What XC/trailbike?

[psylo]

K guys, my Dad is looking for a trailbike. He likes the Jamis Dakar Comp (http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/dakarcomp02.html)
He's also looking at the Haro Werks 2.0, and my uncle can get us a sweet deal, like $800 for the 2.0 (http://www.harobikes.com/cgi-bin/bikes?PAGE=bikes2002&CFG=4&S_Part=5002)
Keep in mind components, weight, and suspension performance.
Keep in mind that my dad is 6', 190 lbs.
What do you think? Other suggestions up to about $1500 are welcome.
Thanks!

[psylo]

Oh, btw, the Haro is a Superlight rip-off basically. He liked the feel, and likes the price, but the Jamis' fork would be a better trailbike fork, and it has Hayes hydros and a riser bar (both of which he likes)
I also found this on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1802070121

[VTinCT]

It has been my experience, that if you have that kind of bread to spend, buying a frame, and then building it up will really let you and your pop fine tune the ride...by that I don't mean all exotic parts, but take the Dakar frame for example, I've seen them at Supergo's site and Jensen's site for next to nothing! Quite often by looking around a bit at on-line shops, you'll find build kits at wicked prices...it will allow you to address the fork issue without relying on OEM specs too...just sub in Avid disks for the hydros, and away you go!

I've never actually seen a Haro mtn bike on trail, so I can't comment on them, but I have ridden with some big dudes on the Jamis' and the bikes seem to love the abuse. Good luck to ya!:D

[psylo]

thanks , keep em' comin' guys :D

[psylo]

anyone else?

[psylo]

well guys, my dad rode em both back to back tonight. it was just a parking lot test, but my dad was impressed with the haro. It accelerated faster, and it soaked up bumps better. i did play around with the manitou black on the jamis, and those things are SWEET! the adjustable travel changes the height and head angle, and it felt SOOOOOOO plush! the dakar was a little more freeride though, which he doesn't really care about (now me on the other hand......) He felt the haro suspension was better when pedaling and over bumps and curbs. he's gonna get the haro, and if he isn't happy with the v-brakes, he's gonna buy a disc wheelset and some avid mechanicals. it will be a good value with the deal. It will actually be $960. i think its a good choice