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Show MOUNTAIN TIMES Which Mountain Bike Is Right for You? Hopper FS checks in at $550 and weighs 29 pounds. The Rock Hopper FS has a full chromoly frame and boasts an RST adjustable front shock absorber. “This bike will handle better Y° can spend as little as $260 or as much as $3,000 for a mountain bike —but the question is, which one best suits your needs for the least amount of money? To say that mountain bikes differ in design and construction is an understatement that becomes more dramatic each year. Never before has so much technology been sunk into off road,” says Fields. “It's a compromise bike, it’s still comfortable to ride on the street.” But the Rock Hopper FS bicycles: frames are light and strong; shifters are smooth and fast; and individual bike designs give a wide array to choose from. For the purposes of this comparison, we looked at five bikes from the Specialized line. We asked Dave Fields from Wasatch Touring, 702 E. 100 South, to help us understand the differences. ° Believe it or not, for as little as $260, you can buy a bonafide, real McCoy mountain bike. The Specialized nents. And Rock Hopper FS — $550 will stretch you out more and give better balance for steep up and downs. The FS features changeable chainrings and Shimano STX derailleur. Jumping up another $300, you find the Rock Hopper A1-FS, featuring an Soe Aluminum frame. This bike weighs in at 27 5 pounds and costs $870. The alugives a minum stiffer lighter but ride, Fields explains. “Tt will be less comfortable around the city but will handle better in the dirt.” 1 The Rock Hopper A1-FS offers “Rock ponents and Grip Shift shifters. Fields calls this an “entry level” mountain bike, providing an upright posture for its rider that is more advantageous for riding on the road. ‘It’s suitable for offroad riding, but not designed for real aggressive riders,” finaly, front shocks. delivers quick rider's weight dampening. “This is a serious off-road bieyele,” Fields acknowledges. Its Metal Matrix frame is aluminum and ceramic oxide, which provides a smoother ride than its aluminum cousin and is more durable in the long run. And the Sump Jumper M2-FS offers the state-of-the-art components fr = those seeking advenStump Jumper M2-FS — $1,500 ture and possibly a In the end, Fields has some advice little competition, there is the Stump for the prospective bike buyer — Jumper M2-FS weighing in at a make sure you buy one that fits your breezy 25 pounds with a pricetag of body. Too many times, people get car$1,500. This bike doesn’t offer a rear ried away comparing components and suspension but does come with a Rock don't really get the right size bike. @ Shox air and oil front suspension for 1995 Stumpjumper FS was $1,150.00 Now Just $999.00! Rockshock Mag 21 Direct Drive / Prestige Frame LX & XT Components 24 speed Grip Shift SRT-800 Power Cam (PC-T) Brake Levers Shox” brand adjustable Quadra 5 Rock Hopper A1-FS — $870 Hard Rock weighs in at 28 pounds with a steel and chromoly frame and has some Shimano SIS derailleur com- For those who believe in a front and rear suspension, here’s the Ground Control Al at $1,100 Even with its aluminum frame, the Ground Control weighs in at 29 pounds, the suspension adding the extra weight. “The front and rear suspension gives you more control and contact with the ground,” FicldS peepee notes. Although the === rear suspension won't help climbing, it does reduce wear _ and tear on the rider — something to con- === sider for the older === Ground set. The Control Al is set up with Shimano STX derailleurs and other high end compo- Shock masters & Pro Controls Tires The frame geometry turning and puts the right over the back Limited Stock — Don’t Wait wheel for better climbing traction. Finally, this bike offers 24 speeds, rather than the 21 on the Rock Hopper FS. SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH Fields says. e Although the Hard Rock qualifies as a mountain bike, a jump up to the Rock Hopper FS is where you need to go 702 East 100 South ¢ Salt Lake City, Utah | if i you intend to ride the Wasatch or Moab’s famous Slick Rock Trail. The Rock 801-359-9361 | Wasatch Touring supports 5.7 million acres of designated wilderness. Ground Control A-1 — $1,100 E + (2, 2, ig Ca WP Ae; |