OK, I'm about to suck it up and get another bike. It's been awhile, and I haven't been that interested since some ******* climbed up balconies to steal mine.
I'm planning to get a bike I can take off-road, road bikes just don't interest me. I'm also planning to spend in the $500-$800 range, but preferrably $700 or less. (although I'll probably wait until after Christmas to buy)
One major change since the last time I bought a bike is the prevalence of 29ers. For a casual rider, is there really any advantage to getting a 29er? From what I've read, they're smoother and can handle small obstacles easier. On the other hand, they're heavier and not as nimble. I wanted to see what some of the enthusiasts around here thought.
Also, what about brands? In the range I'm looking in, there seems to be decent offerings from Trek, Specialized, Giant, Haro, and others. Is there really that big of a difference?
Thanks!
J, you want a hard-tail 29er.
You don't want the 26er, especially with the roots on the trails around here (huge difference between the two when rolling over stuff).
What they mean by "nimble" with the 26er is that you can hit switchbacks and tight corners faster - something you're not going to worry about as a casual rider. The 29er will give you a smoother ride when rolling over stuff - pretty much all of your bike shop gear monkeys will recommend a 29er and the multiple bike owners who I know that work @ outdoors run 29ers (and they race) if that tells you anything.
As to the brands, I don't know a ton about those bikes - I run a 9er EMD 29er hard tail which is probably out of your price range (financial windfall from no kids). A certain optometrist we know bought one recently (I think it was a giant) and I've taken him out a few times - you may want to reach out to him to see what he thinks.
Call me if you have other questions, I ride 3-5 times a week and have ridden pretty much every trail in Shelby county.
Oh, MAKE SURE to get fitted for the bike. Nothing worse than having a nice bike that is the wrong size - you're likely in-between a men's medium and large.
The price range isn't really a problem...although spending $25k/year on day care does put a dent in the family budget. It's more about what I'm willing to spend than what I can spend (without pissing off the wifey).
Thanks for the 29er vs 26er input. I was probably leaning towards a 29er, but since I grew up riding on BMX tracks, I've found that I tend to prefer slightly smaller bikes than what I technically measure for. When I bought my last bike, it was strongly suggested I get a 21" frame, but I liked the ability to manhandle a 19" frame a little more despite it technically being a little small for me. Then again, I know I'm probably going to do more casual riding than technical riding.
I have a hard time picturing my optometrist trail riding...
(09-12-2012 05:03 PM)99Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]The price range isn't really a problem...although spending $25k/year on day care does put a dent in the family budget. It's more about what I'm willing to spend than what I can spend (without pissing off the wifey).
Thanks for the 29er vs 26er input. I was probably leaning towards a 29er, but since I grew up riding on BMX tracks, I've found that I tend to prefer slightly smaller bikes than what I technically measure for. When I bought my last bike, it was strongly suggested I get a 21" frame, but I liked the ability to manhandle a 19" frame a little more despite it technically being a little small for me. Then again, I know I'm probably going to do more casual riding than technical riding.
x-country trail riding is nothing like BMX - only a few folks still ride 26ers - there's nothing wrong with them, just that most people have shifted to 29ers
If you buy a good new bike, you're going to drop between $1500 and 2500. More if you start looking at carbon frames instead of aluminum.
There are some good deals on ebay (used) too. Also check out craigslist - sometimes you can get a good deal on a bike that's a year or two old.
You can save some $ by using cheaper components, but the first time you hit a cheap derailleur against a rock, you'll know why you bought the nicer stuff.
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with mid-level brands like giant, just that I don't know a ton about them.
(09-12-2012 05:03 PM)99Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]I have a hard time picturing my optometrist trail riding...
I've got some funny stories. I took it easy on him and cut up the rides while he built up cardio.
Yes, you want a 29er. Hardtail (rear suspension only) is fine in this area. You can roll faster with a 29er, climb better, and it does seem to help with overall ride and comfort. I haven't noticed any difference in handling vs a 26" rim. I will never go back to a 26" rim.
You can spend $400-$10k on a mtn bike. You definitely want hydraulic disc brakes and a good front shock with a lockout option. Suntour used to be one of the cheapest forks, but i think they are improving them. I got rockshox forks, and i like it. Fox forks are pretty common and good. A decent bike is probably $800-$1800 new. An aluminum frame is fine. Yes, carbon is lighter and supposedly stronger now, but sometimes the cost isn't worth a bike that is a few pounds lighter in my opinion.
Like tiger2000 said, it's more about components. Sram, shimano, avid are pretty good. Those cheaper bike components are more prone to break downs.
Trek, specialized or giant would be fine. I've heard of haro, but don't know anyone who has had one.
Craigslist and ebay can have some deals on bikes if you look long enough. I bought my bike online without even testing it, and i was very happy and saved major money. I would suggest buying from a local bike shop, but in my case, they didn't have the bike i wanted so i had to purchase it without testing it even from them. So yeah, i saved my money and bought off ebay. I got a real nice bike for half the cost. It was a demo but like new. You can find some deals out there if you're patient.
Do you know what size frame to get? Post height/weight and i'll make a suggestion or pm if u want.
(09-12-2012 03:41 PM)99Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]Also, for reference, these seem to be the bikes I'm homing in on. All hardtail, some 29ers and some 26ers.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bike...508/55859/
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh...ine_trail#
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh...e_29_trail
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/m...portdisc26
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/m...portdisc29
Other suggestions are appreciated.
