Mountain Bike ?

[PancakePete]

Whats a good mountain bike and what do you ride, etc.

Thanks For the help !

[special fx]

Ellsworth!

The only thing worse than the FX-1 mafia is the Ellsworth mafia!!!

[PancakePete]

Ellsworth!

The only thing worse than the FX-1 mafia is the Ellsworth mafia!!!

Thanks JD, checking them out now. !

[special fx]

Gordon (Flash) and Carl (wavehog) ride Moments and I have an ID. They're really nice bikes. 6" of suspension travel and less 28lbs with Maverick fork.

[Jetaddict]

It all depends on what you plan on riding- downhills, trail riding, mainly road riding, etc. etc. If you are into the jumps and crazy stuff, which I am sure you are, you'll want a full suspension bike. If you are just trail riding and not doing any major jumps, then stick with a hardtail.
I ride on dirt trails and do some occasional road riding. I own a Trek, and I absolutely love it. I only paid $400 for it, and it's a darn good bike. Fun and handles well.
For full suspension bikes, I'd say go with a Specialized or a Kona. If you want to pay bigger bucks and get a truly hardcore all-mountain, go with a Foes or some of the higher range Specialized or Treks.
Mine is a Trek 4300, and the only thing I changed on it was the rear tire and the seat. The Bontrager seat is a POS, and the tires suck for dirt riding. I swapped out the tire with a Panaracer FireXC Pro, and it digs and climbs great. It has V Brakes, but to be honest, I like them better than the discs. I don't do a lot of wet riding, so my brakes don't get coated in mud/water that often.
The great thing about Treks are the affordable price and quality workmanship. THe bike is put together real well, and is damn solid. The frame is light and tough- I beat on it pretty good. My buddy has a Giant, and I honestly think it isn't put together as well as my bike. His crank has fallen apart and it rattles and makes noise- and his is newer than mine! The Trek is still quiet and makes not a creak!
I'd say get a lower end bike first until you decide you want to get serious. THen just buy an additional bike but keep your beater.

[Jetaddict]

http://www.foesracing.com/
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=08Rockhopper

[Big Kahuna]

It all depends on what you want to do. Cross County, Downhill, All Mountain (enduro), or jumping.......

I would look at the Trek Fuels, Specialized Epic's, Older Gary Fisher Sugars. They have several different levels depending on components. Look for one that weighs no more than 26 lbs. (These are cross country rigs.)

Another option is a good steal hardtail, but these are getting harder to find.

with MTB's, it truly is a "you get what you pay for"

[Speedfreak]

Really look into what you are going to do with the bike. I had all of these plans to go riding but TIME will not allow me to do that. So I started with a $100 bike (pawn shop) and glad that I did. I don't have a lot of money invested in a full suspension MB that I ride in town as a commuter. I would be a lot better off with a road bike since that is basically what my bike has seen. But I can't get ride of the suspension for my little boy he rides in this and the suspension helps for when I do take him down the steps at city hall... LOL

http://www.cyclelink.com.au/images/weeride-productpic-web.jpg

[w-nut]

all good advice , i have a Specialized Epic and its a great for cross country and general riding . but at the moment for some reason i realy wont one off these http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/blurlt/

[Big Kahuna]

Really look into what you are going to do with the bike. I had all of these plans to go riding but TIME will not allow me to do that. So I started with a $100 bike (pawn shop) and glad that I did. I don't have a lot of money invested in a full suspension MB that I ride in town as a commuter. I would be a lot better off with a road bike since that is basically what my bike has seen. But I can't get ride of the suspension for my little boy he rides in this and the suspension helps for when I do take him down the steps at city hall... LOL

http://www.cyclelink.com.au/images/weeride-productpic-web.jpg

Road bikes suck for just tooling around. I have 3 bikes, Gary Fisher Full Suspension - I ride this in the woods only. Kona Ku - Alum hardtail, I use this around the neighborhood to pull Izzy in her trailer, some woods. Blue NX7 Carbon Road Bike - Roads only.... Not very comfortable if you were just tooling around.

