Best mountain bike in $700 range?

[lemmerjo]

Im looking for a good all around bike in the range of $700... Doesnt matter if its hard tail or dual suspension.

Thanks
Joe

[billy1911]

http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/escape_sport.php

try this bike haro escape sport

[lemmerjo]

http://www.sportmart.ca/store/2produ...34GVT4RWL1FF0C

on sale from $850... what do you think?

[crazylax42]

Performance typically has the GT Avalanche 1.0 on sale for $699. Mongoose Amasa Comp is another good one at $649 typically. just my 2 cents

[ADHD]

should check out a specialized.. I picked me up a new 09 P.1 AM Disc for under 600$

[Mountain biker 41]

Specialized rockhopper disc, or stumpjumper hardtail, used if you can knock it. Crazy Lax, no offense, but p bikes are just to heavy(unless its the p1 all mountain) to be riding mountain, maybe if it was a mix of Urban and DJ and mountain

[crazylax42]

Originally Posted by Mountain biker 41

Specialized rockhopper disc, or stumpjumper hardtail, used if you can knock it. Crazy Lax, no offense, but p bikes are just to heavy(unless its the p1 all mountain) to be riding mountain, maybe if it was a mix of Urban and DJ and mountain

uhh...I didn't recommend the p.

[ADHD]

Originally Posted by Mountain biker 41

Specialized rockhopper disc, or stumpjumper hardtail, used if you can knock it. Crazy Lax, no offense, but p bikes are just to heavy(unless its the p1 all mountain) to be riding mountain, maybe if it was a mix of Urban and DJ and mountain

2 things tell me u cant read all that well, No offense..
1. I am the one that refernced it
2. P.1 AM Disc,,,Its the 09 line up not 08 its basically the new hardrock from what i understand.
And yes like u even mentioned AM= All mountain..

[Thelonius71]

Probably not the most popular selection you will be given but looking at the components on the bikes linked above it clearly has better bits and pieces.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-650-Details.html

I have last years model. It isn't anything to scream about, but I haven't had any major issues with it in the last year either. I found the tires stink for my local terrain and changed those out to the tire de jour, Nevegals. I find that shifting is frustratingly slow if at all under load whilst going uphill. And given my poor level of fitness, the seat isn't agreeing with my bottom on rides over 20 miles. That said, I don't think I could find a bike that totally satisfies those gripes under a grand.

Really looking back to last year If I could shop for that first bike again, I would A) have spent four times as much if I knew how much I would be riding, getting something with XT/X9 level drivetrain, nice wheels and travel and pressure adjustable front shock. and B) I would have bought full suspension. There is certainly something to be said for learning on a hardtail. It does make me work on picking smarter lines but in the rooty rocky terrain I ride having FS would have kept me from being eager to buy a whole new bike a year later.

The other thing I will say, specific to buying a bike online like the Ibex. If you don't know how to work on your own bike don't buy it. Everyone should be able to work on your bike, but unless you know how to do it right now you aren't going to know how to fix the shifting and braking issues you will encounter quickly as a new bikes cables break in and stretch. Having to take your bike to a shop to get those minor things adjusted a few times will wipe out any money you saved by buying online.

[lemmerjo]

Thanks for the good info.

I have been thinking about this a lot, and I decided I want something dual suspension for a maximum of $1500...Maybe a Giant?


Thanks
Joe

[Mountain biker 41]

uhh...I didn't recommend the p.

sorry wrong person

2 things tell me u cant read all that well, No offense..
1. I am the one that refernced it
2. P.1 AM Disc,,,Its the 09 line up not 08 its basically the new hardrock from what i understand.
And yes like u even mentioned AM= All mountain..

Sorry to offend you??? , but I said unless its the all mountain version, and to prevent any confusion, I said p bikes are heavy except the all mountain disc, just so the op isnt under the impression that the normal p bikes are a great choice.You said you picked up one for 600, they retail for about 1300, depending on the shop, right now they are on closeout, and again depending on the shop, the availability of an all mountain that cheap is quetionable, as specialized offers certain closeouts to older/longer specialized dealer shops first. You were right that the p series is taking the place of the hardrock, pretty much all the hardtails have slipped a HALF notch quality/burliness wise. The prices have risen another 15% for 09 You may ask how I know all this, I work at a specialized dealer bike shop

[ADHD]

