Which beginner bike?!

[ryancain]

2004 Trek 4900 (http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/bik/1445251695.html)
2004 Specialized Hardrock ProDisc (Stock)
2007 Diamondback Response Comp (http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/bik/1446393044.html)

They are all roughly the same price, and as a new rider in the Seattle area, I'm looking for a bike to mainly do singletrack with some small-sh drops and jumps. My question lies in which of these is either the 1) Sturdiest; or 2) best fit to my needs.

Your help is apprecaited, thanks all.

[b-kul]

db. has a nicer spec. longer travel and burlier.

[kukulkan]

For that prize you can get a new haro fligtline http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/tab2_subNav3.php or check this site, a lot of people use them here in this forum some have great reviews also check the components of this bikes http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ne_600HT07.htm
Hope this helpls

[ryancain]

okay then, for all other respondees add his suggested bikes to the list

[Dremer03]

so your looking to spend about 300.00 to 400.00 on a bike that can be jumped? For that price I would go with the DB or the Motobecane from bikes direct. I wouldn't do anything to crazy with either of them, but they would stand up as good as any XC bike.

[ryancain]

As I've been researching this (a seemingly inexhaustible topic) my budget has climbed into the 600-700 range. I'm still struggling on which bike to get however.

I've seen a 2009 motobecane FS 700DS for 460 off of Ebay,

A 2007 Jamis Dakar XCR Comp for 600, off Ebay

A 2006 Jamis XLT 2.0 - All Mountain for 500 off Ebay

A Jamis Eureka for 350 off Ebay

A 2006 GF Bitter off craigslist for 350

and a Specialized Hardrock Sport Disc, 2009 for 350 off Ebay

The sheer amount of choices are making me crazy ;-) I go to see the DB on Thursday to see how it fits me, but i don't have my heart set on any one bike. I'm kinda looking for things i should stay away from, maybe parts i should really try to get on the bike. I live in Washington and most of the trails I'd ride would be singletrack or fireroads with drops and jumps, so i'm not even sure whether i what just a HT or if i should just get a FS as my first "real" mt bike. Haha, oh the woes of ignorance.

*Edit*
Links to the above bikes in case anyone is interested

Motobecane: http://bit.ly/7eaT3

07 Jamis: http://bit.ly/41urMl

06 Jamis: http://bit.ly/IukOx

Jamis Eureka: http://bit.ly/4rRBpl

Specialized: http://bit.ly/1rQyIL

GF Bitter: http://bit.ly/3n6TVq

Thanks again everyone for your help

[Dremer03]

I would go for all of those but the Motobecane on ebay. That is a very old design, it works but you will be better off on one of the Jamis Bikes I think. Other picks that you might like

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...cane_700HT.htm
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...om_trail08.htm

[louisssss]

for $700 why not a cannondale F7 or a Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc from your LBS? they're great bikes and will come brand new with warranty and years of service from your LBS.

used bikes are like buying used cars...

[ryancain]

Is the Specialized Rockhopper Comp disc worth the 880?

[louisssss]

no i think it goes for $770... but u can def talk it down with the dealer.

i got my rh sl pro for 1300