Hardtail Mountain Bikes

[Coasthunterjay]

I have a barely used 2004 TREK4300. two tone black and grey, been in storage almost as long as ive had it...thanks to the military...lol...has a very light weight frame and good long front forks for when im going down hill, but stiff enough that when going up hill it doesnt kill me. Has front and rear disk brakes. Good stopping power. Had them adjust recently so they are way good. oh i had brand new gravel road tires put on them...the ones that were on it where just to nobby and aggresive for the hunting and riding that i want to do....there alot more trail and gravel friendly now....havent even had a chance to break em in..back in storage again....to bad ill probably have to sell it soon. TREK is a great company and make a high quality bike. The bike below is the exact bike i have.

[ducks55]

Thanks for the replies. I am looking at a Trek 4500 $690, a Specialized Hardrock $590, a Specialized P.1 All Mountain $590 and a Gary Fisher Wahoo $550. I like the 4500 but it doesnt come with discs. The P.1 and the Hardrock have pretty much the same components except the P.1 has an upgraded shock and shifters. It also has a sturdier frame for jumping. The Gary Fisher Wahoo has all the same components as the P.1 but it doesnt have discs. Without Discs its the cheapest out of all of them at $550. Im trying to stay between $500 and $600 but if I go with the Wahoo ill most likely go with the disc version so ill be around $650. But then I can get a brand new 2008 model 4500 without discs for $500. Is that a great deal? Anyone know? Let me know please, thanks.

[walt]

Get discs.  If you don't you will be upgrading soon.

[swanny]

Discs in that price range won't make to much of a difference. They will be mechanical instead of hydraulic. Hydraulic brakes are the way to go, much better operation.

The best thing to do is get sized at a shop and get the on the bike to ride them around. You will then see what fits YOU best. I might be willing to part with a Specialized Hardrock Sport size medium, still have to wait 17 days to see if I'm getting my new bike. It's a couple years old, but in great shape. It's the blue one below

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2005&spid=21398

[ducks55]

Discs in that price range won't make to much of a difference. They will be mechanical instead of hydraulic. Hydraulic brakes are the way to go, much better operation.

That is what I have heard. And for the price difference I will probably just go with rim brakes and up grade later on.

[huntnphool]

Not sure what M-Ray is using but it worked well

[Intruder]

I ride a Trek hardtail w/ front suspension.  Bought it used for 200$.... great bike for that price.  Lots a good used ones out there.... specialized, giant, cannondale, etc.

[Ghost Hunter]

I just picked up a Iron Horse Warrior hard tail, and an older Cannondale trailer (seat post hitch) off Craislist.  Minor alteration to make the hitch fit the larger seat post.  Got $170.00 invested so far   I'll need to replace tires before I make a long haul.  That and a mount for a tall smoke pole.

[coasthuntersdad]

What are you doing selling my bike? Something about 9/10 of the law comes to mind. Oh and if you are wondering he got his stuff stored at my house. Love ya son. Dad

[farmin4u_98948]

Got a specialized and love it. Suspension is still the way to go cause there is two sides to every hill and at the end of the day you know you have been on a hard tail bike compared to one with suspension. Hydraulic brakes are soooooooooo much better than cable.. you get what you pay for....

[509er]

Cant believe you guys ride stiffies.     All of my bikes are full suspension, personally I would not buy a hard tail, again just my preference.  Here is a pic of mine, it is an old bike but still serves the needs. 99 K2 Flying Monkey.

[jager]

This is my bike....I think it's an '07 model. I haven't used it for hunting yet! It's a pretty sweet bike. You can lock out the back suspension and use it like a hardtail and the front is adjustable as well. The disc brakes are awesome. Yea, it's red. Would have rather had black.... easier to hide in the bushes   

[Mookie]

I prefer a hard tail myself, unless it has an adjustable rear where I can tighten it for uphill. Look for length of travel in suspension. Make sure you get real suspension and not marshmallow or cheap spring. You get what you pay for.

Be careful of purchasing a bike with standard wheel brakes if you are going to upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes. I looked into this and the local bike shops all said the same thing, "most frames can't handle it if you put the hydro disc on after as the frame is not strong enough and can twist".

Granted, it has been a few years and bike technology is better, but it does not hurt to ask.