mtn. bike recommendations

TDiddy · 04-25-2005, 06:12 AM

I was out looking at some bikes yesterday, trying to plan ahead for fall. I'll probably wait to purchase then and try to catch something on sale.

The local Sheels had a Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc and a GT Avalanche 1.0, both right around $600. Are either of those worth considering? I'm going to take a look at some Konas too, once I get a free weekend (the only Kona dealer in IA is about 100 miles away) - maybe the Cinder Cone or the Blast would be in a similar price range. Riding would be local trails, no big downhill or racing stuff.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

oly884 · 04-25-2005, 06:27 AM

Well, the whole thing about mountain bikes that I've seen is that the best bet for you is to just get out and test ride some of them. Specialized makes some really sweet bikes, I've got a Gary Fisher sugar 4+ and I love it, but what works of me may not work for you. To lower the price, I'd personally opt out on the disk brakes, if you can. The can make a difference if you get the really nice ones, but I run v-brakes and I've never had a problem.

SkyRat · 04-25-2005, 10:10 AM

Yup, You have to get on the bike to see if the thing fits you. Some tend to have a pretty short top tube and fit people with shorter torsos a bit better. You have to try em. In general Kona's are beefy, Specialized tend to be more svelte. I have a 2000 GT XCR2000. It is a pretty heavy bike, but so am I. It has 4" of suspension front and rear and is classified as a "trail bike." I wanted a bike that could ride just about anywhere from the downhills at Mammoth to cross country climbing for a 200+ pound rider. Not the best at either extreme, but solid enough and maneuverable enough for either.

Go get em Tom!

Localmotion · 04-25-2005, 10:16 AM

I was looking at the Gary Fisher Cakes. I dont know much about bikes but this seems to be a great bike and not too $$$

hilandfrog · 04-25-2005, 10:22 AM

I loved the 3 GT's I had, but The Santa Cruz bullit I now have is the deal. My buddy was riding an Orange, and another an Intense both of these bikes were more $$ than my SC and did not have the versility. The SC is the Land Rover of bikes, plush to ride and takes a ton of abuse. 34-38 lbs is a heavy bike for only X-country though.
VR
Repo

Tacoclimber · 04-25-2005, 10:55 AM

I agree with Hilandfrog's statement about SC. They are great bikes. But for a guy on a budget, I recommend KHS. I have a XC 304 that I have built up as an aggr. XC/trail bike, and I have even done some moderate DH with it, and it has held up beautifully. It's frame design is actually the same as the SC superlight, but beefier. I got mine on a closeout deal at Jensen's for $450 (!) bucks. I have put some money into it, like a different wheelset, Hayes disks, and other odds and ends, but I really didn't have to. KHS makes some good bikes. I recommend Gary Fisher and GT, as well. My brother in law has a GT avalanche, and he goes pretty much everywhere I go on my bike. (However, that rear 4" of travel is nice when things get hairy.) But if you're a hardtailer, the FS might not be your cup of tea. Bottom line, ride a few. Check them out, find one you love. Remember, having a bike you love and fits well makes all the difference in either "enjoying" the ride or "enduring" the ride. There's my two cents.

Hong · 04-25-2005, 10:58 AM

Fit
Trail types (Expected and hopeful)
Cost

www.mtbr.com

Seriously though, all major mtn bike manufactures produce a solid bike. It all really comes down to which one feels right (focus on frame), can handle what you are going to ride it on (suspension), and if you can afford it (better components --> $$$).

Or you can just buy my Titus Switchblade! hehehe

TDiddy · 04-25-2005, 11:04 AM

OK, well I had planned on trying to narrow down the field somewhat before test riding anything, but it sounds like I'd be better off trying out as many bikes as possible. Since I'm not looking to buy till the fall, that would probably work out!

Tacoclimber · 04-25-2005, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDiddy

OK, well I had planned on trying to narrow down the field somewhat before test riding anything, but it sounds like I'd be better off trying out as many bikes as possible. Since I'm not looking to buy till the fall, that would probably work out!