Stick with the MTB, just put some slicks on it or semi-knobs on it for better road traction

[Big Kahuna]

all good advice , i have a Specialized Epic and its a great for cross country and general riding . but at the moment for some reason i realy wont one off these http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/blurlt/

Glad to know I am not the only one!

[PancakePete]

Thank you for the advice. I like alot of bikes and spent hours last night looking at stuff that went up to 9k. HOLY...

I would use the bike for everything, from riding with the wife when she runs 5 miles every day after work. To ripping the trails with the Fx1 Mafia ! and a bunch of heads from here. I would use it for everything. so I think full suspension would be me, because Im sure I am going to try and flip something... lol :omfg:

Thank you guys. I like the Ellsworth and Treks so far.
Not fan of Cannodale.
Still need to look at Santacruz and Rocky mountain and a couple others.

JD, where did you guys get your Ellsworths ?
I gunna stop at a couple places and see Prices.
I got a buddy that owns a shop.:icon16:

[Big Kahuna]

this is getting to be prime season to buy, find a 2008 model, they will be marking them down. The new Trek EX series look really good, would be good for your area.....

[PancakePete]

this is getting to be prime season to buy, find a 2008 model, they will be marking them down. The new Trek EX series look really good, would be good for your area.....

You mean the Fuel EX models ?
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex55/

[yamaslut]

Cannondales are made in the USA.... :Banane09:

[PancakePete]

Cannondales are made in the USA.... :Banane09:

I was looking at the Ellsworth. they are too. and look beefy :smile:

[yamaslut]

I was looking at the Ellsworth. they are too. and look beefy :smile:

cool, I used to never think about that, but not anymore. I always try to buy American now

[PancakePete]

cool, I used to never think about that, but not anymore. I always try to buy American now

I buy american stuff besides cars.. Because they rob you blind.
I have gotten on more than one occasion Ford, and chevy, gmc
trying to rip me a new a-hole looking for a car. then got twice as
much car from toyota/honda.

Hate to be like that, but i cant afford to get robbed.:ouch:

[yamaslut]

I buy american stuff besides cars.. Because they rob you blind.
I have gotten on more than one occasion Ford, and chevy, gmc
trying to rip me a new a-hole looking for a car. then got twice as
much car from toyota/honda.

Hate to be like that, but i cant afford to get robbed.:ouch:

yeah, i don't do American cars either... too bad we can't make a decent car

[PancakePete]

yeah, i don't do American cars either... too bad we can't make a decent car

PLenty of decent cars, just not decent prices or decent people selling them.

Toyota Guys accross street from ford and they americans with american familys.. and when we go in there, i have asked to deal with the guy that has the youngest child or new born... lol so he get the commision.

[PancakePete]

Pete WTF... are you retarted Thread Jacking your own thread. Back on topic you Tart ! :poke:

:laugh2:
Back to my meds.

[yamaslut]

ha ha ha.... wanna ride bikes?????

[PancakePete]

ha ha ha.... wanna ride bikes?????

LMFAO ! ROLFMAO... Litterally !

[Big Kahuna]

Not sure if all Cannondales are still made here. They are over priced for what you get. Welds are very nice, but the parts spec is lacking.

[yamaslut]

Not sure if all Cannondales are still made here. They are over priced for what you get. Welds are very nice, but the parts spec is lacking.

I just said they were made here... dingle berry

I bought one a few months back. It's fine for light riding

[Jp116]

I ride an old Giant AC1 and have ridden it everywhere from trail riding ,single track, in the city to the downhills at snowshoe mountain west virgina, only broken a few parts like the derail. hanger and the front brake caliper mount. Parts that are made to break to save other more expensive parts. Reviews for everything you can think of on a website called mtbr.com do some research there. Like anything thou people will say that their brand is the best while the next person will tell you they stink and break easily. ie I have been hearing Ellsworth's warrenty policy is horriable and guys were folding them in half easily and getting no support from the company.

