First Mountain bike

[roadvsmountain]

Hey, I'm a long time road biker who's interested in getting into trail riding. I'm looking for a great mountain bike in the neighborhood of $400-$600. I've only looked at Erik's and REI.

At Erik's he showed me
Specialized Rock Hopper (with disc breaks) 679.00
Specialized Rock Hopper (without disc breaks) 579.00
Specialized Hard Rock XC (disc breaks) 399.00
Cannondale F5 629.99
Cannondale F6 (forgot to write the price)

At REI he showed me
Novara Pondarosa 599.00
Novara Bonanza 399.00
K2 Zed 4.0 599.00

I know what to look for in a road bike but I'm pretty green when it comes to mountain bikes. Could you guys help me by suggesting some great bikes for a good value? How important is a locking shock, disc breaks, etc. What other stores should I go to? What other bikes would you recommend?

Thanks,
roadvsmountain

[cal bean]

try looking at a smaller store. a sale at erics means they take off $10:00 a sale at a smaller store they take off a couple hundred .try ramsey cycle in ramsey or trailhead in champlin. If you want to spend a little more I have a like new stumpjumper expert i am getting rid of for about 50% of what i paid for it with only a half a dozen rides on it.

[Lezgo Cycling]

If your so inclined that you are only wanting new and those are where have been I would steer you towrds the Ponderosa REI or Cannondale 5 or F6 from Eriks, the cannondale would be my first choice of that group you listed otherwise buy used and you find some awsome deals on CL or here on MORC. I bought my 06 Stumpjumper Disc on MORC and love it, typically members here know there bikes and take great care of them..

[bakkeb]

For a first mtnbike, all of those will work. I didn't have the option of disc brakes then but since you do, I would get the bike with disc. My first bike was a rockhopper and my wife's first one was a hardrock. I've seen a lot of beginners use a hardrock. They are perfect for starting out. They are durable, affordable and come with okay components. I still use my '98 rockhopper as a training bike in the winter and for the road in the spring before I can hit the dirt.

As far as what to look for, don't worry too much about the components other than having disc brakes. If you keep riding on dirt, you'll upgrade your components or bike eventually.:etard:

[ppgc]

Any of the bikes listed would be a great bike for you. I started out on a Rockhopper and I am guessing a lot of others here have as well. Over 10 years later and my Rockhopper is still working great. Get the disc brakes, they are worth the extra few bucks. A lockout on the shock is nice to have but not a must have around here. Good luck on the purchase!

[FarmerBEN]

rigid singlespeed 29er simply and durable. although being a roadie you will probably be a spinner instead of a masher, so maybe single isn't the answer for you

[waitabit]

I would definitely consider 29er, especially if you're on the taller side of things.

[Danimal]

Go Specialized for your first rig, I owned a Hardrock for my first 2 years and it held up to a 6'4", 214 lber abusing it. The frame is super strong. After 2 years I had this craving for jumping and doing a little DH so I upgraded to a full suspension C-dale Prophet. My next ride will be more on the lines of a Downhill/Freeride rig.

Depending on how your riding will progress and what style of riding you grow into I'd go simple for starters. The Hardrock or Rockhoppers are great choices. After a year or two you will see which way you want to develop your skills (Racing, Freeride, Downhill, Dirt Jumping) After you see that you can upgrade to a more selective ride for your discipline.

Welcome to the dark side roadie, we welcome you, see you out there this spring.

PS- There's a Cannondale Prophet for sale in the "For Sale" Section of these forums. It is exactly like mine, excellent bike and price. 5.5" of travel front and rear, disc brakes and the awesome lefty fork. Check it out. http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=24043

[ppgc]

I was going to warn him about you Leftys... ;)

[patches]

john- if you're tall enough, i have a specialized mtb for sale that'd be perfect for ya. pm me.