I think that will be the best way to find the best bike for your money. If I bike doesn't feel good while you're on it, you won't ride very often, and it will be a waste of $$$. But if you dig it, you'll get your money's worth!

mike_d · 04-25-2005, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacoclimber

I think that will be the best way to find the best bike for your money. If I bike doesn't feel good while you're on it, you won't ride very often, and it will be a waste of $$$. But if you dig it, you'll get your money's worth!

while it's a good idea to get a bike that fits, i think on a mountain bike, the fit really isn't as precise as we might think. on a mountain bike you're always moving around, shifting your weight and such. so if it's a little mis-sized you probably won't notice. i've had a number of mountain bikes over the years, and when you line them up, you can see that thery're not really the same size. i can't really feel a difference when i switch bikes. now for my road bike, the story is completly different. with a road bike, you're usually sitting in the same position for long periods of time. i know if i have my seat out of adjustment even a quarter inch or so, the bike just feels competely wrong, and often causes lots of pain after the ride. so my two cents on this issue are that if you're narrowed down to two bikes that differ by a fairly large amount in price, even if the cheaper one doesn't fit "perfect" it still may be worth getting.

bike4miles · 04-25-2005, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oly884

To lower the price, I'd personally opt out on the disk brakes, if you can. The can make a difference if you get the really nice ones, but I run v-brakes and I've never had a problem.

Agreed. I have a $2,000 racing hard tail with rim brakes. It actually came with avid mechanicals but I sold them allong witht he wheels to save wieght. Nothing wrong with rim breaks.

Tacoclimber · 04-25-2005, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bike4miles

Agreed. I have a $2,000 racing hard tail with rim brakes. It actually came with avid mechanicals but I sold them allong witht he wheels to save wieght. Nothing wrong with rim breaks.

While I agree with you as far as racing goes, having taken both rim brakes and disk brakes through the mud, I have to opt for disks for function when it's funky. But I agree, they are heavier. The kind of riding I do, disks are a plus, as I typically ride steep stuff, and the disks work very well. Even as I write this however, I had some Avid single digits that worked very well. Another plus to disks is the limited amount of wear on the rims. But hey, that just my opinion. This discussion has been around since disks were first put on a MTB.

oly884 · 04-25-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tacoclimber

While I agree with you as far as racing goes, having taken both rim brakes and disk brakes through the mud, I have to opt for disks for function when it's funky. But I agree, they are heavier. The kind of riding I do, disks are a plus, as I typically ride steep stuff, and the disks work very well. Even as I write this however, I had some Avid single digits that worked very well. Another plus to disks is the limited amount of wear on the rims. But hey, that just my opinion. This discussion has been around since disks were first put on a MTB.

I definitely agree with you, but that's if you can afford the nice disk brakes such as juicy's or really any hydraulic for that matter. I've got a set of mechanical disks on my hard tail and I have to say that I prefer the v-brakes on my Fisher. I do a lot of steep downhill, after I peddle up it

, yes there is a difference I notice, but like I said, I've never had a problem and it isn't worth the $$$ for me to upgrade to disks.

Tacoclimber · 04-25-2005, 03:57 PM

I think one of the most important aspects to disks is correct adjustment. That is one of the nice things about v's is for the most part, you set 'em and forget 'em. I have had really good luck w/ my Hayes mech's. Once I got 'em dialed, it has been smooth sailing, er, braking....

bike4miles · 04-25-2005, 03:58 PM

Some of the low end discs are very troublesome to me (were talking stock on $400 and under bikes). They sometimes have bad squeeling and sometimes they have odd ball pads that would be nearly impossable to buy aftermarket. With that said they are far superiour in mud and esspecially in snow. You just have to consider what conditions you will be riding in.

Tacoclimber · 04-25-2005, 04:02 PM

I agree. Good point. If you're gonna go w/ disks, don't skimp.

91Toyota4x4 · 04-25-2005, 04:06 PM

Don't buy a GT. I loved the one I had back in 98 or 99 but now they aren't the same. The company was been bought and sold a few times since then and isn't what it used to be.

