Help me pick a mountain bike (I havnt a clue)

[ant_j]

I know nothing about mountain bikes, other than I want to buy one
thru the cycle2work scheme.
It'll be used mainly for work (aprox 6 miles per day) on raod, and maybe
every other weekend for a few hours on/off road.

Looking for a hardtail and the 3 candidates so far are:

Giant Talon 0
Trek 6500
Specialized Rockhopper Expert Disc

All are around a similar price and i'm reluctant to pay much more.

Any views or experience greatly appreciated or any other
makes/ models information will be good too

Ta in advance

[nheather]

Based on the fact that my family have owned several Specialized and we have been pleased with all of them I'd vote for

Specialized Rockhopper Expert Disc

But please bear in mind that this is slightly biased as I have no first hand experience of the other two.

However, I would add that bikes are a very personal thing - sure you can do point scoring on the levels of equipment but you really need to ride each of the around and go for the one that you like the best. The spec of manufacturers bikes is all pretty much similar for a given price point - so it's more important what feels best to you - even which colour scheme you like the best.

The geometry - angles, reaches etc. play a huge part - and what is right for one person is not so good for another and there is no way to judge that by looking at catalogues.

Also are you sure a Mountain Bike is right for you - have you looked at hybrids?

Cheers,

Nigel

[ant_j]

Thanks for the input Nigel.

Am willing to listen any comments, even if it is slightly bias.

Hadn't considered hybrid - will certainly have a look.

[blackrod]

I have the Rockhopper Sport Disc, bought it a few weeks ago. It is a really nice bike and I love the colour scheme which is a bonus. As the others have said though, go and have quick ride on them at the shop to decide as they all ride differently.

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by nheather

I'd vote for

Specialized Rockhopper Expert Disc

+1 here, solid build, good value for money, easily adequate for any "average" on and off-road usage, as long as you're not going to be throwing yourself around rough dirt tracks and bouncing off rocks it'll be more than enough.

[y2k]

Diamondback make good quality mountain bikes and they don't cost that much.

[nheather]

Hadn't considered hybrid - will certainly have a look.

Mountain bikes are harder work on road - although at 6 miles (3 miles each way I assume) it shouldn't make that difference.

Best is to go for something you like. A hybrid will be easier for road use, but if you prefer the look of a mountain bike, go for a mountain bike.

My son and I have Rockhoppers (the equivalent of the Rockhopper disc but with V-Brakes) and we both love them.

Cheers,

Nigel

[mattrixdesign2]

I like the Specialized Rockhopper (I have an older model).

Try some of the bike forums for reviews and tips.

[Iccz]

Originally Posted by y2k

Diamondback make good quality mountain bikes and they don't cost that much.

Also the likes of the Carrera Vulcan from Halfords are surprisingly good quality for the price, and are often overlooked.

[bazonix]

hi

out of the three, and if commuting was the main reason for the purchase, id also chose the rockhopper... it shares the same fork as the trek (also one id def try as well) which enables lock out for efficient road riding..... it has excellent brakes and the frame is tried and tested.... and the tyres are more suited to road (than the other 2 bikes, but i would consider asking the shop to swap them out for 'hybrid' tires).... i always love the 'standard' kit that comes with specialized bikes... real class

the giant is a very new bike but the angles wouldnt allow for a nice long ride.... its specific to slalom and trials..... not suited for what u want.... although id love to have a go....

diamond back (like klein) suffered terribly a few years ago with bankruptcy, the name still lives on albeit with chinese made frames.... not 'what they used to be' sort of thing.....

nice one

[captainff]

Another vote for the Rockhopper too.


Specialized are like the BMW of bike manufacturers .. .. loads of people have them and they do the job well, they're well built and usually silver or black!


If you go to a local bike shop and ask for help with tyre selection you can easily buy a good quality tyre for riding your MTB on road (and keep the knobblies for off roading)

[ant_j]

Thank you guys for all the information!

TBH, i do prefer the rockhopper over the other 2.

Now to go and get sized up and try one out.

Out of intrest, again know nothing about bikes,
how often should they be serviced, what do they do and roughlt whats
the cost?

Thanks

[y2k]

Originally Posted by bazonix

diamond back (like klein) suffered terribly a few years ago with bankruptcy, the name still lives on albeit with chinese made frames.... not 'what they used to be' sort of thing.....

nice one

I own a 2007 diamondback MTB and it says on the frame made in the U.S.A. , when did they start making the frames in China? I have seen some lately and they still look and fell like quality to me.

[nheather]

Now to go and get sized up and try one out.

Bear in mind that sizing tends to be different for road and off road - you usually go for a smaller frame off road with more seat post showing.

For example my Rockhopper is 19" - if I were to go for a road bike I would go for 21" at least.

Cheers,

Nigel

[bazonix]

Originally Posted by y2k

I own a 2007 diamondback MTB .

sorry, im really old school on this but what model is it... i was going by memory but im sure if its 'easton' aluminium, yes the material is made in the USA but the actual frame is built in China....