I'm looking at a bunch of aluminum hardtails in the $500 range. Basically my top priority is the frame. I've narrowed it down to a couple, and the Giant Iguana is my top pick right now. I found a 2002 model (V-brake) for $460, which seems to be the best deal around. Until...
I just found a new 2000 Rainier for $500. That seems like an amazing deal off the $750 list, but I've read that it shares the exact same frame as the Iguana. However, it's got disc brakes, Judy XC fork, otherwise the components seem pretty similar, though the Rainier is a slight downgrade in the shifters (Deore 9-speed on the Iguana versus Alivio 8-speed on the Rainier). Would anyone agree that for $40 more this is a better deal than the Iguana?
Thanks!
Andy