[Big Kahuna]

I just said they were made here... dingle berry

I bought one a few months back. It's fine for light riding

I was reading an article a while back about some of the frames being made over sea's. May have been a road frame or their carbon MTB frames. That is why I said "Not sure if ALL"

[GinoNewOrleans]

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/home/

Don't know anything ab bikes but I rode the nomad model one and it's nice.

[Big Kahuna]

Nomad is a good bike, more of an all mountain bike, longer travel. Mechanic that works on my bikes has one, he got rid of all his others. He is sponsored by Cannondale (through the bike shop).

[mosquini]

I have a klein hard tail and love it other than the rear rim that was destroyed Jumping off a concert stage, they have sick paint too. You should also look at Iorn Horse Bikes. Specialized actually bought some of the suspension designs that you see on there full sus bikes. So you are buying a bike and not just the marked up name like Trek or Specialized.
http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/bikes-2008.php

[redrrocket]

every company makes hi-end and budget bikes. so its hard to "pick a brand" I would go to your local bike shop and shoot some 08's out the doors 09 bikes are 15%-20% more for the same spec bike this year price wise..

I would start on a 5" travel all mountain bike, I have a gary fisher, a kona, a gt, and an OLD schwin from the 90's the trek fuel ex is awesome.

just ride a few to get the feel for the different geometry's. depending on where you ride really helps on what bike to pick.

there are way to many bike shapes/sizes/spec's to choose from it all goes with your budget. just remember the lighter the bike the easier it is to break. and the more it costs.

[SXIPro]

For an 'all-around' MTB I don't think you can beat a Trek. Especially for the price. I've owned a couple Treks and a Gary Fisher. For just screwing around the Treks are great. If I was gonna do more rugged stuff where I needed more suspension travel, I'd take my Fisher.

[Big Kahuna]

every company makes hi-end and budget bikes. so its hard to "pick a brand" I would go to your local bike shop and shoot some 08's out the doors 09 bikes are 15%-20% more for the same spec bike this year price wise..

I would start on a 5" travel all mountain bike, I have a gary fisher, a kona, a gt, and an OLD schwin from the 90's the trek fuel ex is awesome.

just ride a few to get the feel for the different geometry's. depending on where you ride really helps on what bike to pick.

there are way to many bike shapes/sizes/spec's to choose from it all goes with your budget. just remember the lighter the bike the easier it is to break. and the more it costs.

5" around here is really not needed.

[Big Kahuna]

I have a klein hard tail and love it other than the rear rim that was destroyed Jumping off a concert stage, they have sick paint too. You should also look at Iorn Horse Bikes. Specialized actually bought some of the suspension designs that you see on there full sus bikes. So you are buying a bike and not just the marked up name like Trek or Specialized.
http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/bikes/bikes-2008.php


Actually, Specialized purchased the "Horst Link" design from Horst Leitner. Specialized has used this design since they bought it back in the early 90's, it is still used today. The only other design that they have ever incorperated into production is the system that comes on the EPIC's now.



"A Horst link is a mountain-bike suspension link designed by 'Horst' Leitner of AMP Research in Irvine California. Horst Leitner was the tech pioneer of mountain-bikes and developed the suspension system way back at the beginning of the mountain bike era. He also invented the AMP forks and the first effective disc brake system for mountainbikes.

The Horst rear suspension link patent was sold to and is now owned by Specialized bicycles and called the FSR Link. "

[R Hudson]

I've had two Gary Fishers, one Schwinn, and now a Kona. I have the Kickapu Deluxe and it's my favorite so far. It's not quite as heavy duty as my last Gary was but it's much faster on single track. I FLY through the woods on this one.

[PancakePete]

5" around here is really not needed.
:haha::haha: I gotta leave that alone ! LOL

Thank you all for your help.
I am going to a couple more stores and still looking online !

So many companies with so many models !

[parrdaddy]

Cannondale does get their lower end frames from Asia now, I was looking for some American made bikes for my shop at work and found this out. They're cheapest 'made in USA' bike is $1200, not sure which model it is. I have a Canndondale Prophet and have been very happy with it although I don't put it through the paces it was built for.

