Mountain biking began in the 1970s on converted beach cruisers that could handle punishing terrain. Appropriately named hard tails, these original mountain bikes had no suspension systems and were difficult to handle. The early soft tail bikes were more comfortable, but the added weight was a drawback. Today, weight is similar for the two types of mountain bikes. Many riders like soft tail bikes for the comfort and handling benefits, but there still is a healthy market for hard tail mountain bikes.
Specialized P.1 All Mountain Disk
According to Specialized, their P.1 All Mountain Disk bike is the finest when it comes to dirt jumping, urban street and park riding. The bike comes in eye-catching paint schemes of green on dark green or black on white. The frame itself is made from premium aluminum with tig welds for strength and durability. The suspension upfront is a 100-mm travel coil-sprung fork with preloaded adjustment and large stanchions, providing strength. Avid's BB5, mechanical disc and 160-mm G2 Clean Sweep rotors provide stopping power for both front and rear brakes. The shift levers, rear cassette (11-32 tooth) and rear derailleur are SRAM, while the front derailleur is from Shimano. Specialized makes quality bicycles in any discipline, and the P.1 All Mountain Disk is no exception. The P.1 has an estimated retail price for 2010 of $590.00.
Scott Scale 70
The Scale 70 has race-proven geometry, providing quick, reliable handling, while chain stays with ample tire clearance and full-length cable housing ensure performance even in the muddiest conditions. Scott makes quality bicycles at every level in their product line. The Scale 70 frame is made of alloy 6061 lightweight tubing, with the entire bike weighing just over 27 lbs. The fork is coil-sprung, with adjustable rebound, and has 100 mm of total travel. The front and rear derailleurs, shifters, brake levers, crank set and bottom bracket are all Shimano components. The cassette (11-32 teeth) is also supplied by Shimano. Scott uses its own seat, handle bar and front hub. The braking power on the Scale 70 is provided by a Shimano disk up front and rotor in the rear. The frame is available in six different sizes and comes painted in Scott's unique color scheme. The estimated retail price for the Scale 70 is $1,099.99 for 2010.
Trek 6500
The Trek 6500 is for the hard tail rider wanting a lightweight bike. The 6500 is made from Alpha Black Aluminum, which Trek describes as hydro or mechanically formed optimizing tube shape and butting profile. The front suspension is by Rock Shox; it is coil-sprung and preloaded with 100 mm of travel. The wheels are Shimano center lock hubs with Bontrager Ranger rims. The shifters, front and rear derailleurs and crank are Shimano components, with the cassette being SRAM's 11-34, 9 speeds. The saddle, seat post, handlebar and stem are Bontrager, Trek's in-house supplier. The frame is available in five different sizes and has a blue and white paint scheme. The Trek 6500 has an estimated retail price for 2010 of $1,149.99.
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