04-07-2013, 08:49 PM
IMO, i'd worry less about the brand of the frame and focus on the kit bolted to it 
For your price range I'd personally be looking at 9 speed Sram or shimano gearing, shimano deore cranks, Rock shock forks with a remote lockout on the bars (something like the Recon silver TK), some decent tyres (conti x trail or barons are good) and good stoppers, Avid are good IMO, the elixir 3's are really nice. Get some nice wide bars with lockable grips too. Then for road use, another set of wheels with semi slicks on, then you can use them in dry and dusty conditions too!
For your price range I'd personally be looking at 9 speed Sram or shimano gearing, shimano deore cranks, Rock shock forks with a remote lockout on the bars (something like the Recon silver TK), some decent tyres (conti x trail or barons are good) and good stoppers, Avid are good IMO, the elixir 3's are really nice. Get some nice wide bars with lockable grips too. Then for road use, another set of wheels with semi slicks on, then you can use them in dry and dusty conditions too!
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