Looking at getting a MTB-help me decide.

[Christophe Noel]

That's a sweet photo.

Ok, so what's next? Track cycling? Unicycles?

.

Bicycle Polo?

:bike_rider:

Since you guys can't keep it on topic... http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010-Product-Catalog/MOUNTAIN/NINE-Series/NINE-Comp.aspx

A buddy of mine picked up a Felt Nine-Comp on sale for $1000 and I thought it was a really sweet bike for the money. Very nicely appointed for the money.

 

[mountainsoul]

I've been wanting to do more MTB for a while. My 94 Trek 870 is a bit out of it's league these days so I've been looking around. The terrain around here is mostly flat and swampy, there are often ravines and drops in the woods but no real long climbs. This is a pine forest area so there are always lots of roots and stumps mixed in with cypress knees and thick brush. I guess it would be described as technical. Being in NC I will also have hilly/rocky trails via a road trip/camping weekend.

Is dual suspention or a hard tail best for this type riding? I'd like to keep it around $1,500 (or less) so any suggestions would be great.

This terrain screams out 29er HT.

Take a look at something like the Specialized Stumpjumper Comp 29. These can be had (if you can still find them) for around $1500. It's a great bike and a solid build on a budget. The geo provides a responsive and snappy ride for a 29er. It rides small on the trail and is very agile. Climbs very well with no wavering or traction loss up front. Descends like any 29er....FAST.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=45865&eid=4342&menuItemId=9247

One of the most highly rated bikes this season has been the Giant XTC 29er. Very few people have had issue with this bike. The "XTC2" retails for only $1350 too. The "XTC1" is a better bike but comes in around the $2K mark (basically paying for the $900 Fox 15mm front end). The XTC rides bigger and is a little more muted (vs the SJ) but the frame is very stiff and responsive. Especially the front end. It will track through nearly anything you point it at especially with the 15mm Fox on the "1" model. And it's built to play rough comparatively speaking.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/xtc.29er.2/5730/36261/

These are just 2 popular examples in your price range. Nearly every manufacturer will have a similar bike in their stable. These are just 2 of the best for 2010 from two of the larger manufacturers. MTBR would be a good place for you to start with your research.

ps: Or you could just say screw the budget and get a Mooto-X YBB 29.
http://www.moots.com/?#/product/bicycles/29er_mtb/mooto-x_ybb/

$3500 Frame Only. But worth every single penny. :drool:

 

[Wander]

Thanks for bringing us back M.S.


CH-I do hope you get to try the track-it's a blast. I first road the banking in Florida at the Brian Piccillo velodrome which is a 333 meter concrete out door track-5 laps to a mile, 33 degrees in the corners. I also got to ride a short wood track in London Ontario (Forest City Velodrome) which is a 156 meter board track that is 20 degree on the very short straight and 50 degrees in the corners! I took me about two laps just to get the feel of the corners which felt like you were horizontal. After a fast 45 min of pace line I was getting fairly dizzy but it was a blast. The nice thing about track is that you can get a very full workout in less than an hour. What is being built in SLC?

 

[EricBirk]

Well you guys will get a chuckle out of this...
I was in the shop over the weekend and have been looking for something that I can commute on and just general riding around since I had to sell my Mount Vision and only have my DH bike now . I would love to get another 5" duallie that I can do everything on but it just isnt in the cards right now.
Anyways I want something stupid cheap but solid.
http://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_specs.php?serialnum=933
SS and rigid w/ V-brakes, pretty much everything I have been petitioning against hahaha.
Hopefully the girlfriend can throw it at me for my b-day coming up :victory:

I can probably get it for like $350.00, maybe less. What are your thoughts? This is a bit out of my league of knowledge at this point.

 

[Wander]

Looks pretty simple and robust, two great traits for a commuter. Edmonton is pretty flat, right?

The only thing that would give me pause is the steel frame if they use salt on your roads in the winter. If so I'd prefer an aluminium frame but that would not be a major concern and some frame saver down the tubes when you brong it home will prevent any major issues. Stick some fenders and lights on it and your set.

 

[EricBirk]

Looks pretty simple and robust, two great traits for a commuter. Edmonton is pretty flat, right?

The only thing that would give me pause is the steel frame if they use salt on your roads in the winter. If so I'd prefer an aluminium frame but that would not be a major concern and some frame saver down the tubes when you brong it home will prevent any major issues. Stick some fenders and lights on it and your set.

