even on higher end bikes, you'd be hard-pressed to tell (and probably couldn't).

Really?

So the Alpha black alum frame on the Trek 4500 is equal to the Specialized M2 or M4 alum frame on the Rockhopper?

 

[frdfandc]

The Alpha black or M2/M4 is their designation of the aluminum tubing. I'd be willing to bet that both are 6061 aluminum, maybe even 7000 series aluminum.

All bike companies have their own labeling/marketing discription for their aluminum frames.

 

[Berkley]

Sure they're not identical types of aluminum but they are very similar. And riding the two bikes back to back, you won't notice any differences in the feel of the aluminum. You WILL notice differences in tires, components, geometry, overall bike weight, things like that.

Like frdfandc said - the names they have for their aluminum is all marketing talk.