Forge 5xx or 7xx mountain bikes - Any experiences?

I'm looking to get back into riding bikes.
I, like most people, REALLY loved riding bikes as a kid.
My birthday is next month and I'll be turning 27.
I haven't ridden a bike in over 10 years, and want to take
it up as a hobby and form of exercise.

I came across Forge bikes, and they appear to be pretty good.
Target sells them, which would probably turn most people off.
However, the reviews I've been reading on them have been
really good. A very common response to them I see is "this is not
your average department store bike."
Everyone says that it is equal to or better than most bikes elsewhere that cost nearly twice as much.

I really don't know much about all the specific components and who makes good whats, but I've been reading that these bikes come with surprisingly reputable and quality parts.
I did read that although the 7xx is a full-suspension, the parts aren't quite as nice as those on the 5xx. Does that seem to be true?
If I hadn't have read it, I would have no idea...and still don't know if it's necessarily true.

If anyone out there has actual experience with either of these, or perhaps can offer some incite as an experienced rider, I'd appreciate it!

Forge Bikes - Sawback 5xx Charcoal
Forge Bikes - Sawback 7xx
Men's Forge Sawback Hard-Tail 5xx Mountain Bike - 19" : Target
Men's Forge Sawback 7xx Mountain Bike - 19.5" : Target

 

Thanks for the input.
I'm trying to find out how much those two models weigh.
What is considered a decent weight range?
Target.com says the "estimated SHIPPING weight" is 39 lbs.
I know that "light as a feather" super carbon fiber whatever bikes can be obtained, but I'm not willing to shell out the $$ for that just yet.
Assuming that the "estimated shipping weight" is 39 lbs, is it reasonable to think that this bike might be of a decent weight?

I'm pretty sure the rack I ordered (Saris T-Bones) suggested not using bikes that weigh over 35 lbs each, from what I remember...

At this point, I feel like I probably wouldn't even realize and appreciate the difference between a really good bike and a really great bike, and from the reviews I've been reading about the Forge, people say it is surprisingly nice. Hopefully I'll stick with the sport as I plan to, and will eventually upgrade to something nicer if I feel the need.

 

In my recent searching, I've seen Specialized mentioned a few times.
I will look into them. Thanks for the suggestion.

Any comments on the Forges, specifically the 5xx and its components?

 

I understand that, even not being an experienced cyclist myself...
but most of the many reviews I've been reading about the Forge 5xx say that it is not your typical department store bike.

It has Avid disc brakes, Deore Shimano 27 Speed Derailleur and Shifters (which seems to surprise people, so I guess that means it's decent), and other impressive components. (I'd have no idea if they are impressive or crappy, I'm just going off of the reviews I've read.)

Like I said earlier, the most common responses to it that I've been reading are "it's not what you'd expect to be for sale in a department store" and "just as good as bikes elsewhere that cost nearly twice the price."

My first instinct also was to assume that everything Target had for sale, as far as mountain bikes go, would be less than or equal to beginner pieces of crap in comparison to what's available in the local bike shops.
However, the Forge bikes aren't even available in Target stores...only through online purchase... so maybe that is some sort of good sign?

I've been pretty well convinced on the Forge's quality, but I still need a little more reassurance to push me over the edge of actually buying it.

 

I'll probably take your advice and check out some of the local shops, just to try out different brands and whatnot before making a final decision.

 

Considering that the bike I want is NOT available in store and is only available to be ordered online, and then shipped to me... I'd either assemble it myself or take it to a local bike shop to have it done properly.

I don't really care if Target does bike repairs, because I wouldn't use them for it anyway. I'd take it to a local bike shop.

Read the reviews here:
Forge Bikes Sawback 5xx Reviews
and
Men’s Forge Sawback Hard-Tail 5xx Mountain Bike - Matte Blue (19") : Target

It certainly does seem tempting, especially to a "beginner" like me.

 

I'm not sure what you're trying to say...

 

I don't expect a $3,000 dollar bike for $400. In fact, I doubt I'd ever pay $3,000 for a bike.
I just wanted to know if all the positive reviews are blown out of proportion or not. The fact that I can't really find any negative reviews about the bike is a good sign, I guess.

YES, I realize that I could spend more money and get something better...but I'm not looking to do that. I'm looking to not spend any more than I need to, and still get something that will be a GREAT bike for the money, FOR ME as a beginner and someone who isn't trying to upgrade from something else.

I'm pretty sure that everyone shares a close definition of "value"... but are you trying to say that you think this bike is overpriced?
Is that what you're trying to say? Because all the reviews seem to say that it's underpriced. I wouldn't know...that's why I'm asking here.

Just a few months ago, it was actually only $320...and $299 not long before that. I guess they are selling a lot of them, so marked them up?

 

If I end up going with the Forge and at some point need repairs, but take it to a local bike shop only to be told "I'm not working on that bike"... I'll tell them to kiss my a** and that I'll give my money to their competitor.

The Forge bike isn't actually sold at Target...it's just marketed through Target.com. I've read a bunch of people say that when they ordered their bike, it came straight from Forge and that Target never even touched it. Forge also seems to have an amazingly good reputation for customer service.

Another benefit that I see is not having to pay tax online and hopefully finding a 10% off Target.com coupon that I've seen mentioned.

I do not know..... I'm a musician and I'd never even think about buying a guitar at Target, even though they sell a couple. It's just that I just can't get my mind off all the unanimously positive feedback people have given on the bike. However, I still plan to visit some local shops to at least sit on a few brands and see how they feel. I don't even know which size I'd need anyway, the 17" or the 19". I'm a NOOB!:rockon: