K2 Zed 3.0 Hard Tail Mountain Bike

If you're looking for a good value for price regarding an entry level cross country hardtail, then the K2 Zed 3.0 is an excellent choice. I've owned a 2006 Zed 3.0 for 4 years and I've taken it on technical singletrack and raced it. It's a good platform to build on, is solidly built, and has a replaceable derailleur hanger. The 2006 came with a Rock Shox J1, which does not have lockout, so if you're riding to the trailhead there can be a bit of bob, but not a major concern. The drivetrain is full Shimano Deore, and I've found it to be solid and reliable on shifts, even under load. The Tektro IO brakes aren't  Avid BB7 MTB Mechanical Bicycle Disc Brake (160mm, Graphite, Front or Rear) , but they have sufficient stopping power. The Alex rims are serviceable and fairly sturdy (unless you taco one on an exposed root ball, like I did), though I replaced them with  Sun Rhyno Lite 32H shimano Deore Disc 26 x 1.75 Black/Black Wheel Front (that I've been very happy with). I really like the  WTB Mutano Raptor Mountain Bike Tire s that came stock, very fast on hardpack and pavement (a concern for me since I typically ride to the trail on road). I'm shorter, so the sloped top tube has been helpful for the additional clearance when having to dismount unexpectedly. I've noticed that K2 changes the spec fairly drastically from model year to year with the changes in company ownership, so do your homework regarding components and pricing. All around a great ride and I'm looking forward to putting many more miles on mine.Manufacturer: K2Model Name: Zed 3.0Model Year: 2006Speeds: 27Frame Sizes: SM (14-15"), fits 5'3" to 5'6", MD (16-17"), fits 5'6" to 5'10", LG (18-19"), fits 5'10" to 6'1" & XL (20-21"), fits 6'1" to 6'4"Colours: BlueFrame: Reflex Mountain, 6061 aluminum, replaceable hanger and disc brake mountFork: Rock Shox J1, 100mm Travel, with adjustable preload, aluminum crown and lowersFront Derailleur: Shimano DeoreRear Derailleur: Shimano DeoreShifters: Shimano Deore (SL-M511)Brake Levers: Tektro RS-360Brakes: Tektro IO mechanical discsBbset: Sealed CartridgeCrankset: Truvativ Isoflow, 22/32/44TChain: KMC Z9000Wheels: Alex ID19 double-wall rims, disc-specific hubs and 32 black stainless spokes per wheelTires: WTB Mutano Raptor 26x2.14"Cassete: SunRace cassette, 11-32THeadset: 1 1/8" threadlessHandlebar: Alloy riser barStem: Alloy threadlessSaddle: WTB Speed V SportSeatpost: Aluminum microadjust, 350mmPedals: Resin MTB, with steel cage