[Jetaddict]

http://a570.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_cabc7df4eb31647df5dde88bbdf4bf51.jpg
Here's my Trek. An excellent entry level bike. I am going to be buying my full suspension next year.

[special fx]

Not fan of Cannodale.


JD, where did you guys get your Ellsworths ?
:

You mean "crack and fail" ! I broke a hign end Cannondale frame, I'm not a fan either.

I built my Ellsworth from parts. Check with Gordon, the shop he got his junk from gave huim a cool deal.

[GDFL]

This bike buying stuff sucks. I rode 5 different bikes today and I'm not any closer to knowing what I want. The shop I ended up at had all the Haro Flightline series and all the Specialized Hardrock series. I think I want to end up with a good fork like the Rock Shox, but that takes a minimum of $550. Sorry to threadjack, but I need help.
Haro Flightline Comp with Rock Shox 2 and mech disk brakes is $675
Specialized Hardrock with Rock Shox 3 is $550 w/ V brakes or $700 with disk brakes.
I could also step down in either series and probably be happy but I don't know. This is confusing.

[wydopen]

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/Picture077.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/Picture075.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/AndrewSeaOtter05.jpg
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b234/WYDOPEN/nosepiece010.jpg

these are my rides...big bike for downhill and the little bike for jumping/ trail riding...i raced for years...it was allot of fun..haha i havent ridden either since i got my standup two years ago though!!!

[crammit442]

This bike buying stuff sucks. I rode 5 different bikes today and I'm not any closer to knowing what I want. The shop I ended up at had all the Haro Flightline series and all the Specialized Hardrock series. I think I want to end up with a good fork like the Rock Shox, but that takes a minimum of $550. Sorry to threadjack, but I need help.
Haro Flightline Comp with Rock Shox 2 and mech disk brakes is $675
Specialized Hardrock with Rock Shox 3 is $550 w/ V brakes or $700 with disk brakes.
I could also step down in either series and probably be happy but I don't know. This is confusing.

FWIW, you will NOT find a very good bicycle in that price range. A good fork costs more than that. Ebay or Craig's list is your best bet. For the most part, frame maker is secondary to component group. Feel free to send me some links to stuff you see on Ebay or CL. A REALLY nice bike that's a few years old can be had for $3-400. A super nice hardtail with excellent components that's 3-4 years old will work much better than a new bike with low grade stuff. It'll take $1500-1600 to even get in to the mid range of good stuff new. Bikes don't hold value well and you can really score if you look for a little bit. I bought the bike I'm riding now for less than half of what it sold for and it was two months old. Let me know if I can help.:beerchug:

[wydopen]

FWIW, you will NOT find a very good bicycle in that price range. A good fork costs more than that. Ebay or Craig's list is your best bet. For the most part, frame maker is secondary to component group. Feel free to send me some links to stuff you see on Ebay or CL. A REALLY nice bike that's a few years old can be had for $3-400. A super nice hardtail with excellent components that's 3-4 years old will work much better than a new bike with low grade stuff. It'll take $1500-1600 to even get in to the mid range of good stuff new. Bikes don't hold value well and you can really score if you look for a little bit. I bought the bike I'm riding now for less than half of what it sold for and it was two months old. Let me know if I can help.:beerchug:


exactally...the little black bike in my last post has all top of the line stuff on it, just a couple years old and i havent even been able to sell it for 800$...you couldnt buy a 1/16th of the components for that..used is the way to go..

[GDFL]

FWIW, you will NOT find a very good bicycle in that price range. A good fork costs more than that. Ebay or Craig's list is your best bet. For the most part, frame maker is secondary to component group. Feel free to send me some links to stuff you see on Ebay or CL. A REALLY nice bike that's a few years old can be had for $3-400. A super nice hardtail with excellent components that's 3-4 years old will work much better than a new bike with low grade stuff. It'll take $1500-1600 to even get in to the mid range of good stuff new. Bikes don't hold value well and you can really score if you look for a little bit. I bought the bike I'm riding now for less than half of what it sold for and it was two months old. Let me know if I can help.:beerchug:

Thanks, I understand what you're saying. The only thing that caught my eye on ebay is http://cgi.ebay.com/HARO-SHIFT-FULL-...QQcmdZViewItem and it isn't really that great. Craigslist is a bust for around here and I just can't seem to find anything that I would call a great deal on ebay that I could afford.

