[mkiv808]

I have a friend who is looking for a good hardtail for not a lot of money. His spending limit is $400, and if he can spend less he'd like to.

I was thinking maybe an Ibex like this:

http://ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-450-Details.html

or this GT Avalanche:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22036&subcategory_ID=3050

or Iron Horse:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=22384&subcategory_ID=3050

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[moogle]

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl;jsessio...mljGr5XDqQLvpAe?sc=7&category=56&it=A&id=7858

Hayes MX-2 mechanical disc brakes w/6" rotor
Rock Shox Judy J1 suspension fork w/100mm of travel
SRAM SX.4 trigger shifters
WTB Motoraptor tires
Truvativ X-FLow Cranks

Looking at it for myself... :thumbsup:

$339 + $36 shipping

 

[mkiv808]

That is nice too. He is a bit hesitant of mail order. I don't necessarily blame him.

I was looking at some LBS brands carried around here. Giant, Trek, Gary Fisher, Scott, Specialized.

I'm inclined to suggest he check one of these out:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12278

They seem to be pretty well reviewed on this site. It's not like he can't upgrade parts like the fork if he decides to get more serious. I think the most important thing at this price point is a good frame (and geometry), decent weight, and components that won't break from recreational bike path and trail use.

I'm hesitant to suggest a bike with disc brakes at this price point. I think I would be more comfortable with a v-brake bike at that low price. I can't help but imagine the discs would be heavy and not so reliable on such a cheap bike. I personally would rather have better parts in other areas. Plus, he will likely never see mud or rain while riding in the foreseeable future (nor will I see a lot, and I have XT disc brakes, but that's besides the point ).

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

Alpine or Hardrock

That is nice too. He is a bit hesitant of mail order. I don't necessarily blame him.

I was looking at some LBS brands carried around here. Giant, Trek, Gary Fisher, Scott, Specialized.

I'm inclined to suggest he check one of these out:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12278

My first inclination is to steer your friend towards the Ibex. While I understand the hesitancy to buy mail order, Ibex reputation is outstanding in therms of quality of the product and customer service. Any doubts and a phone call to them would help. I own an Ibex bike and have purchased a total of two bikes direct from the vendor. Both experiences were excellent. In the end, your friend probably won't get a better deal than online.

OTOH, if the security from buying from the LBS is needed (and that is a real consideration, I do understand) then the Hardrock is a very good choice, IMO.

Best wishes in finding your friend the right bike.

Bob

 

[moogle]

The main reason that I'm looking at that model myself is because of the fork and the decent SRAM drivetrain. As I understand it, the Judy J1 is better (but still not good) then the suntour, which is at the bottom of the food chain. The disc brakes are a nice plus that is rarely found that price point.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but the #1 consideration seems to be the fork.