Hey could I get some advice from any mountain bike experts on company/make for a new hardtail, 29er mountain bike under $1400?
I would like the larger wheel so that I can ride to work, and then ride in fishcreek on the weekends. I have never purchased a serious bike before so I would like any help/advice I can get before making a big purchase.
I have called around all of the shops in Calgary for their recommendations in the price range and have broken them down under a review/$:
Bow Cycle,
2010 Norco Jubei 3, $799
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=620044&page=1
2011 Norco Jubei 2, $1229
2011 Kona Kahuna, $1099
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/k...6_1548crx.aspx
Bike Shop,
2011 Specialized Rockhopper 29er $980
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/s...6_1548crx.aspx
Ridley's,
2011 Giant XTC 2 $1350
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/g...5_1548crx.aspx
2011 Trek (Gary Fisher) Mamba $940
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/g...3_1548crx.aspx
2011 Trek X Caliber $1599
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/g...2_1548crx.aspx
Cactus Bikes
2011 Marin Alpine Trail $949
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/29er/m...9_1548crx.aspx
A common thing I read about all of them is complaints about the forks. I have never owned a bike with shocks so I am not sure if it will be as noticeable for myself.
I am going to go buy one of these by this afternoon or tomorrow morning and would appreciate extra comments while I look through the reviews again.
Thanks guys, I know its a large request