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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
Hello.
Ive been researching the purchase of a bike, and I would like some advice from a well knowledged and experienced mountain biker. Here is my specs: I weight 200 lbs, and 5'8" tall. The bike will be used for the following: Riding around the neighborhood, very occasional (once/twice a year) 100 mile road trip, several 25ish mile road trips on hilly Missouri Ozark roads, lots of basic bike trail riding, very occasional (once a year?) advanced bike trail riding. The condition with this bike purchase, is as so: My father offered to buy me a 500 dollar mountain bike. But mentioned I could kick in a little extra money if I wanted to step up to a better bike. At that price range, Im looking at the following type bikes: Gary Fisher Tassaja Giant Iguana Trek 6700 GT (forget the name/model) Norco Bigfoot? (havent seen one, but it specs well on internet) etc My questions come in regards to this: These bikes are all pretty much comperably equiped. Shimano Deore drive trains, RockShox forks, decent wheels, ok tires on some, quality frames, etc. But, im just at the bottom end of full suspension bikes (which I have not researched), and disk brake bikes. In fact, I think there are a few disk brake bikes I can buy, at that price. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? If I find a Tassajara for say 650 dollars, and its 100 dollars more for the same bike with disk brakes, is that upgrade worth 100 bucks? Remember, I am a begineer biker, but I seek quality and a bike that has ability that I most likely will not out grow. (Not outgrowing the bike, assumes I do not get into the hobby as an extremest). In other words, I want a bike I can take out of the garage and go hang with other bikers with, and not be limited with my equipment. I may not have the same level as them, but I will have a bike that is "good enough". If anyone wants to give me advice, I would appreciate it. My email is Thanks much, and God bless.... -Robb |
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#2
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
"Robb Spring" wrote in message ... Hello. Ive been researching the purchase of a bike, and I would like some advice from a well knowledged and experienced mountain biker. Here is my specs: I weight 200 lbs, and 5'8" tall. The bike will be used for the following: Riding around the neighborhood, very occasional (once/twice a year) 100 mile road trip, several 25ish mile road trips on hilly Missouri Ozark roads, lots of basic bike trail riding, very occasional (once a year?) advanced bike trail riding. The condition with this bike purchase, is as so: My father offered to buy me a 500 dollar mountain bike. But mentioned I could kick in a little extra money if I wanted to step up to a better bike. At that price range, Im looking at the following type bikes: Gary Fisher Tassaja Giant Iguana Trek 6700 GT (forget the name/model) Norco Bigfoot? (havent seen one, but it specs well on internet) etc My questions come in regards to this: These bikes are all pretty much comperably equiped. Shimano Deore drive trains, RockShox forks, decent wheels, ok tires on some, quality frames, etc. But, im just at the bottom end of full suspension bikes (which I have not researched), and disk brake bikes. In fact, I think there are a few disk brake bikes I can buy, at that price. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? If I find a Tassajara for say 650 dollars, and its 100 dollars more for the same bike with disk brakes, is that upgrade worth 100 bucks? Remember, I am a begineer biker, but I seek quality and a bike that has ability that I most likely will not out grow. (Not outgrowing the bike, assumes I do not get into the hobby as an extremest). In other words, I want a bike I can take out of the garage and go hang with other bikers with, and not be limited with my equipment. I may not have the same level as them, but I will have a bike that is "good enough". If anyone wants to give me advice, I would appreciate it. My email is Thanks much, and God bless.... -Robb I think they're all probably good bikes, but I'd choose among the Fisher, Giant and Trek. Pick the bike you like from the shop that treats you right. This Giant Iguana conjurs the most entertaining mental images. |
#3
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
Robb Spring wrote:
Hello. Ive been researching the purchase of a bike, and I would like some advice from a well knowledged and experienced mountain biker. Here is my specs: I weight 200 lbs, and 5'8" tall. The bike will be used for the following: Riding around the neighborhood, very occasional (once/twice a year) 100 mile road trip, several 25ish mile road trips on hilly Missouri Ozark roads, lots of basic bike trail riding, very occasional (once a year?) advanced bike trail riding. The condition with this bike purchase, is as so: My father offered to buy me a 500 dollar mountain bike. But mentioned I could kick in a little extra money if I wanted to step up to a better bike. At that price range, Im looking at the following type bikes: Gary Fisher Tassaja Giant Iguana Trek 6700 GT (forget the name/model) Norco Bigfoot? (havent seen one, but it specs well on internet) etc My questions come in regards to this: These bikes are all pretty much comperably equiped. Shimano Deore drive trains, RockShox forks, decent wheels, ok tires on some, quality frames, etc. But, im just at the bottom end of full suspension bikes (which I have not researched), and disk brake bikes. In fact, I think there are a few disk brake bikes I can buy, at that price. Does anyone have any recommendations for me? If I find a Tassajara for say 650 dollars, and its 100 dollars more for the same bike with disk brakes, is that upgrade worth 100 bucks? Remember, I am a begineer biker, but I seek quality and a bike that has ability that I most likely will not out grow. (Not outgrowing the bike, assumes I do not get into the hobby as an extremest). In other words, I want a bike I can take out of the garage and go hang with other bikers with, and not be limited with my equipment. I may not have the same level as them, but I will have a bike that is "good enough". If anyone wants to give me advice, I would appreciate it. My email is Any of those bikes should be adequate for your level, and all are of good quality. Don't worry about hanging with other bikers regardless of what you get. Some of them may even be on lower-spec'd bikes than yours. You should get what suits