[darkpuppet]

FocusGuy7476,Apr 22 2008, 06:21 PM Wrote:I'm leaning toward the Specialized Hardrock Sport right now. Puppet whats your opinion on that bike, I trust your opinion on this kind of thing. Any other brands that I should look at.

I have about $500 to spend.
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the hardrocks are pretty nice... I don't think there's anything wrong with it...

Another option, looking at the component spec, I think you can get a bit more for the money with a Giant Yukon, which you should be able to find for about $500.

The only downside is that the fox fork that comes on the Yukon doesn't have any lockout/adjustability which the suntour has. So you get a slightly upgraded drivetrain, and a slightly less-adjustable fork. So I would suggest taking it for a ride before you buy to make sure you can live with it (or ask the bikeshop about upgrading).

Two things when you go to buy your bike... take it for a ride. The two things you want to make doubly sure of are the seat and the fork. It's cheaper to swap out while you're buying than afterwards... and any bike shop worth it's mettle will cut you a deal for swapping parts.