I'm currently looking at getting a new bike. will be riding on the road as well as a good bit of off road - downhill, cross country etc..
the bikes i'm looking at are: Kona Hoss de lux Raceline Comp Mongoose Deuce.
Now i really like the Raceline but am worried about how strong it is. it just doesn't look that rigid. The Kona has some good bits, but for the price the componentry could be a little better. The Mongoose is an 04 model being run out. i like this because it was $3000 and now $1800. and it has some pretty hardcore parts on it.
How tall and heavy are you? I ask because the Hoss Deelux is specially designed for taller heavier riders so it's a pretty hardcore bike. Great if that's what you are after. If you don't need it to be stupidly strong maybe look at the Kona Caldera as it would be a better all rounder and it's a very good bike. Hoss review (not deelux) Caldera Review
The Raceline looks like it has a few nice bits but nowhere near as good as the Mongoose, can't tell you much more as we don't get them in Britain. Found a review that reckons it's not that hot though - Australian Cyclist
Mongoose have been coming back strong recently and the Duece looks to be very nicely specced and again it's a hardcore bike. Bargain price!
Out of those you mentioned I would say go for the Mongoose Duece as it has superb kit at a good price, if not then a Kona but don't go for the Raceline.
You should find that all the big names make a bike for your budget though so also try looking at Specialized, Trek, Marin, Giant, Scott. If you are looking for opinions about a bike then www.mtdr.com is your friend 🙂 Let us know how you get on!
