New to mountain biking

[mtbiker46]

I've had several bikes in the past and haven't done a lot of biking.Looking to get either the Rockhopper or the Rockhopper comp. Looking for suggestions on which would be the better bike to get. Looking for something to grow into. Also where would be a good place to purchase a bike? I live in the worc area.

[strangeland2]

I would most likely go for the comp over the base. I would personally rather not have to go back to a bike with rim brakes.

In Worcester there is Bicycle Alley. They have a large selection of bikes and might even have a few left over to get you in an upgrade for a similar price range. Some of their staff sometimes leaves a less than great impression though.

Southbridge bike (in Southbridge of course Dont hold that against them lol) is kind of a small shop but can get you what you want if they dont already have it. The staff is super cool to deal with and dont have the attitudes some of the Bike alley folks have.

Landrys (several locations but none in Worc) also highly recommend. I normally go to Westboro. Think its the closest to Worc.

Milford Bikes. I ve only been in there once but ride with several people who frequent the place and the staff is super cool also and has great prices.

[mtbiker46]

Thank you, I was leaning towards the comp. Not much more in price. May check out bicycle alley in worc to see if maybe they have any 08s in stock. Landry's in Westborough seems good staff wise.

[strangeland2]

This should be a list of Landrys closeouts. MTB's are near the bottom. If it doesnt work the list can be found on their website.

http://landrys.com/content/documents/SaleBikes20090504.pdf

[mtbiker46]

Thank you, That worked. Are the closeouts at a specific store?

[strangeland2]

Yes if you re going for something specific you ll want to call ahead to the store you plan on going to. They ll either bring it there or send you to the store where its located.

[mtbiker46]

Are all the sales over? I'll call ahead and see where the closouts are. Thank you.

[SingleTrack]

Sales/stock will always vary, so best to call and also visit a shop to physically check out the bike you are thinking of buying (if you haven't already).

You can also ask the shop to check for any leftover '08s at Specialized, though the Rockhopper sells well so there probably aren't any at this point... but worth checking. Southbridge Bikes is good with helping you find a good deal, and the bike that fits your wants/budget. I'm sure others are great also, but I don't really go anywhere else. There are some great discounts to be had on leftover bikes if you don't mind buying a previous years model

When choosing where you buy your bike, a few things that some shops offer that others may not are: a free tune-up after a few months, discount on accessories, etc. The discount on accessories can be important if you start riding a lot, and end up wanting new shoes, pedals, tires, upgrades... who knows what :)

[Scott O]

I don't go to too many shops but for what its worth, the service at the Landry's in Norwood is terrible and their prices are way out of line. I'd gone because it was convenient to my office but after a few bad experiences, will never go again. Check out the Trek Stop which I believe is out your way.

[splat]

Give Jeff at Milford Bikes a call, he is a Specialiazed Dealer!

[Slappy]

If you've got a little mechanical aptitude, don't discount used bikes.
I would never even consider paying retail for a bike; there are so many screaming deals out there. Many companies warranty will carry over too (maybe not 'officially', but in practice)

People here are more than willing to help you shop if you get it narrowed down a bit too.

ie:

http://www.nemba.org/forums/showthread.php?t=23407

http://www.bustedspoke.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=48319

http://www.bustedspoke.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=48563

http://www.bustedspoke.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=47642

[mtbiker46]

Thank You, I gave Milford bikes a call. They were very friendly and not trying to push me into a certain brand. They don't have any 08s. But I had a long talk with them and they suggested trying other bikes and that I can try them across the street in the dirt.