Clueless idiot needs help...

GreatDivide14 · 03-06-2004

I'm going mountain bike shopping, but I just don't quite know how. I've checked mtbreview and found out that Giant, Trek, and Gary Fisher, and probably others, all make the Single Best Bike Available For Under $500, while one of my bike-literate sister's magazines heartily recommends one by Specialized. I need relevant comparisons. Where can I find them? Any comprehensive, comparative reviews available online? Something similar to Backpacker reviews from a few years ago when Backpacker was good.

I'd rather have quality than doodads, and from mtbreview's posts, I can't figure out where to go for that. I don't expect a worthy front fork (everyone who's posted there agrees that no $500 bike has a decent one), but are the Giant Yukon's disc brakes worth having? Reviewers praised its frame, but is that a matter of material or welding? The single reviewer of the Gary Fisher Marlin said he liked its quality more than the discs available on other cheap bikes, but the 24 speeds seem out of line for a basic cheap bike, and they had to cut something. Meanwhile, no one has reviewed the Specialized Rockhopper, though my sister's magazine endorses it. If anyone can clear anything up, I'm eternally grateful.

brad nicholson · 03-07-2004

unless you are going to spend a fair amount (ie $1000 or more) you are better off going with specialized. decent components, good frames. Specialized frames are made in the same factory that makes many others, some bianchis, funi, etc. So it is a good frame and easily upgraded. Hope this helps and post a pic when you buy it!