entry level bike ($300)

What are you planning on doing with the bikes. Mountain or something else(leisure riding, commuting, etc.).

Um, I would have to say either the GT or the Specialized Hardrock, they are both pretty good bikes, but if I have to choose one it would be the Hardrock.

go for the hardrock. it's a great entry level bike, i have one, im actually selling the frame now because i upgraded to a jamis. its pretty light and its a very strong, very stiff frame. i would recommened it to anyone considering it.

How about a Haro? I paid less for mine with better components than the Specialized I looked at last year. My Haro is a V1 and I think I was looking a Hardrock on the Specialized side. Looking at Haro's site, I can't tell if those are the same shocks I have.

Anyway, we started mtn biking last year, rocks, roots etc. I'm a bit hesitant esp with downhills and that will probably keep the bike intact longer than with a more agressive rider.


Diane

Believe it or not, in the $300 range, I'd check out the Schwinn Mesa and the Raleigh M40 or 50 along with the more expected candidates.

http://www.raleighusa.com
http://www.schwinnbike.com/products/bikes_detail.php?id=282

Good luck and ride, ride, ride!!!!

thats a good idea my first real bike was a 21 speed raleigh m20, I got when I was like 10.

I bought my wife a Schwinn Mesa last year. A nice bike, not high end, but definitely not junk, either.

i was just in that situation....i got a new haro v3....i couldnt find a better deal with similiar components....

it has deore, a manitou six shock, truvativ(bottom end, but still truvativ), alex rims (moderate), and decent shimano levers....all and all, im pleased with it, it was up between a specialized, a giant, and a trek 4x00 series bike, and this one took the cake....i figure its my first mtb so why spend big cash on one i may not ride, you should do the same, make sure you can upgrade it though, my only complaint is going towards a xc frame vs a more freeride frame, but....ill just have to break it to get a new one, lol

Check out my sale:
I'm selling a GREAT entry level bike if you are interested:

!Trek 4500 FOR SALE by female owner

You can find more information @ http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/mountain/4500.html which is Trek's Official Website for the 2002 Trek Alpha 4500

Click here are some more photos of the Trek 4500 I am selling

First off this is a unisex (no worries to the interested men) bike $450 CAN.

Firm on the price, but money talks

For sale is my 2002 Trek 4500 in mint condition. My brother is the head bike mechanic @ Neworld Cycle in Burlington (a high end bike shop) and replaced some of the OEM componants off it with higher quality componants.

The new componants include:
- Upgraded Shock Absobers from Rock Shox Judy TT's to Manitou SX's
- Upgraded brakes from no name brand crappy brakes to Avid 20 V brakes (much better stopping power)
- Specialized Riser Bar and Grips
- Specialized Light Weight Racing seat
- Upgraded Rims (dual walled rims)

The frame is 17.5" , I am 5'6 so the bike is not meant for an overly super tall person. It is ideal for most heights I did not ride it very much as I have no real use for it being away in University.

This bike has a few minor scratches here and there but otherwise in absolutly mint condition. The only wear are on the brake levers, but nothing bad whatsoever (I just want to make sure i lay out all the cards now so no confusion arises)

If you are interested, email me @ [email protected]. I believe this is a great deal for a mint condition bike of this nature. I am @ school until may 1st, so the 519-883-0157 is the # to call. Following May 1st, You can reach me at 905-522-7050

Originally posted by morrow21
I ended up with an '03 hardrock comp, they made me a deal and my wife went with the gary fisher advance

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wow! nice!
hardrocks are great bikes for the money.
happy riding!

You'll really enjoy your hardrock. Last august I got a deal when they were clearing out the 03's at my LBS. Got a red HR Comp for $360 out the door. Rode it every day on the trails near my house until it got too cold out. I did swap out the seat because it literally hurt my butt. Also changed the pedals because one of them wouldn't spin, and upgraded to a Deore front Derailleur because I wasn't happy with the way it shifted.

Enjoy your bikes!

Wow, this is like a Hardrock forum. I was looking at an entry bike as well and I was considering the Giant Rincon or the Hardrock. Any opinions on the Rincon?

Originally posted by morrow21
Looking for entry level bikes for wife and I. On a budget, and b/c two, limited to $300 each or less. Have looked at GF Advance, Trek 4100, also considering hardrock. I know they're all about the same and comfort is most important, but which is most bang for buck when it comes down to it? also, pros and cons to IBEX? Although, being our first bikes since grade school, I'm thinking a LBS would be good friends to have. The LBS Im considering offers lifetime tuneups, too.

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If you want an entry level bike, get the Hardrock!!!!!!!! It's cheap, lightweight(if you are strong), and long lasting!!!(good grips too, anyway.So as the comfortable saddle.)