which is the better "bang for the buck"?

Ignition 3 or Trophy 770 disc?

both are similiarly priced, but having never ridden a full suspension bike, I dunno what I'm getting myself into . . .

the rear shock on the Ignition has the lockout feature, so could this be the best of both worlds?
I've ridden nothing but hardtails. . .would i be better off just sticking with them?

What type of terrain do you normally ride?
Are you a XC racer type or trail rider?
If you just like to ride for fun and fitness on rocky, rooty trails, I'd go with full sus.

What type of terrain do you normally ride?
Are you a XC racer type or trail rider?
If you just like to ride for fun and fitness on rocky, rooty trails, I'd go with full sus.


mainly a weekend rider on diverse terrain- light to medium technical singletrack mainly (only one place to ride where i live)

but i'd also be using this ride to commute to work and to ride around the neighborhood

The Ignition will be heavier by about 6 lb.so it may slow you down a little.
But you will have more fun riding with full sus and try things you wouldn't with hard tail.

which is the better "bang for the buck"?

Ignition 3 or Trophy 770 disc?

both are similiarly priced, but having never ridden a full suspension bike, I dunno what I'm getting myself into . . .

the rear shock on the Ignition has the lockout feature, so could this be the best of both worlds?
I've ridden nothing but hardtails. . .would i be better off just sticking with them?

The Trophy specs out a little better in the fork, frame construction, and crankset/BB. the rest of the components are pretty much comparable. As for going with full suspension, my personal experience is that until you get to the $1200+ mark (general observation here) you're going to sacrifice in the quality of the primary components that make a full suspension bike more desirable. The type of linkage, the rear shock and the fork are the three elements that really set these price points apart, IMO. Depending on how serious you are about riding, you may find yourself in a position of wanting to upgrade after 6 months. I found myself in this same position. The Ignition 3 is definitely a very good value, and may very well suit your needs. If you are serious about riding, and want a bike you won't have to upgrade, my suggestion would be to look at Ibex Apogee LX or XT.

If you choose full suspension, another route would be to purchase one of the leftover '04 Apogee team frames and build the bike to your specs. the Manitou Swinger Air 3 way rear shock on this frame is worth $300 alone, and the frame and shock is $499. This would be an excellent choice of frame to build from.

Best of luck in your decision.

Clyde

I'd go for the hardtail. And like clyde said, if you want F/S go for the Apogee.

Thanks for all the input, guys . . .

I ended up going the full suspension route with a 2005 Kona Kikapu . . .

best ride I've ridden, good price (a lil more than what i was looking to spend, but ill get over it ;) ) and components are all good quality- plus the shop is giving me a full years free tuneups

Again, thanks