[ridinghi]

I plan to start out riding this bike for fitness on the street and easier trails such as the fullerton loop (to get in shape for motocross). I hope to ride a few more serious trails as I get my fitness levels back up (been sitting on my lazy a** for awhile). I want a bike that I can do everything with such as street riding, climbing, downhill and jumping. I have a friend that races and he is a hardcore specialized guy. He recommended looking at a rockhopper for a first time "real" mountain bike. I shamefully admit I have owned k-mart bikes in the past:madman: . I am looking to spend around $600 or so. I think the two bikes I have narrowed it down to are the rockhopper or ibex 650. I have briefly rode a rockhopper and it felt pretty good although I think I could get used to any bike. What are the pros and cons of these bikes? How much does each weight? Is there a different bike I should be looking at? Thank you for any and all input:thumbsup: .

 

[giant alameda rider]

Get a specialized Rockhopper Comp. Disc. Mechanical Disc Brakes good fork and frame with good components.

 

[dogonfr]

I would suggest the Ibex Alpine 650, your getting disc brakes, a better fork & components. The frames are very solid made of 6061 aluminum, bike weight about 28 pounds. :ihih:

 

[Hardtails Are Better]

What dogonfr said. Better components on the Ibex. Get that one.

 

[kylejohn4543]

Gary Fisher Piranha or Trek 4900. Both have great components, disc brakes on each. If given the choice, i would get the piranha

 

[hamachi]

another vote for the ibex 650