Unfortunately Edmonton is pretty flat, but there is a killer river valley here.
I dont think they salt here as rust has never really been an issue, just rock chips, but I wont be commuting in the winter anyways. I have to be fairly selective as to my riding because i have a desk job and there are no showers at work.

Now fingers crossed and hopefully I can get my hands on this as a gift .

Sorry again for the thread jack

 

[Wander]

No worries, I'd much rather keep a discussion going no matter which direction it takes.

If it's not hilly than I can't think of any reason a SS would pose any problems. Good luck on the gift part-just keep dropping hints and if that fails, pitch a loud fit!

 

[adrenaline503]

You could get a Karate Monkey, either complete or frame only. Build it as a SS, 1x9 or 3x9. Although that Giant XTC comes in a price that is hard to beat.

http://surlybikes.com/bikes/karate_monkey_complete/

 

[weatherm]

Any descent name brand hard tail with a good group-o set. Trek makes a descent HT that runs like 600-700 msrp and looks good to. Then go buy a thudbuster seat post and a set of paniers then farkle it out as much as you want.

You not doing AM or Downhill so hydraulic brakes are a bit excessive IMHO... mechanical disks will work fine...

Buy a good tire.. and make sure you have some pretty solid rims.. .don't want to expend extra energy that can be saved.

I don't like 29'rs... they are more top heavy and only provide alittle better speed in the straights... Wade Simmons and Bike magazine did tests and said they are pointless b/c the the 26'rs are more flexible in different scenarios..... if you don't know Wade Simmons is shame on you

 

[Cackalak Han]

Well you guys will get a chuckle out of this...
I was in the shop over the weekend and have been looking for something that I can commute on and just general riding around since I had to sell my Mount Vision and only have my DH bike now . I would love to get another 5" duallie that I can do everything on but it just isnt in the cards right now.
Anyways I want something stupid cheap but solid.
http://www.marinbikes.com/2010/bike_specs.php?serialnum=933
SS and rigid w/ V-brakes, pretty much everything I have been petitioning against hahaha.
Hopefully the girlfriend can throw it at me for my b-day coming up :victory:

I can probably get it for like $350.00, maybe less. What are your thoughts? This is a bit out of my league of knowledge at this point.

NICE! Ha ha, I knew you'd come around. That Marin doesn't look too bad for that price. The only thing I can think of is the tire clearance if you decide to hit some trails. I'll throw my recommendation out for a Redline Monocog 29er (has 29x2.3's stock and could probably fit 2.5's if needed). My local bike shop has an older model for sale at $250. Components are decent and the geometry was spot on for me. You can put on skinnies for commuting and fatties for the trails. IMO, being able to fit big tires on a rigid bike is a huge plus since it adds a little bit of "suspension" to the ride. Makes those rock gardens bearable.

Also, they salt the roads around me, but I love my steel bikes. Keep them clean, and you won't have to worry about rust eating through your bikes. At least not in your life time.

 

[Christophe Noel]

they are more top heavy and only provide alittle better speed in the straights... Wade Simmons and Bike magazine did tests and said they are pointless b/c the the 26'rs are more flexible in different scenarios..... if you don't know Wade Simmons is shame on you

Uh.....I'm not buying that. For one thing, I did a nice ride with a couple of the Bike Magazine dudes this year and both were rolling 29ers. I'm sure Wade Simmons would say they blow, but then again, ask guys like JHK, or thousands of others and they'll say the opposite.

 

[weatherm]

haha..29r vs 26 war! its all personal preference.. I rode a 29er in the parking lot and it felt unnatural and completely weird. Do what you want... thats just my 2cents.

 

[Cackalak Han]

.. I rode a 29er in the parking lot and it felt unnatural and completely weird...

Parking lots are definitely the best place to test out a Mountain bike.

Some say it took them several rides before getting used to 29ers. For me, first ride on the trail is all it took. How tall are you? Maybe that has something to do with it.

 

[weatherm]

I'm 6ft and a buck 50

Well considering I am the shuttle bus driver / guide for the local university here and I had about 10 students with me and we pulled over to do a drop off in Atlanta for one of the students friends, I asked if I could ride the bike b/c I have never ridden a 29r..he seemed to enjoy it though so as long as it puts a smile on your face.. to bad you can't see the smile on mine unfortunately he wasn't able to keep up... on one of the best trails in NC that is butter smooth.

 

[slowtwitch]

650b is where it's at. Bigger than 26" but not wagon wheel size like 29.


-Mike