[Jp116]

Check out the buy/sell section on Pinkbike.com

[cookerq62]

The only downside to a used bike is the warrenties aren't always transferable. I would have been f'd because I broke my frame on my 08rockhopper 29er. I brought the bike in on Friday and they swapped all the components at no charge and I was riding an 09 rockhopper expert on Wednesday.

Looking I wish I had spent more up front. Breaking stuff is no fun when your starting out but I had no idea what I was in for. My advise is to get a really good hardtail. You are going to get more bike for your $ and it won't be outdated in 2 years.

[PancakePete]

GD, Good luck too. Its a pain with the ton of models.
I really like this bike. And the place a couple blocks from me
just ordered a couple so i can try out next week. :veryhappy:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex55/

Dont know why at the ton of bikes I have checked out, that just seems cool.

Need to try out some more.. some feel really weird and some good.
I liked the Giant too.

[Big Kahuna]

Damn, the pricing on those has gone out the roof.

[PancakePete]

Damn, the pricing on those has gone out the roof.


I can get it alot less than that !

That is steep, but go to specialzd and the others,
Everything is stupid Freakin money !:confused:

[Big Kahuna]

Looks like the prices jumped considerably from last years pricing.
But everything has also.

I have been thinking about getting a new Full Suspension, I have had mine for 6 years now. It is light, never gave me a lick of problems other than the front shock, but I just bought it 2-3 years ago..... leaks. Would have to sell a ski to get one.

[yamaslut]

I got a bike for 550$ and it's fine... I would say it's possible to find a bike in that range that will work for you (hardtail). Who needs the top end components anyway??? I guess it depends on what you are doing w/ it.. It's flat here, so you don't need much and stuff doesn't get beat up as much...

[GDFL]

I've got one of these coming: http://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bikes/specs_palisades_trail.php
It has 5 rides on it and I think that I got a decent deal. I just have to wait until the paypal clears and it'll be on the way. Speaking of Paypal, when did they start doing direct checking account transfers as e-checks that take 3-5 days? That's new to me and it pisses me off because I've never had to wait before.

[yamaslut]

nice bike!!!

[Big Kahuna]

I've got one of these coming: http://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bikes/specs_palisades_trail.php
It has 5 rides on it and I think that I got a decent deal. I just have to wait until the paypal clears and it'll be on the way. Speaking of Paypal, when did they start doing direct checking account transfers as e-checks that take 3-5 days? That's new to me and it pisses me off because I've never had to wait before.

they have always had that option, but I never use it, just do a straight paypal transfer to the sellers account.

[Big Kahuna]

I got a bike for 550$ and it's fine... I would say it's possible to find a bike in that range that will work for you (hardtail). Who needs the top end components anyway??? I guess it depends on what you are doing w/ it.. It's flat here, so you don't need much and stuff doesn't get beat up as much...

Bikes truely are a "you get what you pay for" commodity. Yes, a 550.00 bike will get you around. But at what cost to performance and durability. Weight is also a factor. cheaper bikes have more inferior components at greater weight. The better the components, the lighter the weight is going to be. On flats, this is not as important, but in the woods and going up hills and over obstacles it is a huge factor. Only time weight helps is on down hill bikes!!!!!!!!!!

[GDFL]

I figured it out. My backup funding credit card expired 11 days ago and I didn't catch it. I'd be good to go now, but I can't cancel the e-check to replace it with the instant transfer.

[crammit442]

I got a bike for 550$ and it's fine... I would say it's possible to find a bike in that range that will work for you (hardtail). Who needs the top end components anyway??? I guess it depends on what you are doing w/ it.. It's flat here, so you don't need much and stuff doesn't get beat up as much...