Really depends on you. All of those are good entry level bikes, but maybe not the best of components. Seems like i heard some people not liking tektro brakes. Not sure if they are good or not, but i went with a bike with avid elixir hydraulic brakes. Love them.
Basically all of those brands have better models, my suggestion is too move up some if price isn't a major factor. Like with specialized, look at the rockhopper or stumpjumper. The way i look at it, i was buying a bike i will ride a lot for 10 years. Why not get a good one?
I got a $3-4K bike for $2k by buying online and taking my time. If i ride it for 10 years, it cost me $200 per year to ride a bad azz bike. (plus maintenance, etc).
Height/weight? That's getting personal!
6'1" 188 lbs. (I was 212 in February, and on my way back to 175, hopefully before January)
I agree about carbon frames. If you are competing or on your bike a lot, it's a worthy investment. For me, I'll probably ride with my boys a few nights a week, and maybe hit a trail on Saturday or Sunday.
Shimano parts are what I'm accustomed to, but it's good to hear recommendations on other brands too.
Yeah, you should probably stay with a large frame (19 or 20 inch). Check into online reviews on components like tektro brakes or suntour front shocks.
(09-14-2012 02:23 PM)99Tiger Wrote: [ -> ]See what you bastards did, now I want one more like this:
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/m...arve/carve
Although I'm tempted to see if I can get this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200816829223?_tr...660wt_1139
...that would save me some money I can put towards a kegging set up for my beer...
The first bike has a rigid front fork and it is a singlespeed. That means it only has one gear. Now, many riders like a singlespeed, but i haven't had any experience with them. They say it makes you a better rider.
The 2nd bike is ok, but it is too small for you.
I actually don't have a problem with a singlespeed bike. I grew up in a place with public BMX tracks and spent a lot of time racing on those. Honestly, when I have gears, I tend to find one I like and just leave it there.
...but I didn't mean to post that one. The other set ups in the Carve model line are more what you're used to seeing.
Z, the wife will agree to let me buy a certain bike out of "our" money, and then I'll chip in my personal money to get a better one. I think I may ultimately aim to get a good frame, even if some of the components could use upgrading, and then drop the extra money over a year or two.
(09-15-2012 03:12 PM)tigergreen Wrote: [ -> ]this is the one my husband got back in the spring, and I would swear he was having an affair with it if I didn't know any better:
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh...ine_29_two
his is blue & white, though instead of red.
![[Image: weblrg.jpg]](http://www.bigimagerack.com/cfs/img/2011/881cdbb5/weblrg.jpg)
Does it look like the bike at this link?
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh..._29_expert If so, that is the same bike but with better components. If i was to buy a haro 29er, it would be this flightline 29 expert or the flightline 29 comp, but at those prices i'd buy a better known name brand.
(09-16-2012 12:13 AM)tmoneyinmphs Wrote: [ -> ]Does it look like the bike at this link? http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh..._29_expert If so, that is the same bike but with better components. If i was to buy a haro 29er, it would be this flightline 29 expert or the flightline 29 comp, but at those prices i'd buy a better known name brand.
Honestly, I'm starting to be of the opinion that until you hit the $1,500+ price point, all of the bikes are basically the same components (relative to each price point) on different frames. So, it almost begs the question, whose frames are better?
(09-16-2012 12:46 AM)99Tiger Wrote: [ -> ] (09-16-2012 12:13 AM)tmoneyinmphs Wrote: [ -> ]Does it look like the bike at this link? http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh..._29_expert If so, that is the same bike but with better components. If i was to buy a haro 29er, it would be this flightline 29 expert or the flightline 29 comp, but at those prices i'd buy a better known name brand.
Honestly, I'm starting to be of the opinion that until you hit the $1,500+ price point, all of the bikes are basically the same components (relative to each price point) on different frames. So, it almost begs the question, whose frames are better?
I absolutely love my Niner frame.
And you can ride a single speed pretty much anywhere in Shelby county but prepare to have your ass kicked when you start out.
Some of my friends who ride single speeds are amongst the fastest around.
I still have my entry level trek 29'er and have beat it up enough now to where I have to start fixing stuff on it and it's going to cost more than the bike is worth. From my research so far you do want a 29'er for less rolling resistance and climbing ability. I've been checking out
bikesdirect.com
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/moto...m29_x9.htm
I know a buddy that had one and he liked the motobecane. I always want to support my LBS but you can get so much more bike for the money.
One thing I will say is make sure you go with disc brakes. I still have the rim brakes and hate them. Hit the trails in the fall with mud and leaves gumming up the brakes and maybe you stop in time maybe you don't thoughts going through your head. Not very settling. All the guys at the LBS I know run 29'ers it's just the natural progression. If I had one at the bike shop I would go with this one.
Carbon 29'er
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bike...030/48894/
That baby is nice.
Guys, check out the pinkbike classifieds (google it, I'm on my phone). Usually upper end bikes that are fairly priced
(09-16-2012 12:13 AM)tmoneyinmphs Wrote: [ -> ] (09-15-2012 03:12 PM)tigergreen Wrote: [ -> ]this is the one my husband got back in the spring, and I would swear he was having an affair with it if I didn't know any better:
http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh...ine_29_two
his is blue & white, though instead of red.
Does it look like the bike at this link? http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/fligh..._29_expert If so, that is the same bike but with better components. If i was to buy a haro 29er, it would be this flightline 29 expert or the flightline 29 comp, but at those prices i'd buy a better known name brand.
Yep, that's exactly what his looks like. It was around $650 after tax & an oddball accessory, if memory serves?