I'm jealous - working around horses would be the best! You know how I love that smell! Lucky!

 

What do yall think of the Specialized Hardrock Sport as an entry level bike? Yay or nay?

 

I've got an older Hard Rock FS that I've done a bit of customization to that suits me well. I'm not a hard-core downhiller, but I like XC riding and some technical stuff. For a beginner, a HR out of the box isn't a bad bike. I think I paid around $400-500 for mine in 1999 or so assembled with a helmet.

 

I'd second the used bike because you get alot more for the money than buying new. Gary Fisher, Kona, Trek, Raleigh, Specialized are all excellent and will give her a good value for the money. If she's going to ride in wet or muddy areas I definately suggest disc brakes over v-brakes, makes a big difference IMHO.

 

I've got a Trek 4500 that I've had for a few years and its a really good bike for screwing around. I think the new ones have discs which make em even better. I put more miles on my bike in a week then my truck and its a good ride. I blew out the forks doing some downhillish stuff so thats something to look into if you're going to ride it hard, all in all though a good bike and nice and light for riding around town with little effort

 

Ok, guys I think I found a bike suitable for me. It is an '02 K2 ZED 4.0. From doing research with a buddy he has broken all the components down to me and it seems it is a solid foundation for me to start out on. We also believe the frame on this model is made by trek so that is also a plus. Thanks for all the help.

 

I 2 was looking for an entry level mt bike for $300... but allais...

i setted on a Giant Yukon with disk brakes for $450. Worth the addtional amount for the disks, stronger wheels bla bla IMHO.

 

Hey all...

I wanted to jump back in here and say "THANK YOU!" for all the info. I dun't tink that Megan's made a choice yet, but I think I at least have her convinced into a real bike shop and away from the $100 bike.

 

ive got a Gary Fisher Marlin and its pretty good.

 

For the record, I ride a KHS 304 that I've built up as an aggro xc trailbike, and I love it. KHS makes some solid stuff at a price that won't break the bank...