Two or three mountain bikes are in my local shops for my price range ($300-400). Other than each salesperson telling me his bike is better, I don't have a clue.
I want a simple mountain bike that I'll use for mostly light off-road use. I'm actually thinking that any of these would be fine for me. I want something that will last a long time with little maintenance. I plan on riding dirt trails meant for deer, not jumping or rock climbing.
Trek 3500 for $379 (msrp $399)
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/3_series/3500/
Shifters: Shimano EF51, 7 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur: Shimano TX31
Crank: Shimano 131, 48/38/28
Cassette: Shimano TZ31 13-34, 7 speed
Specialized Hardrock for $419 (won't deal at all)
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52708&scid=1000&scname=Mountain
Shift Levers: SRAM X.3 7sp trigger
Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 34.9mm clamp
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X.4 8sp Midcage
Crankset: SR SunTour, square taper spline
Cassette: SRAM PG-730, 7-speed, 12-32t
or even the Haro Flightline 1 for about $350. (never heard of Haro, is it a decent brand?)
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/XC-Adventure-Hardtail/3/
Shifter: Shimano EZ Fire Plus 7-Speed Shifters
Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus 7-Speed
Cassette/Freewheel Sunrace 7-Speed 14-28t Freewheel
Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 42/34/24
The salesman for the Hardrock said his bike is better because the double walled rim is stronger. But I've read it's heavier too and that stronger depends on more than just double walled. He also said the Trek is only a 7 speed, but I think the Hardrock is too, he just thought it had an extra gear.
I know I need to ride each and see if I fit to one better, but I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years, literally, and I won't know how it should feel to me. After riding motorcycles, no bicycle feels "right".
Basically, I want to know if one has better components than the other.
Thanks. I'd really appreciate some un(salesman)biased opinions!
I want a simple mountain bike that I'll use for mostly light off-road use. I'm actually thinking that any of these would be fine for me. I want something that will last a long time with little maintenance. I plan on riding dirt trails meant for deer, not jumping or rock climbing.
Trek 3500 for $379 (msrp $399)
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/3_series/3500/
Shifters: Shimano EF51, 7 speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur: Shimano TX31
Crank: Shimano 131, 48/38/28
Cassette: Shimano TZ31 13-34, 7 speed
Specialized Hardrock for $419 (won't deal at all)
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCProduct.jsp?spid=52708&scid=1000&scname=Mountain
Shift Levers: SRAM X.3 7sp trigger
Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 34.9mm clamp
Rear Derailleur: SRAM X.4 8sp Midcage
Crankset: SR SunTour, square taper spline
Cassette: SRAM PG-730, 7-speed, 12-32t
or even the Haro Flightline 1 for about $350. (never heard of Haro, is it a decent brand?)
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/XC-Adventure-Hardtail/3/
Shifter: Shimano EZ Fire Plus 7-Speed Shifters
Front Derailleur Shimano Tourney
Rear Derailleur Shimano Altus 7-Speed
Cassette/Freewheel Sunrace 7-Speed 14-28t Freewheel
Crankset: Prowheel Alloy 42/34/24
The salesman for the Hardrock said his bike is better because the double walled rim is stronger. But I've read it's heavier too and that stronger depends on more than just double walled. He also said the Trek is only a 7 speed, but I think the Hardrock is too, he just thought it had an extra gear.
I know I need to ride each and see if I fit to one better, but I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years, literally, and I won't know how it should feel to me. After riding motorcycles, no bicycle feels "right".
Basically, I want to know if one has better components than the other.
Thanks. I'd really appreciate some un(salesman)biased opinions!