Giant '02 Iguana versus '00 Rainier SE

I posted a few days back about looking at a bunch of aluminum hardtails in the $500 range. Basically my top priority is the frame. I've narrowed it down to a couple, and the Giant Iguana is my top pick right now. I found a 2002 model (V-brake) for $460, which seems to be the best deal around. Until...

I just found a new 2000 Rainier for $500. That seems like an amazing deal off the $750 list, but I've read that it shares the exact same frame as the Iguana. However, it's got disc brakes, Judy XC fork, otherwise the components seem pretty similar, though the Rainier is a slight downgrade in the shifters (Deore 9-speed on the Iguana versus Alivio 8-speed on the Rainier). Would anyone agree that for $40 more this is a better deal than the Iguana?

Thanks!
Andy

If the frames are similar, then you must just consider if the fork is better, and if you want disc brakes. If you're only doing XC riding then you can get away without discs, anything else and you'll probably want them.

There's not much in it between 8 or 9 speed, although Deore is obviously a bit lighter than Alivio, and will likely last a bit longer if subjected to normal abuse. Just remember though, that if you want to upgrade the Alivio 8 to Deore 9 you'll have to replace most of the drivetrain.

So IMHO if you wanna race cross-country go with Iguana, if you're doing some freeride and downhill then maybe the Rainier (it'll be heavier too).

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nick.

www.nickcoyne.com

Thanks for the reply. I ended up with the Rainier, just liked it better overall, the shock is better. And I'm a heavy guy so a heavier bike is not necessarily a bad thing.

aswindler