Bikes truely are a "you get what you pay for" commodity. Yes, a 550.00 bike will get you around. But at what cost to performance and durability. Weight is also a factor. cheaper bikes have more inferior components at greater weight. The better the components, the lighter the weight is going to be. On flats, this is not as important, but in the woods and going up hills and over obstacles it is a huge factor. Only time weight helps is on down hill bikes!!!!!!!!!!


I agree. That's why I always recommend people look for used bikes. Particularly in hardtails. Frame geometry is pretty established at this point and the major upgrades from year to year are forks. The difference between even midgrade comonents and low end are amazing. It's nice to have a bike that works perfectly and will for years. You can find a two year old bike with full XTR for way less than a new bike with Alivio and it'll ride better used than the new low end bike. With bike prices where they are now it takes 1500 to begin to hit the upper mid level. I've always ridden LX and XT bikes and had always just heard about XTR. The bike I bought used this spring is full XTR and I really didn't understand what I was missing.

[Big Kahuna]

That is why I try to stay off bikes with XTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Sugar has XTR rear derailure, it is about a 2000-2001 series, Never had to touch it.

Only other XTR part I have is the rear cog set on my Kona hardtail, man that is stupid light compaired to the one on my Sugar.

[crammit442]

That is why I try to stay off bikes with XTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Sugar has XTR rear derailure, it is about a 2000-2001 series, Never had to touch it.

Only other XTR part I have is the rear cog set on my Kona hardtail, man that is stupid light compaired to the one on my Sugar.

I agree. It's like jetskis. We're probably better off not knowing what we're missing.

[Watcon]

exactally...the little black bike in my last post has all top of the line stuff on it, just a couple years old and i havent even been able to sell it for 800$...you couldnt buy a 1/16th of the components for that..used is the way to go..

Hey Wydeopen,
If you want to trade the little black bike for a new factory pipe and a few other parts ($800.00 value) I know a short fat guy that's interested.. Contact me at wcc@watcon.com
Thanks,
Randy

[Big Kahuna]

LOL.

If you can't afford it, dont even bother trying it out!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Big Kahuna]

Hey Wydeopen,
If you want to trade the little black bike for a new factory pipe and a few other parts ($800.00 value) I know a short fat guy that's interested.. Contact me at wcc@watcon.com
Thanks,
Randy

hey Randy, when you gonna open the mtb shop back up!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wydopen]

Hey Wydeopen,
If you want to trade the little black bike for a new factory pipe and a few other parts ($800.00 value) I know a short fat guy that's interested.. Contact me at wcc@watcon.com
Thanks,
Randy

email sent

[vitaly]

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/producte/10001/-1/10001/331073/377+710/0/jetty+express/Primary+Search/mode+matchallpartial/0/0?N=377+710&Ne=0&Ntt=jetty+express&Ntk=Primary+Search&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nao=0&Ns=0&keyword=jetty+express&isLTokenURL=true&storeNum=5004&subdeptNum=7&classNum=10887&cid=E080911ROWSth

http://images.westmarine.com/large/9520438.jpg

[Sospikey]

I am replacing my 2004 Specialized Epic with this:

[Metal4130]

Ive been working in my local bike shop for like 4 years now and all of the 09 bike prices shot way up. No body has mentioned it but look at Jamis bikes. They really give you a lot for the money. I own a 2007 dakar xam fs and it has served me pretty well. I went mtbing in Marquette Michigan and took it off quite a few 10 plus feet drops and everything held up real nice. You are better off spending a little bit more up front. Seems like an all mountin bike might be what you would want. although I have Shimano components, for a mtb, SRAM is the way to go. Also, the margins on these bikes is usually 40+ percent so you can do a little haggling.

[Big Kahuna]

I noticed the Trek's really shot up in price. Have not looked at the others.

[PancakePete]

Im still shopping, Its the wifes B-day week so I am going to wait a week or two because its her time to get stuff.. LOL:party:

[Big Kahuna]

I would find what you like, then start watching ebay.

