Biking experts required: I have shortlisted a few mountain bikes, which is the best choice?

Question

I will be using the bike for general cycling and some off-roading, but nothing overly extreme, hence why I am only looking at entry level bikes.

Which of the following would be the best choice, in terms of my needs and the quality of the components used and the weight of the bike - I am also after the lightest model, so if any biking experts know which of the below brands makes the lightest frames, please advise! Thanks.

Bianchi DOSS 6400 Al DEORE 07
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=70450

Saracen Dirttrax 4 2006 Mountain
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60759

Kona Blast 2006 Mountain Bike
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60194

GT Avalanche 1.0 2006 Mountain Bike
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60059

Specialized Rockhopper 2006 Mountain Bike
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=60158

If possible, please list the bikes in order of preference/recommendation.

Thanks in advance!!

Answer 1

This is inside information:
A range of bikes will be released soon under the brand name 'Boardman' (Yes, after Chris Boardman !) They will be available from Halfords and independant cycle shops. There will be a wide range of types, high spec', but low prices to get a foothold in the market. Have a look before you buy.
Of those you mention, I rate the Specialized; fine bike !

Answer 2

In that price range you better look at buying a used one and even then that price range isn't going to get you much. You need at least 1200 bucks to step into the quality realm of full suspension bikes. For the money you want to spend you can get a decent entry level hardtail from trek, specialized, gt or gary fisher. Not to trying to turn you away from the sport but if you are going to get serious about downhill riding you need to come to the table with allot more than 600 bucks. On most good downhill bikes your 600 bucks might buy the front fork.

Answer 3

Hey there

I have ridden the rockhopper, and the gt, both are very nice well spec'd out with fairly decent components, In my opinion only, I preferred the gt as the frame seemed a lot more rigid and responsive when throwing it around.

I have ridden Konas but not the Blast and they too are nice bikes , good build quality with no major probs.

I don't know much about the Bianchi and saracen, but most bike shops will give you a test ride on a bike if you are serious about buying from them, so try before you buy.

good luck.

Answer 4

personally if i had more than £300 i would have gone for better but i chose the GT aggressor, (the frame is based on the GT avalanche but very violently sturdy)
i admit it is an oem option from Halfords but they do a 399 option a few slight changes (which on testing i didnt notice)

best thing is to try and go to the stores and try these bikes out
that way you find the ideal rig

Answer 5

im only 18 but i raced the bmx last year and i had a bad fall so i stoped racing. i was also sponserd by diamondback cruppi, gt and freeagent but in my spare time i rode a downhill bike. the mountin bike i would buy is an orange bike but there quite expensive but gt make some very light i hope ive helped you out.

Answer 6

scott do a good range of bikes hardbacks or fully suspensioned.
Orange is one of the top of the range bikes but they can be quite pricey depending what your looking for.

Answer 7

kona i know im a specialist in bikes

Answer 8

specialized have been making top quality bikes for decades.

Answer 9

bia (1) kona(2)spac(3)gt (4)

Answer 10

go with the Specialized.

also look at KHS and Giant to add to you list