Pros: I love love love this bike. Very sturdy, very fast very light. One of the best features is the Manitou suspension, it has great range while your hitting the big stuff but it also has a lock out/compression lever at the top so you can either adjust how much support you need or just cruise the trail or neighborhood completly suspension free. AWESOME!

Recommendation: This bike works for the basic rider or the more hardcore that like to get out there and ride some serious dirt.

Model/Year: 07

Pros: I have owned my 6500 for 3 years now. I put it through hella abuse and it takes basically everything I throw at it. My friends all ride 3 and $4k bikes and their bikes stay in the shop for repairs all the time. I think it kills them that I stay on their tails for 15 and 20 miles at a time and I paid a fraction for my bike.

Cons: For the money you spend on this bike. In my own opinion, there is no cons.

Recommendation: If you are new to mtbing and can afford it, then this bike is for you. One day I will eventuall upgrade to a FS, but until then, I can keep up with almost anyone on this beast.

Pros: Lite weight easy handles great shifting is awesome

Cons: None

Recommendation: Buy it when I can

Pros: Light feel and tight cockpit. This hardtail feels very responsive and is equiped with some good level shimano gear.

Cons: Nothing

Recommendation: As hardtails go at this price point the 6500 is hard to beat. A great all round bike that you can use exclusively on the trails or commute on.

Pros: love the manitou suspension,great styling,everything is easy to adjust on the fly,extremely lightweight.

Cons: coulda used a straight handlebar

Recommendation: works great for hittin the trails or just a fun ride to the grociery store. good overall midrange bike