|   Awesome hardtail for $500 | Dano104
Sep 19, 2003 12:24 PM | | Can anyone out there recommend a good hardtail MB for 500 or less. An important factor would be a frame that is worth keeping around and dumping money into component wise in the future. I've kicked around the idea of a Mongoose Rockadile ALD, or a K2 Zed 3.0. Any help would be appreciated. |
| re: Awesome hardtail for $500 | jeffj
Sep 19, 2003 1:29 PM | | The Giant Iguana (standard, not the disc model) is a great bike for the money. Just a tad more than $500, but the frame is a definite step up from the Yukon and the difference IS noticeable. The disc model does have disc brakes, but they skimp on other components to make up for difference and it's not like they're top notch discs any way. Stay away form anything with a Judy TT fork if you can. The RS Pilot C seems better than the Manitou Six Sport that comes on other bikes in this class (such as the Iguana Disc).
You might also look at KHS and Gary Fisher in that price range. |
| question | Saucy
Sep 21, 2003 12:25 PM | | What makes the Iguana's frame much better than the Yukon's? Last weekend I ordered my Yukon from my Local bike shop and they said it was the new Yukons with disk brakes and the Suntour fork (didnt get it yet). They didn't have any more 2003 models with the Manitou fork and deore rear derailluer. Do you think it would be forth upgrading the derailluers to XT and someday get a Marzzochi Dirt Jumper 3 fork or something like it?
-Joey |
| question | jeffj
Sep 22, 2003 12:38 AM | | Joey
The Yukon is a good choice in the $430.00 range, but if you are able to pony up an additional $150.00 now, I think it makes sense to go with the Iguana.
The main differences between the Iguana and the Yukon frames are:
The Iguana has different rear stays and an integrated headset (this is the same frame as the Ranier. I have rode them all (Yukon, Iguana & Ranier), one right after the other and I was surprised that the Iguana felt so much "snappier" than the Yukon. But it did.
Also, if you are thinking upgrade, the Iguana comes with separate shifter / brake levers so upgrading one doesn't mean you have to do both at the same time. It was the only bike I found in it's class that was this way.
The Iguana/Ranier frame also has disc tabs while the Yukon does not.
The Manitou Six Sport fork (that comes on the Yukon) was not horrible for a bike in the $430.00 price range (it was actually decent compared to the SR's or a Judy TT), but I like the Pilot C better that comes on the Iguana.
The Iguana IS about $150 more than the Yukon, so that must be taken into consideration, but IF you have the $$$, I think the Iguana makes sense. JMHO. |
| re: Awesome hardtail for $500...the interloc tempest | texan
Sep 19, 2003 3:43 PM | | i just bought a cross frame from interloc and it is VERY nice, they make bikes out of reynolds 853 steel which is very light weight for steel and is the top of the line steel that reynolds has to offer,the steel frame is a good way to go, if you want a bike that will outlast most aluminum bikes, go with either steel (which is in that price range) or Ti, which is usually about 2grand more. I just cracked my aluminum bike last weekend and am very pissed (two weeks before my next race), i will never buy aluminum again.
here's a link: http://66.182.4.55/steelmtb.html not american made, but for a steel hardtail for around 500 you cant really get anything better...here's a link to the reynolds site : http://www.reynolds-cycle.com/ check it out, they are nice bikes, I got a crossfire in dormant copper and it is very nice |
| | texan
Sep 19, 2003 4:16 PM | | |
| Spec Rockhopper | EnduroProCT
Sep 19, 2003 7:23 PM | | $450 and is the same frame with the same design that was used on s-works frames a few years ago. Real nice, definitely worth dumping component upgrades into. |
| re: Awesome hardtail for $500 | William
Sep 20, 2003 12:21 PM | | I was originally looking at a Rockhopper--it seems to be a great bike for the price--just couldnt get a 2003 in my size when I was looking
Ended up with a Cannondale F300 for around $500--frame is magnificent, especially the welds. Brakes suck though, but you said you dont mind upgrading over time.
Fairly light too for the price (it weighs in at just over 25 lbs, but shhhh, dont tell anyone, Cannondale doesnt seem to want anyone to know the weights of their bikes) |
| re: Awesome hardtail for $500 | RockHopperComp
Sep 24, 2003 5:45 AM | | What size F300 did you get?
I did buy an F300 in small and just couldn't get over the look of the small frame by Cannondale. It looked too much like a kid's bike so I returned that one and bought a used 17" 03 Rockhopper Comp. I liked the F300 and all its components but (call me superficial) I just didn't like the look of the small frame. |
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