I forgot. I ride a Kona Kikapu with some mods.

ish · 04-25-2005, 04:13 PM

i have an '04 specialized stumpjumper expert disc

i love the bike, don't have anything bad to say about it. except for the stock saddle which i quickly replaced

AFRunner · 04-25-2005, 05:35 PM

Wife and I recently picked up closeout Specialized Hardrocks. I got an 04 Comp with disk for under 400, she got an 04 sport with V-brakes for about 240. Both great bikes, have not had them long enough to relly develope any problems or complaints. Fit for us is good, Im 5'7" with short legs, got the 17", she is 5'4" and got the 15" frame, both seem to be solid bikes, only complaint is paint chips easy, but at least with the aluminum frame you wont get rust when it does. 6 year old kid also got a 6 speed hot rock on Friday, and put about 20 miles on it this weekend including about 4-5 miles of decent single track. A little off topic, but I was pretty proud of him. Good luck on your search.
Aaron

Bluedog · 04-27-2005, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDiddy

I was out looking at some bikes yesterday, trying to plan ahead for fall. I'll probably wait to purchase then and try to catch something on sale.

The local Sheels had a Specialized Rockhopper Pro Disc and a GT Avalanche 1.0, both right around $600. Are either of those worth considering? I'm going to take a look at some Konas too, once I get a free weekend (the only Kona dealer in IA is about 100 miles away) - maybe the Cinder Cone or the Blast would be in a similar price range. Riding would be local trails, no big downhill or racing stuff.

As you can see the opinions on bicycles vary as much as opinions on truck stuff. Waiting till the end of the year is a great idea. The new models seem to be coming out earlier every year. Start calling shops in late july and August to see if the 06's have arrived. Set yourself a budget and have a list of a few different bikes you want, you don't always have a lot of choices with close outs.

Good Luck.

B.

P.S. GT has been bought and sold many times in the past few years. I would stay away.

4x4taco · 04-27-2005, 10:37 PM

SANTA CRUZ. i love my bullit, broke the first but the '04 with the 5th element is sick! couldnt have asked for a better ride at whistler, i just need to wait for the summer when i can make enough to replace my '99 boxxer with a 66rc!

mark_fit · 04-27-2005, 11:10 PM

check out www.motobecane.com and look @ the fantom xc model..
very nice bike.

I am thinking of buying one for myself

bike4miles · 04-28-2005, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4x4taco

SANTA CRUZ. i love my bullit, broke the first but the '04 with the 5th element is sick! couldnt have asked for a better ride at whistler, i just need to wait for the summer when i can make enough to replace my '99 boxxer with a 66rc!

Santa Cruz does make great bikes but they start at about $1,500 which is a bit out of the price ranged mentoned.

TDiddy · 04-28-2005, 05:14 AM

Yes, unfortunately way out of my range! We'll be buying 2 bikes, one for me and one for the Mrs. so we can't go all out.

4-RUNNIN' FREAK · 04-28-2005, 06:01 AM

http://cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/cats/

Have a list for females too.

Just bought myself the F1000 under X-C Racing.
Looks oh so sweet in the gray.

04-25-2005, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
SkyRat Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Granada Hills, CA Posts: 1,410	Yup, You have to get on the bike to see if the thing fits you. Some tend to have a pretty short top tube and fit people with shorter torsos a bit better. You have to try em. In general Kona's are beefy, Specialized tend to be more svelte. I have a 2000 GT XCR2000. It is a pretty heavy bike, but so am I. It has 4" of suspension front and rear and is classified as a "trail bike." I wanted a bike that could ride just about anywhere from the downhills at Mammoth to cross country climbing for a 200+ pound rider. Not the best at either extreme, but solid enough and maneuverable enough for either. Go get em Tom! __________________ George ><> 2000 4Runner Limited 4WD TJM T-15, Warn XD9000 Winch, BFG AT/KO 265/75-16, DeMello Sliders, Yakima LoadWarrior, OME Front 882/N91S - Rear 891/N86, Fiamm Freeway Blaster Horns, Alpine CDA-9827, Cobra 75WXST w/ Firestik II, HuskyLiners, PIAA 520 Fogs, Powerslot Rotors, Optima Red Top, Cargo Storage, Inverter But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Flickr Site Discovery Church