Originally Posted by Mountain biker 41

sorry wrong person



Sorry to offend you??? , but I said unless its the all mountain version, and to prevent any confusion, I said p bikes are heavy except the all mountain disc, just so the op isnt under the impression that the normal p bikes are a great choice.You said you picked up one for 600, they retail for about 1300, depending on the shop, right now they are on closeout, and again depending on the shop, the availability of an all mountain that cheap is quetionable, as specialized offers certain closeouts to older/longer specialized dealer shops first. You were right that the p series is taking the place of the hardrock, pretty much all the hardtails have slipped a HALF notch quality/burliness wise. The prices have risen another 15% for 09 You may ask how I know all this, I work at a specialized dealer bike shop

No offense taken I know what your saying know that uve explained it a bit!!
Yes the 08 Pseries is a bit more expensive.. Although the New 09 I got I did pay Retail if u look in your 09 dealer book ull see the P.1 AM Disc retails for 590$ they also make it in a non disc for 480$.. Again this is the 09 lineup.. Yes i know the 08's are extremly more like u said 1300$ retail but then again the components are a bit more extreme as well.. IMO im a beginner so I think its a great start for me and very upgradable..
Its not on the specialized site yet unfortunately but bikepedia has the info here:
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...Disc&Type=bike
not to hijack but let me know your opinion and what I should upgrade since u work at a shop,, my first plan is the fork!!

[Mountain biker 41]

No offense taken I know what your saying know that uve explained it a bit!!
Yes the 08 Pseries is a bit more expensive.. Although the New 09 I got I did pay Retail if u look in your 09 dealer book ull see the P.1 AM Disc retails for 590$ they also make it in a non disc for 480$.. Again this is the 09 lineup.. Yes i know the 08's are extremly more like u said 1300$ retail but then again the components are a bit more extreme as well.. IMO im a beginner so I think its a great start for me and very upgradable..
Its not on the specialized site yet unfortunately but bikepedia has the info here:
http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...Disc&Type=bike
not to hijack but let me know your opinion and what I should upgrade since u work at a shop,, my first plan is the fork!!

Yeah, I went to look at the book today except I got sidetracked by the 09 sx trail 4.2 inch slalom version, beautiful frame minus the paint---Brandon Likey, anyways, from that link(assuming it is correct) I would definatly upgrade the fork first(cheap manitou 05-07), but udder dan dat, everything else is pretty basic, maybe replace the pedals, just remember you dont want to put too much money in a (pardon the next word) "cheap" bike(although a good one) Off topic, but specialized has really changed their frame design, a few years ago only the s works bikes had the "curvy" frame, it lookd weird on a hardtail IMO nothing bad of course....I wonder how much the cost changes with the frame design??????

[lemmerjo]

Hey, I went to a local bike shop, and saw a Norco Manik... for $1500 is it a good bike?? Want to make sure im getting something good before I go and spend like $1700!!


Thanks
Joe

[Mountain biker 41]

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/freeri...2_1544crx.aspx

mtbr review link, it sounds like you are a beginner, and I personally believe 1500 for a beginner is way too much, for all you know, you can be out of the sport in a few months. Especially because you were wanting to only spend 700, which you can get a decent hardtail for......so My personal answer is no dont buy it. Make sure the bike you get feels good(test ride) and has decent compionents

[lemmerjo]

Well... Im currently riding a crappy Super Cycle thats like 1999 baceuse my Super Cycle Fringe couldnt take a lot of jumps and everything went bad, the the derailure went into my back tire. I dont want to buy something and say...I wish I spent more money on something better. Might aswell spend lots of money once than quite a bit of money a few times. Im planning on doing jumps and drops with it aswell.

Thanks
Joe

[rabidweasel999]

In that case, go all out and get the Manik.

[Mountain biker 41]

Just sit down and think about it a few days, do some research on some bikes, and decide what you are willing to spend, and choose the bike accordingly

[lemmerjo]

Okay, I thought about it, and was in a few different bike shops, and finally decided.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-CA/...in/1746/30722/


What do you think?

Thanks
Joe

[rabidweasel999]

Looks like a sweet bike... was actually looking into one but they were too pricey for me. It will be a b1tch to climb though, more of an FR bike.

[lemmerjo]

Yea...I know that...but Im not too worried...Im getting it tomorrow night! I test rode one already and love it...cant wait!

Joe