badumbump bump

Thanks Jamie - Hmm, too bad the link doesn't work but yes, Hard Rock disc.

If you don't mind - educate me. What negative experiences have you had with low end discs? Do you mean discs in general, or these specifically? Same with the RST forks - what is it about them that you don't like? What's a better fork (and disc?) and why? And what could I expect out of these components - will they break down quickly? Not work well? Create a negative riding experience?

V-brakes are obviously what I'm more familiar with from my tri bike, but is there concern for performance in wet or sloppy conditions? What can you tell me about the Rock Shox vs. the RST? I'll definitely look into the Rock Hopper. The LBS is a Specialized dealer, but they also have some Cannondale. I'm not necessarily married to a brand (though my tri bike is Specialized), so if you recommend something else entirely, I'm interested.

Lots of questions here, I know, and please don't feel I'm barraging you. Any time you have to help a guy learn a little bit, I really appreciate!

Discs - Personally I ride discs (hydraulics) and love them. The problem I have is with lower end cable discs, they tend to be heavier and not have the power and feel that are a big reason to use discs in the first place. V-brakes have been commonplace a little longer and the technology and quality has had more time to trickle down through the product lines. The V's you'll get on a bike like the Rockhopper will likely have similar power to the lower discs, be simpler to maintain (V-brakes are by far the easiest to deal with mechanically), and may allow some better parts in other places.

There is definitely a difference in performance in wet conditions, discs IMO win hands down. But V's are pretty good for a start. Start with V's and you can always upgrade to a nice set of LX, or higher, discs in the future.

Shocks - Rock Shox started as THE company that made shocks for bicycles. Period. RST started out on cars and motorcycles, moved to bikes, working only on budget line shocks, and has now branched out to make barbecue grills. Need any other reasons for the preference?

As far as other brands most mass companies will have something similar. But if you're comfortable with your LBS, get something from them.

And you can't have too many questions, just beware you may get more opinions than you bargained for.

More dumb questions - how can I best figure the size bike I'll need? I'm about 6 feet tall and ride a 56 centimeter tri bike.

Most mass frames are going to be disc compatible, most forks are as well. Some forks are even disc only. There will be tabs on one of the fork legs and on the rear of the frame on the non-drive side if they are disc compatible. Hubs will have 6 holes on the side for the rotor if they are disc compatible.

But as Kyillee said, the LBS should be able to tell you.

And trying is the only way to size. Just remember you want a good bit more standover clearance on a mountain frame than you're used to on the road bike. I'd guess you're going to need a 19 or 21.

Thanks for the 105 analogy Ultrarunner, that puts things right in perspective for me. Can you tell me more about your minimum "Alivio group"?

Looks like the Trek compares closely with the Specialized Rockhopper. Do you agree?

Also check out Gary Fisher's Marlin. While Fisher is owned by Trek, the geometry is completely different than Trek's brands.
Ride all three of these bikes, and I bet one jumps out at you more as far as feel and fit.
I also dont like low end cable discs. Really, the only good cable disc are Avids BB7s. Go V brake, they wont let you down. The only reason I am on discs now is because my new frame didnt have V brake bosses. Alivio and 8 speed components are fine. I have friends riding 4+ year old 8 speed gear that worked better than my last bike 9 speed XT.

JamieM hit the nail on the head with the comparison of off-road to on-road components.

Like everyone else has said here, sizing can be a bit different. Keep in mind, if you are on technical or even semi-technical terrain you will be spending more time out of the saddle than in. So whatever you ride be sure you can stand up and move around on it. To large a frame can be tough to maneuver on winding trails.

Good points about size - and I read that a smaller frame size will provide a more "athletic" stance, where a larger will sit me more upright - as you were indicating, Ultrarunner. I stopped by the LBS for a look last night, and they have the rockhopper in stock. I think I'll start with trying a 19, and if that feels off I'll go to a 21. At a 6 foot frame, otherwise average build, does that sound about like the approach you guys would take? I understand that at this point it's more up to personal preference.

Thanks for the tip homebrewermike - I checked ebay a bit, but didn't find anything too compelling. I would absolutely be interested in the swap meet though, and in the next 6 months Madison will become more substantial part of my existence, so it's something I'll for sure keep in mind.

My wife has a 6 year old Specialized Hardrock Comp and it has been a great bike for her. If you decvide not to go with the Specilaized, you may want to check out some of the lesseer known bikes brands. Often times they will sell at a lower price than similar bikes and are just as good. I got a great deal on my Jamis and got a better bike for less price.

You also might want to check this out:

http://www.bikeorama.com/southernwisconsinBikeOrama.html

I've never been to it but it sounds like you can test ride many bikes. That weekend is also the time when all the local bike stores have their spring sales. (I'd recommend Machinery Row and Budget Bicycles) You can usually get last years models for really cheap. And if the weather is nice you can do a loop on the IM course.