[FxOne]

astrix huckster 8" rear travel 7" front travel. i rode this downhill rig in a XC race. 2x heavier than my hardtail but shaved about 10 minutes of my time. Don't worry about getting "more" than you need, get the bike that you want to have and its always better to have more travel than not enough.

[Big Kahuna]

astrix huckster 8" rear travel 7" front travel. i rode this downhill rig in a XC race. 2x heavier than my hardtail but shaved about 10 minutes of my time. Don't worry about getting "more" than you need, get the bike that you want to have and its always better to have more travel than not enough.

do you own a XC mountain bike also?

[GIL]

I went and rode Oak Mtn yesterday and it dam near killed me. 16.something miles is a loooong way w/u have never been on a Mtn bike.
Thank GOD for suspension and hydraulic brakes.

[FxOne]

do you own a XC mountain bike also?

yes, airborn luckystrike hardtail. after i got the DH, its all i want to ride

[Big Kahuna]

hey Pete, you still looking???

[PancakePete]

hey Pete, you still looking???

Nah dude... Big layoffs in both kels company and mine... just thankful i have a job this month.

praying that it does not get worse.. :censored:

thank you for asking.

[Jetaddict]

I am in the market for an affordable yet relatively sturdy dual suspension...I need to pick one up for around $500..$700 at the most. I was eyeing a Kona frame and was thinking about building my own- anyone have a brand they can recommend? I'm not gonna use it to drop off 7-8 footers- just want something that will handle some FLorida technicals and some light jumps. Mongoose makes some pretty inexpensive DS's, but I am not too sure about the quality- especially since Wal Mart is selling Mongoose bikes now.

[accbr]

I wouldn't get a Mongoose. Ibex makes some good bikes for the price.

http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes-Hub-MTB.html

[cookerq62]

I saw an 2-3 year old Motobecane FS at a shop by me and it looked real nice. I would say compare it to a Rocky Mountain without the nice paint and maple leaves. The Motobecanes are super cheap for the Components they come with. Most All of the mainstream bikes are built in China by Kinesis any way so why not save some coin. Some of their bikes I don't think you could buy the components for the price they are selling for.

[Big Kahuna]

I am in the market for an affordable yet relatively sturdy dual suspension...I need to pick one up for around $500..$700 at the most. I was eyeing a Kona frame and was thinking about building my own- anyone have a brand they can recommend? I'm not gonna use it to drop off 7-8 footers- just want something that will handle some FLorida technicals and some light jumps. Mongoose makes some pretty inexpensive DS's, but I am not too sure about the quality- especially since Wal Mart is selling Mongoose bikes now.

Building can get expensive. Like building a SJ from a hull and getting the parts. Look at a Giant Yukon FS, they can be had for about $900.00. It is actually a good bike, great balance of parts........

Also look at ebay.........

Another thing, you can get more bike for your money if you get a hardtail.......

[Big Kahuna]

as far as Mongoose goes, it depends on which frame you get, they have the ones that WM sells (Junk) and they also have their upper end stuff, which is not so bad.........

IBEX and Motobecane can be had with good parts. I do not know about the frames or how much R&D went into the designs. I would be kinda of leary without test riding.

[vitaly]

as far as Mongoose goes, it depends on which frame you get, they have the ones that WM sells (Junk) and they also have their upper end stuff, which is not so bad.........

Yup, don't ditch the Mongoose, and they also make a middle stuff like my Tech 4 (http://www.google.com/search?um=1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=mongoose+tech+4&btnmeta%3Dsearch%3Dsearch=Search+the+Web) which gets me around nicely. Mine was priced at about $600 a few years ago, got it for about $450 after the price match from Sports Authority, it included the RockShox and all.
You can get it for a lot cheaper now.
I actually love it (for my needs).
Just set it up for your height and weight and put some blue locktite on the rear spring nut.

[FxOne]

you can spent 4k plus on a mongoose, walmart just carries the cheapos. mongoose black diamond and tacolis have 5 star ratings on MTB review

[Big Kahuna]

test road a nice 08 Trek Fuel Ex8 today.......