04-25-2005, 10:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
hilandfrog Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Helena, Mt. Posts: 130	I loved the 3 GT's I had, but The Santa Cruz bullit I now have is the deal. My buddy was riding an Orange, and another an Intense both of these bikes were more $$ than my SC and did not have the versility. The SC is the Land Rover of bikes, plush to ride and takes a ton of abuse. 34-38 lbs is a heavy bike for only X-country though. VR Repo __________________ 01' tundra.... "must have a little green man under the hood that controls things" ?? 4.7 liter ?? 15mpg adv plush ?truck? "Keep both eyes open, keep the front sight focused and use good trigger control"

04-25-2005, 10:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,713	I agree with Hilandfrog's statement about SC. They are great bikes. But for a guy on a budget, I recommend KHS. I have a XC 304 that I have built up as an aggr. XC/trail bike, and I have even done some moderate DH with it, and it has held up beautifully. It's frame design is actually the same as the SC superlight, but beefier. I got mine on a closeout deal at Jensen's for $450 (!) bucks. I have put some money into it, like a different wheelset, Hayes disks, and other odds and ends, but I really didn't have to. KHS makes some good bikes. I recommend Gary Fisher and GT, as well. My brother in law has a GT avalanche, and he goes pretty much everywhere I go on my bike. (However, that rear 4" of travel is nice when things get hairy.) But if you're a hardtailer, the FS might not be your cup of tea. Bottom line, ride a few. Check them out, find one you love. Remember, having a bike you love and fits well makes all the difference in either "enjoying" the ride or "enduring" the ride. There's my two cents. __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. SOLD 1964 Chevy Biscayne, 230 I6, lowered, satin black, old-school legit. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok? My band: Road Worn Saints

04-25-2005, 10:58 AM	#7 (permalink)
Hong Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 89	Fit Trail types (Expected and hopeful) Cost www.mtbr.com Seriously though, all major mtn bike manufactures produce a solid bike. It all really comes down to which one feels right (focus on frame), can handle what you are going to ride it on (suspension), and if you can afford it (better components --> $$$). Or you can just buy my Titus Switchblade! hehehe __________________ FS: 2002 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab 4x4 http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/93017606.html

04-25-2005, 11:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
TDiddy Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Urbandale, IA Posts: 7,113	OK, well I had planned on trying to narrow down the field somewhat before test riding anything, but it sounds like I'd be better off trying out as many bikes as possible. Since I'm not looking to buy till the fall, that would probably work out! Last edited by TDiddy; 04-25-2005 at 11:05 AM.

04-25-2005, 06:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
oly884 Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 4,703	Well, the whole thing about mountain bikes that I've seen is that the best bet for you is to just get out and test ride some of them. Specialized makes some really sweet bikes, I've got a Gary Fisher sugar 4+ and I love it, but what works of me may not work for you. To lower the price, I'd personally opt out on the disk brakes, if you can. The can make a difference if you get the really nice ones, but I run v-brakes and I've never had a problem.

04-25-2005, 10:16 AM	#4 (permalink)
Localmotion Banned Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 0	I was looking at the Gary Fisher Cakes. I dont know much about bikes but this seems to be a great bike and not too $$$

04-25-2005, 03:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,713	I think one of the most important aspects to disks is correct adjustment. That is one of the nice things about v's is for the most part, you set 'em and forget 'em. I have had really good luck w/ my Hayes mech's. Once I got 'em dialed, it has been smooth sailing, er, braking.... __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. SOLD 1964 Chevy Biscayne, 230 I6, lowered, satin black, old-school legit. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok? My band: Road Worn Saints

04-25-2005, 03:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
bike4miles Contributing Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,402	Some of the low end discs are very troublesome to me (were talking stock on $400 and under bikes). They sometimes have bad squeeling and sometimes they have odd ball pads that would be nearly impossable to buy aftermarket. With that said they are far superiour in mud and esspecially in snow. You just have to consider what conditions you will be riding in. __________________ --Miles Sold '91 4runner, 22re, 5 spd manual, 180,000 miles, cone filter, Downey 1.5"HD coils, SkyJacker Nitrogens, Magnaflow Exhaust, Stull grill, Clears all around. Check out my sound proofing project and other mods: My 4runner page My 2006 Camry page I'm a Myspace Addict!

