Any new bikes that are geared and fully rigid for around $800?

[wisaunders]

My brother-in-law has finally decided to get a new bike.  He's just getting into biking and he's been using his bike that a college roommate gave him 15 years ago.  He wants to spend around $800 and he wants a new bike.  Does anyone know of any manufacturers selling a rigid 29er with gears around $800?  I'm having trouble finding options.  In the case we can't something that specific, what 29er geared hardtails do you guys like for around $700?

[wisaunders]

Here are some choices I've found in the $700 range hardtails from our LBSs.  I'm working on a spreadsheet to compare specs, but let me know if you have any thoughts...


Cannondale TRAIL 29ER 5 - $780
http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/mountain/hardtail-29er/trail-29er/trail-29er-5

Kona mahuna - $699
http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=mahuna

Specialized HARDROCK SPORT DISC 29 - $700
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/hardrock/hardrocksportdisc29

Trek Markin - $690
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sport/29er_sport/marlin/#

SCOTT Aspect 940 Bike - $689
http://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/227753008/bike-aspect-940-l/#.UYqHmbWccrU

[wisaunders]

OK, I put the spreadsheet together and would love your opinions.  Which one would you get if your max out of pocket was $800?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AoLZesqSJ-3TdFFKLWdkRUpEc0NoUlY4djFTem0zN1E&usp=sharing

Does it really matter?  They all look pretty similar to me.  Man, I wish I could convince him to spend more...

[AnatolyG]

My brother-in-law has finally decided to get a new bike.  He's just getting into biking and he's been using his bike that a college roommate gave him 15 years ago.  He wants to spend around $800 and he wants a new bike.  Does anyone know of any manufacturers selling a rigid 29er with gears around $800?  I'm having trouble finding options.  In the case we can't something that specific, what 29er geared hardtails do you guys like for around $700?

I know you said a new bike, but you can get a Niner EMD used for about that much, and the Niner is a way better bike than any bike on that spreadsheet. Also, check out Raleigh XXIX+g, you can get one on eBay for less than $1000, and it's a great bike.

[Elsteven123]

Diamondback overdrive 29er is suppose to be one of the better bikes for under 1000 only goes for like 600. Never ridden these bit the reviews are awesome.

[jhl99]

Redline offers budget mountain bikes:

http://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/mtb

[wisaunders]

I've suggested that he goes with the SCOTT Aspect 940 Bike - $689.  the components are just a tad "better" and I like the guys at that shop the best.

[wahday]

Don't forget about the Airborne Guardian. $599. Components are acceptable for a bike of this price. The strongest aspect, IMO, is that it uses the same hydroformed aluminum frame as the first generation Goblin, which is a great quality bike (but in the $1000-1200 range).

http://www.airbornebicycles.com/products/110-airborne-guardian-29er.aspx

For me, I am most concerned with fork quality on a new bike (followed by other componentry). That's an expensive upgrade and a bad fork can really stomp your buzz. Not a lot of info on this RockShox XC28 TK Mg29 fork, so I can't say what I think of this model. Maybe others can chime in.

[texasjake]

i've got to give it up for the Specialized Hardrock 29er!! I've had the older 26" and now the Hardrock 29er disc - it has been amazing!! granted i take good care of it. it has been through many many miles of single track here around DFW and handled superbly in the dry conditions out in West Texas' Cap Rock Canyon State park. as for the specs/geometry - good bang for the buck and super comfortable - i did upgrade to a bontrager evoke 1 saddle but only after about 2 years/ it comes with rear pannier eyelets and is easily fitted to a tangle bag. i have a Jandd large/ awesome...