New XC hardtail for friend?

[JMAC]

A friend of myne who doesn't have a PC is going to buy his first XC bike since 1997 he really needs a bike he will have the money in about 1-2 weeks he will only spend 2000.00$ canadian a few hundred more if it's really worth it but say 2000 +taxes. He will only ride hardtail even though the trails here he will be better off on a FS he has something about "feeling the trail" well he's previuos bike was a rigid.
So what would you suggest he really likes baby blue colors a big thing for him.

[Roasted]

2000$ cdn. Wow thats a good bike. He has so many choices. Pure xc or will he be delving into the rough stuff. Well since I am a kona, rocky mountain fan here are my selections (besides keep it canadian right)

Because of the time I of year I am sure you can find this cheaper than the 2099 it is listed at. Kona Explosiv. xt and xtr parts, light weight. If he doesn't like that one take a look at the Pahoehoe. Similar bike with lower end parts. Kona's are awesome for rough trails and have a sweet geometry.

Rocky Mountain - The oxygen seems to suit his colours but I am not sure of the price. (Blue and Silver)

www.konaworld.com
www.bikes.com

[LostBoyScout]

Not sure on pricing but the 2002 Trek 8500 sure suits the colour idea!

http://www.trekbikes.com/bikes/2002/images/mountain/bikes/8500_photo.jpg

I am betting it's about 3 grand though.

For cheaper... Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo

http://www.fisherbikes.com/images/bikes2003/bikes_large/hookooekoo.jpg

[1speed]

Originally posted by maelstrom
2000$ cdn. Wow thats a good bike. He has so many choices. Pure xc or will he be delving into the rough stuff. Well since I am a kona, rocky mountain fan here are my selections (besides keep it canadian right)

Because of the time I of year I am sure you can find this cheaper than the 2099 it is listed at. Kona Explosiv. xt and xtr parts, light weight. If he doesn't like that one take a look at the Pahoehoe. Similar bike with lower end parts. Kona's are awesome for rough trails and have a sweet geometry.

Rocky Mountain - The oxygen seems to suit his colours but I am not sure of the price. (Blue and Silver)

www.konaworld.com
www.bikes.com

I would have to agree with the kona as a top choice. I had one and loved it (explosif). The frame has lingered around, even after many years it now plays the roll of a converted singlespeed commuter bike. I had great luck with it and would recommend one to someone considering a kona hardtail. color may be an issue but if the price is right they could prob. get over the color.

good choice maelstrom

[Tenchiro]

It seems like a bad idea to me to buy a bike based on color...

The Rocky Mountain Hammer seems like a good deal in that price range, plus it comes with disc hubs, so an upgrade to Avid Mechs is a pretty reasonable proposition. Plus you really can't go wrong with a steel hardtail. Although it's not his color... :rolleyes:

http://www.bikes.com/images/bikes/detailview/large/hammer-large.jpg