04-25-2005, 04:02 PM	#16 (permalink)
Tacoclimber Contributing Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Between a rock and a hard place, AZ Posts: 3,713	I agree. Good point. If you're gonna go w/ disks, don't skimp. __________________ CJ ...<>< 03 DC TRD Tacoma 4wd with a bunch of junk. SOLD 1964 Chevy Biscayne, 230 I6, lowered, satin black, old-school legit. Just wheel the stupid thing!!! But do it responsibly, ok? My band: Road Worn Saints

04-25-2005, 04:06 PM	#17 (permalink)
91Toyota4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 215	Don't buy a GT. I loved the one I had back in 98 or 99 but now they aren't the same. The company was been bought and sold a few times since then and isn't what it used to be. I forgot. I ride a Kona Kikapu with some mods. __________________ SASed 91 V6 Extracab Last edited by 91Toyota4x4; 04-25-2005 at 04:59 PM.

04-25-2005, 04:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
ish Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: pleasant hill, ca Posts: 145	i have an '04 specialized stumpjumper expert disc i love the bike, don't have anything bad to say about it. except for the stock saddle which i quickly replaced __________________ 2000 4runner sr5 265/75/16 goodyear mtr's

04-25-2005, 05:35 PM	#19 (permalink)
AFRunner Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 447	Wife and I recently picked up closeout Specialized Hardrocks. I got an 04 Comp with disk for under 400, she got an 04 sport with V-brakes for about 240. Both great bikes, have not had them long enough to relly develope any problems or complaints. Fit for us is good, Im 5'7" with short legs, got the 17", she is 5'4" and got the 15" frame, both seem to be solid bikes, only complaint is paint chips easy, but at least with the aluminum frame you wont get rust when it does. 6 year old kid also got a 6 speed hot rock on Friday, and put about 20 miles on it this weekend including about 4-5 miles of decent single track. A little off topic, but I was pretty proud of him. Good luck on your search. Aaron __________________ 2007 Tacoma DC 4WD TRD In Germany. Haven't been here since I got rid of the last Runner in 2005. Glad to be back in 'yota's.

04-27-2005, 10:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
4x4taco Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 191	SANTA CRUZ. i love my bullit, broke the first but the '04 with the 5th element is sick! couldnt have asked for a better ride at whistler, i just need to wait for the summer when i can make enough to replace my '99 boxxer with a 66rc! __________________ '00 Tacoma TRD TJM T-15 / OME 882 & 1" BL / "custom" intake / 33x10.5 BFG A/Ts on Teflon Chambers / Demello sliders

04-27-2005, 11:10 PM	#22 (permalink)
mark_fit Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Glendale, AZ/Glenwood Springs, CO Posts: 413	check out www.motobecane.com and look @ the fantom xc model.. very nice bike. I am thinking of buying one for myself __________________ Y2K 4runner. With a bunch of stuff.

04-28-2005, 05:14 AM	#24 (permalink)
TDiddy Contributing Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Urbandale, IA Posts: 7,113	Yes, unfortunately way out of my range! We'll be buying 2 bikes, one for me and one for the Mrs. so we can't go all out.

04-28-2005, 06:01 AM	#25 (permalink)
4-RUNNIN' FREAK Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: NNJ Posts: 3,951	http://cannondale.com/bikes/05/cusa/cats/ Have a list for females too. Just bought myself the F1000 under X-C Racing. Looks oh so sweet in the gray. __________________ '02 4Runner - '06 XRunner Breakdancing www.BadgeYourRide.com Check this out Multi-Touch Interaction Research http://mrl.nyu.edu/~jhan/ftirtouch/ Highest Xmax 6.5" subwoofer made Total Posts: 32,218 (75.35 posts per day) [/center] [/color] Still A Neon

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Gettin into the Mtn Bike scene Post pics of your bikes with specs for me	sdstud212001	Cycling	25	02-18-2007 07:56 PM
Downhill Mtn. Bike	MTNTOY	The Classifieds GraveYard	6	04-18-2006 11:42 AM
Brembo Bike brakes (bike pr0n)	Bennito	Off Topic Talk	0	07-07-2004 09:34 AM
Looking to get an inexpensive Mtn bike	Yoter	Cycling	19	04-28-2004 02:24 PM
pedal bike and motor bike lever confusion?	apc	Off Topic Talk	3	08-13-2003 12:04 AM