Avanti Montari VS Giant Iguana??

Hey,

I have finally decided to fork out for a mountain bike, and am prepared to spend ~$800. I originally decided on a 2004 Giant Iguana for $759, but the XTC3 was tempting me with it's better componentry, shocks, and disc brakes.

After deciding i'm not going to spend another $400 (could spend 'just' a little bit more indefinitely!), i saw that the 2004 Avanti Montari, for $799, has similar componentry to the XTC3 and Barracuda, but with entry level shocks and v-brakes.

http://www.riders.com.au/images/avanti/montari_04.jpg

Here are the specs of the Montari

Frame - 7005 Alloy with 3 Main Tubes DB, Integrated Head Tube
Fork - Rock Shox Judy TT 100mm Travel
Brake Levers - Shimano BL-M420
Brakes - Shimano BR-M420
Shifters - Shimano Deore 27spd
Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur - Shimano LX
Crankset - Shimano FC-M440, 22-32-44
Bottom Bracket - Shimano BB-UN25 Cartridge
Chain - Shimano CN-HG53
Pedals - Alloy Cage with Clips and Straps
Headset - Zero Stack 1-1/8"
Stem - Alloy Ahead
Bars - Alloy Riser
Hubs - Shimano M-475 Alloy Disc Front and Rear
Cassette - Shimano CS-HG50 11-32 9spd
Spokes - DT Stainless Steel
Rims/Wheels - Zac 19 Double Wall Black with Brushed Side Walls
Tyres - Specialized Roll X Sport 26 x 2.0
Seat Post - Alloy 30.6mm Micro Adjust
Saddle - Specialized Body Geometry Sport

And the specs for the Iguana ...

Frame - ALUXX 6061 Aluminum, FluidFormed™, integrated head tube, XtC geometry
Fork - Manitou Six Sport 80mm travel
Brakes/levers - Tektro alloy V-brakes
Shifters - Shimano Deore 27 speed
Front Derailleur - Shimano Alivio
Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore 9 speed
Crankset - Shimano Alivio 22x32x42T splined
Chain - Shimano Deore 9 spd
Headset - 1 1/8th Ahead integrated
Stem - New Giant 1 1/8th ahead
Handlebar - XC Riser
Hubs - Shimano Acera 9speed cassette (rear), formula front 32H
Cassette - SRAM 9 speed 11-34T
Spokes - Stainless
Rims - Alloy black double wall 26x32H
Tyres - Hutchinson Scorpion

What are people's thoughts on the Montari? From what i can tell, it seems to be specced similarly to the XTC3 and Barracuda, with $200 cheaper shocks and $200 saved from not having discs. The Montari Disc model (M475 discs) is available for $949, but to be honest, i hate the colour. The non-disc model does come with the disc hubs however.

Also, how do the Manitou Six Sports compare to the Rockshox Judy TTs, and what can i expect out of a set of shocks at that price level?

My intentions are purely to ride cross country, trails, and limestone outcrops. I do not want to specifically go jumping or serious downhilling.

Any feedback would be great

The Montari seems better specc’ed in comparison.
I’ve got a Avanti Aggressor 2003 (Schimano LX throughout) & it’s OK. I previouly had a Avanti Barracuda that got lift in 2003. Avanti’s seem to be well priced for the groupsets they run compared to other brands, but I did have a warrantee claim on my frame (cracked) which got replaced OK (but I was charged assembly by the bike shop - $150). My Avanti Aggressor now runs a Specalised Stumpjumer frame instead, so it’s not really a Avanti anymore.
I understand that bicycle distributors run various brands out of their warehouse, so in many cases your Avanti may well come from the same mob that do Specialised (in Aust) or Kona etc.

My mates got a monatri, & he’s cool with it. Commutes like a demon on it. Components last as long as my Aggressor (both have similar milage). Although those forks on the Montari are a step back, just on seat-of-pants feel.

My Schimano LX goupset (XT rear deraileur) changes really well, even under load, even though it’s now worn to it’s limit & due for a change of chain & cogs. I’ve done about 9000kms of mostly road/commuting since last year. I suppose crisp changing is important when you’re doing those awkward single track stuff & you gotta change under load etc.