Which is the bette rbike/deal?

The Specialized is a better frame.

But, a couple of major differences... the Specialized has a triple crank and the Kona a compact. I personally, would go for the compact unless you live in a super hilly area (ex. in the mountains of Colorado...).

As already pointed out, there two bikes are completely different sizes, or at least could be different sizes... there's no standard how to measure a frame, so a 48cm from one manufacturer could be the same as a 51cm from another... you need to know what your measurements are to start with so you can read the geometry tables from each maker and decide if the bike is for you.

I don't know a lot about bikes so the input I gey here is so very helpful.
Ok here's another used bike that I will be looking at this weekend. Please let me know if this seems like it is a good price/good bike for a beginner, assuming that it fits.
Also is there some good tips on how to tell if a bike "fits" without being properly measured.
Because this is a used bike I can't really get it fit to me until I buy?

The bike is a Giant OCR 3 I think it's a 2004 model? They are asking $375 Canadian. I will try to upload a pic.
Thanks.





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Giant.jpg (81KB - 27 downloads)

Given those three choices, I think the Giant, while the lowest quality bike, is the best deal. I'd also be inclined to go with the compact crank / 10-speed system over the triple / 9-speed. Of course, everything is predicated on whether or not the bikes fit you.

Edited by Meerkat Surprise 2009-09-12 10:14 AM

I ended up buying the Giant for $360. Now I need to get it properly fitted to me.