Mountain bikes...looking to purchase another, recommendations?

[skiptomyzoo]

Anyone have experience/hit the trails/ reccommendations/ what works best for you?
I am outgrowing my old one (old heavy huffy) , plus I want to have a nice one this time around.

Not really looking to spend more than 500 though (new or used, aka hopefully plan on getting a more expensive/nicer model by going used)
Anyone with experience or recommendations? Also, is there any good place to go online to find them? (kind of like a autotrader for bikes haha).
I wouldn't mind the local bike shops, but I want to see whats available online first and then compare prices.
What I'm looking for this time around isn't going to be much more than a gravel/trail bike, with the occassional offroading. I plan on using it quite a bit, so comfort is a factor too somewhat.

Thanks for your time

Also, if you have any questions for me, to help me narrow down the my selection process even more, please ask.

 

[cassharper]

Trek 4300 is the best bang for the buck in that price range. Has the shimano click shifters that a million other bikes have and most of the bontrager gear that comes stock is top notch. The seat post is a little weak (broke mine after about 5 mo). Replaced it with a higher quality bontrager and never had another problem. It's not the best downhill or stunt bike, as it's a little heavy. But if you're a decent sized guy and are mainly using it for light off-road it's top notch.

 

[cassharper]

By the way, there's 2 models: 1 with caliper brakes and one with dual disc brakes. I've heard that the disc brakes aren't the best and can act up but I never had a problem with the caliper brakes.

 

[krzr3000]

Trek, Iron Horse, Gary Fisher, Giant, Specialized...bigger names with decent comparable low end hardtails that would suit you. Shops are going to be more expensive typically, but it depends on your experience/knowledge.

Like cassharper said stick with V-brakes opposed to disc. The mech disks you get for that price have little power and are finicky to setup.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/model/advance
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/mountain/2281/32125/


If you buy online its going to come partially assembled usually you have to throw on the bars, post, and wheels. If you are cool with that then ebay usually has everything.

Other sites with big classifieds:
www.mtbr.com
www.ridemonkey.com

 

[krzr3000]

It's not the best downhill or stunt bike, as it's a little heavy.

These bikes are light...<30lb! FR/DH bikes push 45<

Its not gonna be pleasant to ride on tech downhill because its a hardtail, elastomer fork with little travel, and it has XC geometry (steep head angle, long seat tube, high BB).

 

[djarmstrong]

Got this one myself just before X-mas for £399.00 , not had any problems with it yet ! Very light , great strong breaks , Great on road and off road . -

http://www.sportshuset.net/customers/sportshuset/bilde.php/400179000XL.jpg

Frame: Aspect hydroformed 6061 alloy frame with integrated headtube
Forks: Suntour XCR 100mm with lockout
Gears: Shimano Alivio rear and Acera front derailleurs
Shifters: Shimano SL-MC 40 rapid-fire
Crankset: Shimano M341 44x32x22
Brakes: Shimano M485 hydraulic disc
Wheels: Rigida ZAC 19 SL rims built on Shimano RM65 rear and Formula CO-51 front hubs
Tyres: Scott OZON 26x2.0
Handlebars: Scott comp 20mm rise
Stem: Scott comp
Saddle: Scott aspect
Seatpost: Scott Team 26.8mm
Pedals/Extras: Wellgo LU 910 pedals