It's been roughly about 10 years since I've done some serious biking and I'm getting back into it now that I have the time (and a little of my athletic ability left lol). So, I'm looking at 4 different bikes in the $475-525 price range. I DEFINITELY WANT disc brakes, hard tail and 24spd.

Please give me your pros/cons and educated opinions on these as I've been out of the game for a while and not sure of the current technology. Thank you.


GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc
-vs-
Trek 4300 Disc
-vs-
Cannondale CO2 F7 Disc
-vs-
Gary Fisher Wahoo Disc

I'm thinking the current standard is 27 speed, but aside from that, are you web shopping or looking at local bike shops? Because, the BEST way to narrow down your choices would be to take each one for a ride & see which one feels the best to you.

I'm doing a little bit of both but I will most likely visit my local shops because I dont want to wait for the bike only to take it to a shop anyway for the build. Just looking for some opinions to guide me as I consider my own thoughts.

New Law: Bikes cannot have the words "Comp", "Pro", or "Disc" in their name anymore.

Let us know when you have something constructive or informative to add to this thread in relevance to the topic

I like oatmeal.

Me too.

ok, so then I'm going to assume that, given the price range, all 4 bikes meet your requirements re components & riding style. If that's the case, and it comes down to which bike feels the best, the tie-breaker would have to be which one is shinier

^^ Shinier, says the woman with the mud covered crankset! He he!

that's a record.

2 posts and already a dick.

Oh I don't know.. maybe read the nice sticky put together by the nice Mr. Smashy at the top of the MTB forum? https://www.bikeforums.net/mountain-biking/67259-please-read-before-asking-question-mtb-faq.html

Sorry pal, I was just making a joke about mountain bike naming conventions. You are asking for people to take time out of their busy schedules to help you pick out a bike, to give their advice and opinions. No matter how trivial it seems, it takes time and thought. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but don't be an absolute dick about it. Ever hear "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth"?

what in the world was i thinking. sign up on a forum to get INFORMATION on a possible purchase. to even think i would ask a community of people about their opinions or riding expertise (seems to be lack there of)... HOW DARE I!
not that it matters, i got the fisher wahoo DISC and some accessories at a great price from a local shop. no thanks to the maturity and intelligence displayed here. i'm outta here, deleting account. good job idiots.
see ya on the trail... look for the guy that looks like he'll knock your fu(k1n teeth out for calling him a dick.

ps: thanks for the attempted help apclassic9

You gave us less than 6 hours! That's not nearly enough time. In fact, our resident panel of experts with extensive, in depth knowledge of the subtle differences between entry level bikes doesn't even convene until 4 pm Eastern.

Regardless, enjoy your new Trek.

Forums are a two way thing. Volunteer your time to help others, and get that in return.

I'm sorry all, next time I won't make any jokes ever.

0 to internet toughguy in 3 posts. definately a record.

I'll keep an eye out on the trail for you for sure. the dick riding the wahoo pro disc. looking to kick my ass.

and by the way, all nitropye did was make a joke. not even at your expense. just a joke to liven up the ubiquitous which $500 bike should I buy thread.

enjoy the trek

Buy the one with the best frame (one of the reasons I bought the low end Specialized Rockhopper over the top end HardRock). The components can be upgraded as you wear them out.

I'm at over 10,000 miles on my Rockhopper and have already had to replace the wheels (upgrading to disk brakes while I was at it), cassette and seat. This year I either need to replace the fork or get a new hardtail.

that's Salsa's muddy crankset.... I'm the one with the mud on the roof of my car!

Let it be noted dude had his location filled out, then threatens to knock a few peoples teeth out, then removes his location.

Classy.

Dick.

Why should they be looking for me?

p.s. Sorry about the bike. You could have done so much better.

Bye. Thread closed.