Pros: Great bike im a young rider on a tight budget and this is well worth it for the low price. The componets are also very nice.

Cons: The front lock out shock leaks even after replacement. Is a little heavy expecially with disc brakes.

Recommendation: Great bike for low price. I go all over the mountain trails with it. I can even keep up with the big dogs on it.

Pros: Heavy, think frame feels like a solid bike. I really like the frame on this bike. The tubing diameter is larger than most bikes, and the head tube is solid.

Cons: The Dart 3 shocks are junk, they leak. My chain keeps jamming between the frame and chainring. How I have a bent chainring, and heavily scarred frame. its under warranty, but I am tired of taking it to the LBS every week for another issue. Same yourself and buy the Giant Yukon. Its a much better bike for less.

Recommendation: I wouldn't recommend this bike. While the frame itself is great, the components are very faulty.

Pros: Great components for the price. I got it at REI and for the same components on a Trek this bike was $100 cheaper. Plus i got mine in matte black so it looks awesome

Cons: It is a little heavier but that allows it to take the beating.

Recommendation: Very good bike and best bike for the price. Other than it being about a pound heavier than the competition its a perfect entry bike. Recommend it to anyone.

Pros: For the money, I couldn't find a better deal. Gary Fisher & the Rockhoppers where both substantially more w/ comparible components. For someone new to mt. biking in colorado like myself, it seems to be a great entry level bike.

Cons: After only a couple of rides, one of the teeth on the front crank shaft chipped off. It was under warranty and replaced by the bikeshop i purchased it from.

Recommendation: Great overall mt. bike. Would defintatly recommend.

Pros: The 2009 is robust and very well equipped.

Cons: The frame is a little heavy (although this really makes you feel sure in it's ability to holdup to wear), and contrary to what the guy says above me, the 2009 is made in Taiwan like the rest.

Recommendation: Awesome bike, great components, throw some bar ends on it and go tear down a mountain.

Pros: 09's are complete with full SRAM X-7, BB5 Discs, and an upgraded Dart 3 frontend with a lockout feature. I have the XL and suprisingly the fork is where most of the weight appears to be. For $650, who could complain?

Cons: Non yet.. Still in the break-in mode.

Recommendation: Great setup and won't break the bank.

Pros: Solid frame, cheap price.

Cons: Lower end components compared to equivalent competitor models. Heavy.

Recommendation: Local bike shop lets you try the bikes out for a week before you buy, so for giggles I gave this one a whirl. At a first glance you notice that all the components on this thing are low end, which is not necessary a bad thing, it just usually adds quite a bit of weight compared to higher end components. Add that on top of the already heavy frame though and this thing is a tank. It's a quality bike, but if you're going to be doing any real riding, you can do a lot better in this price range going with a competitors model.

Pros: Very good, stiff frame, nice forks, good componentry, responsive, light.

Cons: The hydraulics can be squeaky, can be some hard chain-slap on quick and rough descents.

Recommendation: Great bike, mine is the largest frame (XL) and has Shimano hydraulic brakes which are great in muddy, wet conditions. The bike flows round trails well and is a good climber. Great bike for an upgrade.

Pros: im a 260lbs and 6'2", this is my first mtb, excelent as an entry level and great relation between quality and product, components ok, great saddle, the suspension perfomance is outstanding

Cons: i've broked a brake lever (probably bad luck) and it could be better.

Recommendation: for sure an excelent otion for begginers, no doubt. go ahead with this.

Pros: Frame is super strong, made in USA, saddle is nice, great fork, great shifters, disc brakes are solid, great price, no problems

Cons: a little on the heavy side

Recommendation: This is my first bike, and I love it, I can't stop riding it everywhere.