What is the best mountain bike available for $500-700?

Question

I have looked at Giant, Raleigh, Trek, Norco, Haro, GT, Specialized, Cannondale, and Gary Fisher and I can't find any distinguishing features amongst them to help me make the final decision. I liked the Giant XTC2 and a Raleigh that was $550 and I liked the Giant better, but other than the frame and rock shox on the Giant, I can't really tell a difference physically. Price wise, the Giant is 220 dollars more however. Please helps me figure out the important features for making said decision.

Answer 1

not a bad list of brand names.

keep in mind that most bikes in this price range may offer things like disc brakes, shocks and opening to mid-grade components.

although they may offer what looks like an upgrade in quality, they may be skimping in other areas, such as the wheelset, bottom bracket, etc. buyer beware.



it still is nice to get disc brakes at $500, though..



if you don't know about the part there are sounding boards out there. mtbreview.com has a fairly detailed list and rating system for not only bikes but parts, you could start over there.



cheers.



ps- not to sway you, but the specialized hardrock has been getting great reviews this year.

Answer 2

Best Mountain Bike For 500

Answer 3

Best Mountain Bike Under 700

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

What is the best mountain bike available for $500-700?

I have looked at Giant, Raleigh, Trek, Norco, Haro, GT, Specialized, Cannondale, and Gary Fisher and I can't find any distinguishing features amongst them to help me make the final decision. I liked the Giant XTC2 and a Raleigh that was $550 and I liked the Giant better, but other than the...

Answer 5

As you already know, buying all the components will cost more than a whole bike with the same components. Things could be different if you already had a suitable frame. For instance a guy at the club gave me a Trek 820 frame (old one, no shocks) that was too small for him. I fitted it with all Shimano Alivio drive set, 8 speed Sram cassette and two Weinman deep V rims. Shimano BB and Tange head set. I had a saddle that I used. New cantilever brakes and pedals and Shimano sifters. All together about $350 or so. The bike runs great. Still the paint looks like crap so no one will put much effort to take it from me. Later, I put those rims in another bike and plain double wall aluminum rims on this one.

Answer 6

If you're going to be riding in rough terrain, you'll want shock absorption for your hands... If the Raleigh didn't have any, I'd stay away from it. Nerve damage ain't pretty.



You didn't say this was your first bike so this may not apply BUT for first time buyers, I like to suggest buying a little less bike than what their heart desires. Save the money for a 2nd bike when they can make a better informed purchase. Frame size is important. Go to the bike store with a knowledgeable friend if you can. If you don't have such a friend, contact a local cycling club. A member may be willing to help.

Answer 7

Take a good look through bikesdirect.com. They have bikes with components all a step above what you would find in the same price range from Specialized, Trek, Gary Fisher, etc.

Answer 8

All the better brands you have listed make comparable models (quality wise). Whichever feel "right" to you in terms of fit and comfort are probably the best for you. Do consider your use/ intention. If you want to do really tough, punishing type riding with lots of jumping & mud, then tell the LBS.



For more advice:

www.bikeforums.net

Ask the mountain bikers what they would do.

Answer 9

Specialized, Giant, and Gary Fisher are the best names on your list

Raleigh quality has declined since they merged with Diamondback

Answer 10

mountain bike 500700

Answer 11

gary fisher all the way!!! they are great bikes for just about everything. dirt, street, tricks, trails, bmx, mountains, everything! on my mamba i go on the dirt, do tricks, ride in the street, and to the bmx track near my house.

Answer 12

Hurrah, that's what I was searching for! Thanks op of this question.

Answer 13

that is not actually correct