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Im New!
Hey Guys! Im Tomas. Im new here.
I used to do a fair bit of mtb'ing when i lived in Tumut and have recently been contemplating getting back into it. Having a look around there really are alot of good quality bikes out there at the moment and I have no idea which way to proceed.
Things have changed dramatically since i used to ride - would only occasionally see a front suspension bike - with dual suspension being a rarity. Now there are 29ers! Which im still trying to get to the bottom of.
Im looking at spending about $1500 to begin with - have been looking at either the Specialized Rockhopper Comp Int or Giant XTC. Any advise on these? Or any other suggestions would be welcome.
Tom
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29ers are not for everyone, but everyone should try one out on the trails.
As for your choices, you really can't go wrong with either of them. Without knowing the specifics, I can speculate the Giant is probably, slightly better specced.
A list of specs for both, will help us explain the differences, without each of us having to go look for ourselves.
Either way, welcome back to mtbing. You will love Glenrock's trails.
And go straight for a dual suspension bike. If budget is an issue, you can get some good run out deals on 2010 or even 2011 bikes. I'd consider a Giant Anthem with 4 inch travel, its more designed for smaller hits with speed being the priority.
We have this conversation often, again it always comes back to (N+1)
When I was in a similar situation I went for a 29er hardtail - I couldn't wait any longer saving cash for a fully and I don't need a fully to ride local XC trails - hardtails are great fun! - for $1500 you could buy a pretty good hardtail that you could also use for commuting etc. Giants are an extremely good value; however, I'd check Garry Fisher's Paragons of previous years.. if any left.. they are amazing bikes.. there are thorough reviews of these bikes in local Australian MTB magazines last year..
For $1500 you'd get a scond hand Giant Trance, whic is perfect for local trails. If it was me I'd go for an Anthem, but they're hard to find.
If you are looking at 29ers I think every brand of bike made has a ,or a few 29ers in there fleet these days & there are quite a few 2nd hand ones up for grabs too , you just need to find out was size frame you need too be riding & your prefered riding type & position
I have a well loved, well cared for 2004 Santa Cruz Blur Classic for sale for $1500.
XC Medium sized bike, dual suspension, two 26" round wheels and ready to go..
If I pull my finger out, I'll list the specs in the for sale section later today..
Cheers...
6 of 1 half dozen of the other these days with thes brands. I think the specialised may have better quality frame but the giant is pretty popular.
29ers are great, they are solid in corners, and roll nicely, Macr is right, they are not for everyone, but i think they are perfect for trails like grock. rolling and smooth fits 29ers great.
If you ride trails that are stop and start type trails, and you are lacking in power, then 26er is probably better.
check out youtube.
search for sausers 29er 26er comparison. horses for courses and for riders is the main issue here.
I'd be going with specialised personally.
If I was a medium and I was going to spend $1500 I'd snap up Brian's XO. First I'd try my luck at a small discount, but it looks like good value and he tends to take care of stuff.
The more i look into mtb's the more there is to think about. I think i may wander down to some local bike stores and have a chat. And there are some awesome bargains on bike exchange - that may become a very useful tool i think. I must admit the dual suspension giants - especially the Trance and Reign are some good looking bikes. And on Bike Exchange i saw some for pretty reasonable prices considering how much they are for rrp.
The only thing that would concern me about a dual suspension bike is the fact that im 193cm and about 130kgs. Have been trying to find some data about weight restrictions but im guessing that for that kind of $$$ they should hold up ok? Plus the more i ride the less i should weigh (well thats the plan/logic for selling the idea to the missus ^^) What do you guys reckon bout the weight? Any ideas?
Well you would want a Large or an Extra Large (if they make XL). Weight will not be an issue. Besides the more you (me as well) ride, the more you lose.
Hey Tomask,
I also am 193cm and 127kg and I am riding a Giant Reign 1. I was tossing up with frame size when i purchased it but eventually I went with a large. I love it and have no probs pedaling and there is plenty of room in the cockpit for me.
I also did alot of homework before I spent $2K on a bike. Ended up with a Felt 29" hardtail. Awesome bike. Eats up 26" You won't get a decent dual for 1500, and you'll be lucky to find exactly what you want 2nd hand too, you may if you're patient. Good luck with it all and GET OUT THERE!!
Like to know what you end up with too, interesting to see how others view things....but get a 29er.
I bought a Felt Q820 (26" hardtail) about 3 months and haven't looked back since. I got mine for $1000 and it's the best grand I've spent in a long while. I test rode a few bikes, Giant, Specialized and Trek all in the same price bracket. Not much to choose between them, just the Felt felt right and you don't see 20 of them every time you hit the trails.
Test ride a few bike in your price range and go with the one that feels and looks (in your opinion) the best.
Here's a thread I started when I was looking for my bike. There's loads of links in there to other bikes you may not have considered too.
http://nobmob.com/node/20857
Pete
Any1 had any experience with the specialized camber elite 29? Found one that looks good and is priced nicely! Maybe have found my ride.