advice on buying hardtail under 1500

[Jsun]

Hello, new to farkin.
Looking to get some advice on buying first bike.
I'll mainly be using the bike for street/general fitness, though i'll be keen to explore a few dirt tracks, stairs, small drops later on.
From reading the forums I've decided to go for a hardtail to start off and I'm willing to spend up to $1500 on a new bike.
Took a trip down to the local bike shop and the guy showed me the Giant Yukon and told me this bike would suit my riding, for around 800.
Should i spend half and go for something cheaper to start off or spend more for a better bike. Any advice or suggestions would be great =]

[v1llage1d1ot]

If you're wanting to spend $1500 then spend that much. Any bike you buy for $1500 will be more than 3 times better than the yukon. If you buy the yukon, it will be great on the road / easy trails, but once you get a little better and want to try some of the more challenging maneuvers you mentioned above you'll be wanting something a little burllier. Check out the Norco range, even have a look at an STP or a talon.

[big rozy]

hi welcome to farkin

for 1500 you could a sweet ride like, p2, norco sasquatch, kona stuff etc...:D

you probably don't know about the stp range, very good value for money easy to upgrade parts but they are very very common. so you might get a bit paid out:o

do a bit of research mate,theres a thing up on the tool bar thats says search
find all you need to know there or google it

good luck:D

[karlfaith]

you probably don't know about the stp range, very good value for money easy to upgrade parts but they are very very common. so you might get a bit paid out:o



If his lbs stocks a GIANT yukon, wouldnt you think that they would have some stps on the floor, or at least one, seeing as they are 'very very common'
And its usually stp riders IN GENERAL who get paid out.

[k3n!f]

Spend all the money in your budget and you won't have to upgrade later on.

STP for street, mucking around, bit of trail riding, 4x type stuff.

If your more into XC then have a look at the XTC range.

Giant are freaking hard to beat in terms of value for money.

[DH_Rider]

Just one hint if possible check every inch of the bike, and if there is something wrong with it ie cable make sure that either you can pay for it within your bugdet or they will. Good luck

[mtb011]

do some more research both on the internet and from other riders/mates and find exactly what sort of bike would suit you. i think it would be smart to go for a bike that is reasonable' price so it would last. something like a specialized hardrock sounds like it would suit you.
hope that helps.

[Bazzil ballbag]

[QUOTE=karlfaith;938638]If his lbs stocks a GIANT yukon, wouldnt you think that they would have some stps on the floor, or at least one, seeing as they are 'very very common'
QUOTE]

There's a fair chance that shops could still have Yukons and not STPS due to their popularity and the fact that the 08 range is only a few months away. STP's are pretty much sold out of 07 stock.

[AngoXC]

Welcome mate!

While Yukons are excelent bikes, your somewhat limited to general trails and XC-style riding because that is what it is designed for.
As you have suggested, your looking at getting a little more aggressive in your riding (ie, taking on drops, jumps, stairs etc), something a little stronger is in order.

The STP (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-AU/bikes/mountain/168/), being a very popular bike, is probably your start.
They feature a combination of strong components as well as a capable frame design so that you can have a go at all aspects of riding (XC, DJ and even DH ive heard)

A few other options that you may be interested in are the Norco hardtails. Generally heavier then the Giants, your getting an all round stronger package. Bikes to look out for are the BigFoot (http://www.norco.com/2007bikes/Mountain/ShoreFreerideHT/model.php?id=29&view=1&deets=1) and the Sasquatch (http://www.norco.com/2007bikes/Mountain/ShoreFreerideHT/model.php?id=28&view=1&deets=1).

Good luck!

[pro biker]

A few other options that you may be interested in are the Norco hardtails..

yeah I agree, check out the norco rampage, retails around your price range, possibly slightly higher....

goodluck

[Matt H]

Specialized P.All Mountain.

Would be perfect for what you want :)

[djrider]

get a specialized P series, a mate has one and its the sweetest thing to ride

[nickmann]

yeh mate i reckon a specialized stp would be good. great bike. :)

[Matt H]

yeh mate i reckon a specialized stp would be good. great bike. :)

immortalised forever in quote form.

Haw haw haw

[Jsun]

If you're wanting to spend $1500 then spend that much. Any bike you buy for $1500 will be more than 3 times better than the yukon. If you buy the yukon, it will be great on the road / easy trails, but once you get a little better and want to try some of the more challenging maneuvers you mentioned above you'll be wanting something a little burllier. Check out the Norco range, even have a look at an STP or a talon.

yeh sounds like the better way to go, but im still not sure weather just to get something cheaper to start out, and use it as a commuter and save for another bike later on. Anyway i have looked into most bikes which were mentioned by you fellas. And now i just need abit more of your thoughts to narrow down a few on the list.

hi welcome to farkin

for 1500 you could a sweet ride like, p2, norco sasquatch, kona stuff etc...:D

you probably don't know about the stp range, very good value for money easy to upgrade parts but they are very very common. so you might get a bit paid out:o

good luck:D

Ive looked had a look at the norco range and i'll probably go for a norco or giant. Specialized i've had a look at aswell but dont like the looks of them. I have'nt seen them in the flesh though.

Spend all the money in your budget and you won't have to upgrade later on.

STP for street, mucking around, bit of trail riding, 4x type stuff.
If your more into XC then have a look at the XTC range.
Giant are freaking hard to beat in terms of value for money.

yeh, i'd like something with a stronger frame and reasonably good parts standard as i am a noob to bike and don't know much about upgrading parts :P

Just one hint if possible check every inch of the bike, and if there is something wrong with it ie cable make sure that either you can pay for it within your bugdet or they will. Good luck

Thanks for the tip, will double check the bike before buying :D

[Jsun]

Thanks for all your input so far :D Still reading and learning as i go.

Forgot to add, id prefer a strong/lighter frame,
with reasonable specs so i don't have to upgrade too soon,
and use it occasionally as a short distance commuter aswell.

Now i need help to cross off a few on the list which you's dont think is suitable for my likes and riding purposes.
(I really like the Talon, STP1 or the sasquatch for now, but let me know what you guys think)

The bikes im interested in are:
Giant Yukon
Giant Talon
Giant STP 1 and 2

Norco Charger
Norco Sasquatch
Norco Manik

Avanti Barracuda

Specialized Rockhoppper Disc 2006
Specialized P1

here's a link to all the specs or i could post them
http://www.riders.com.au/index.php?cPath=1_12&osCsid=4b09f3114c2c3



also what does stp, xc= cross country? xtc mean?

[Matt H]

STP stands for Street, Trail or Park. Not sure what XTC means...

[zoli]

As mostly everybody else said, try spending your budget or more.
Before I saw this forum I went and bought a $500 Scott Reflex (which I still have) My riding has improved and Im ready to take the step up to another bike which Im doing very shortly. I regret my decision as I should have bought the bike i wanted from the start as I have spent $500 on a bike that I will just get rid off, and Ive only had it less then a year!!!

Decide what sort of riding your gonna do and buy a bike that will suite that purpose and that you will still grow into.

If your not keen on riding and only want to do it to see if you are interested in riding then probably buy something cheap as some people dont like riding once they get into it (especially at a later age) :D

[Jsun]

^I'm def keen on riding, I've been riding my brothers old pushie for a few weeks now, and I'm itching to get on a new bike :D I hope the patience and research pays off:)