well i really like my 99 Trek 6000, but so does my little brother and im going to give it to him for his birthday in september. so ill be in the market for a new bike. i want a hardtail both for the cost and also i just like the way that they handle (personal preference). my price range will be set at an absolute MAXIMUM of $600 for a complete bike. i dont mind used bikes either.

i have a few kind of singled out already, but am looking for opinions of the experts :D

thanks :beer:

Check the www.MTBR.com classified section. They have tons of bikes listed.

thanks for the link vova, ill check that out.

here are a few bikes that i have kind of selected already-

Fuji Thrill
Haro Escape 8.2
Gary Fisher Tassajara
Ibex 450S
Ibex Trophy 650

i really like the Ibex 450 and the Fuji because they have disk brakes that from all the reviews ive read seem pretty damn decent.

basically i want a GOOD aluminum frame with decent components that i can upgrade in the future. i am looking for something around a 20" size.

i will keep looking and post again later!

thanks

yo 9V - didn't know you were a pedal pusher?!!

go used -

Gary fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, or Mt Tam
Klein - rascal (good luck), adroit, pulse, pulse II
Cannondale - killer V's are a great ride if the componentry is good


I have a '98 Pulse hard tail, and it's been nuthin but pure joy.

find a nice frame, and beat it slowly upgrading the components when they fail, or as your riding improves.

cheers,

isaac

forgot to mention - discs are over rated IMO. get a nice set of LX V-brakes down at your LBS and be happy - the XTR V's are good, but not much more effective than the LX's in addition to being harder to maintain, because of the parallel push mechanism

cheers

I'll sell you my 99 GF Hoo Koo E Koo. Hardly used. Paid $750, looking for $500. E-mail me.

Erin

The Giant Rainier is an incredible deal at $700. The 2002 models are starting to be put on sale now also, I bet you could get one for $650. I know it's a bit above your price range, but it comes with discs and a Marzocchi Bomber fork, as well as solid parts.

Discs are NOT overated, especially in the wet and muddy east. I changed to discs last fall, what a HUGE difference! Much more control, I can actually lock my wheels whenever I want, and I don't go through brake pads and rims like crazy any more.

each to his own - but we have our fair share of rain and mud in the north west.

if you're skidding, you're not mountain biking. you're fucking up the trails for everyone else :rolleyes:

sorry to flame - just pissed from looking at all the torn up trail-mat today on the local big-hill

if i were u i would consider a FS bike. I was looking for a hardtail last november but i picked up an 01 diamondback xsl race. it has been an awesome bike - only $800 dollars too!! good components, rides great. FS kicks ass.

i just purchased a fuji nevada. its on order. its a little under your price range, but still a very nice bike (from what pictures can tell;) ). ill be upgrading it later, but the shop i bought it from gave me free lifetime service. :) all for $300 out the door.

(sorry just realized the date of the thread)

look at konas you can get some pretty good deals on them and they have some nice hards and full suspensions :nuke:

ive got a superV700 cannondale FS i dont ride anymore - new cost me 1300.00 Size Large LX components..let me know if you interested ill dig up some pics.