you, your abilities, and your budget, not what the latest fad/rage is. More than focusing on the money and specs, you should ride each one you're considering and see which one fits and feels best for YOU. Bikes are upgradeable, so it's not like you have to buy now what you want to have in three years. If you get a really good frame now, you'll be able to do whatever you want down the road. Your abilities don't require Deore, though it's nice. You could get by on Alivio or Acera (which are also nice, work well, and do the same thing as Deore for a few dollars less). You can add disc brakes later. You should check to see if the bike and forks are set up for disc if that's really an important consideration; v-brakes work well enough for what you listed. I'd stay away from a full-suspension bike; at the level of funds you're operating with, you won't get a good bike at all. In fact, I think you should consider going rigid since much of what you've listed as your riding terrain is suited for it. The only suspension *I*'d even consider using on a 100 mile road ride would be a suspension seatpost (never used one, though). I assume, though, it'll be a while before you try a century on any bike since you're just beginning and (no offense) out of shape. One more thought on your terrain -- cyclo-cross or hybrid bike. You'd probably appreciate it more on the road and around the block and the hills. It would be fully compatible with everything you listed, including some of the "advanced bike trail riding" stuff (I've taken mine through some pretty sticky technical terrain without any trouble). Hope this helps. Good luck. |
#4
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
Any of those bikes will do a great job for an entry-level rider, and
will be a great bike for you into the future as your skills improve. I'm not so familiar with the Norco, but understand they are pretty decent. The best advice I can give you is go to your LBS and take all the bikes in your price range for a test ride. Buy the one that fits you best, not the one that has the nicest color etc. If you're not comfortable on the bike, you won't ride it! I wouldn't recommend full suspension in that price range - you're better off getting a better quality hardtail frame instead. My opinion is likewise on the disk brakes - more benefit in upgrading other components (perhaps derailleurs to XT, or a set of better platform or clipless pedals) than the couple of hundred dollars on disk brakes. Get them later if you get really serious about mountain biking... Check out www.mtbr.com for some user reviews - take the opinions with a grain of salt, but they can be a good guide to any potential problem areas. -- -------------------------- Posted via cyclingforums.com http://www.cyclingforums.com |
#5
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
"Robb Spring" wrote in message ... Thanks much, and God bless.... -Robb I wouldn't even bother worrying about brand names and components until you test ride. Once you find out what fits your body then that will dictate what brand it will be. Across a certain price points all mass produced bikes will be similarly equiped as far as components. . Chris |
#6
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
"Robb Spring" wrote in message ... Hello. Ive been researching the purchase of a bike, and I would like some advice from a well knowledged and experienced mountain biker. Here is my specs: I weight 200 lbs, and 5'8" tall. The bike will be used for the following: Riding around the neighborhood, very occasional (once/twice a year) 100 mile road trip, several 25ish mile road trips on hilly Missouri Ozark roads, lots of basic bike trail riding, very occasional (once a year?) advanced bike trail riding. The condition with this bike purchase, is as so: My father offered to buy me a 500 dollar mountain bike. But mentioned I could kick in a little extra money if I wanted to step up to a better bike. At that price range, Im looking at the following type bikes: Giant Iguana Performance bike shops (www.performancebike.com) have the Giant Iguana Disc on sale for $519 right now. It's one helluva nice bike for the money. The Hayes mechanical disc brakes are spec'd on many mid-to-high end bikes (such as Klein Attitude). The fork is better than most in this price range. It also has a beautiful silver/grey two-tone paint - very slick. You can't go wrong with Giant - they know how to engineer, spec and build a bike. Even at $599, the Iguana Disc is a great deal. At $519, it's the obvious choice. Spend the extra dough on shorts, helmet, gloves, pump, multi-tool, street tires (Kenda 26 x 1.9 slicks, $10 each @ Dick's Sporting Goods), better/different saddle, etc. If you want quasi-full-suspension (which I recommend), get a Rock Shox seatpost for $45 at www.pricepoint.com. You're all set. Make sure to get the proper bike size. Check Giant's website, and do a couple of test rides. It would be best to go to a local dealer. You might try to get them to price-match with Performance; but don't beat them up too much. If you can do *all* of your own repair/maintenance, then a local bike shop is of less value to you; but most folks can't, or don't want to, in which case you *need* a relationship with the shop. Barry |
#7
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
I would make another Bike manufacturer, Diamondback, I have been riding
diamondback for quite a while and its a great frame/bike maker. Topanga Comp Disc (what I have) is a great bike for under 600 bucks. Rockshox Judy tt, upgrading as soon as I can to fox forx, I trust them over rockshox, But the rockshox should be great for your applications. The topanga comes with Shimano Deore "LX" stuffs. I wouldn't trade my DB in for anything. except for downhill then I would go for a DB Fullsuspesion. Its all the name game man. Trust what feels right, and dont get hung up on Fads or names. I was going to spend 980 on a Trek untill I looked at the DB, which also has a lifetime warrenty, and rode a DB at a local bike shop, and feel in love. They make some of the best bikes, period. but if you pick any of the other bikes, Congrats and welcome to the MTB club, Enjoy. -Shaun |
#8
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500-750 US dollars to spend, purchasing advice sought (im newbie)
Robb Spring wrote:
At that price range, Im looking at the following type bikes: Gary Fisher Tassaja Giant Iguana Trek 6700 GT (forget the name/model) Norco Bigfoot? (havent seen one, but it specs well on internet) etc Get the Giant Iguana: http://www.j-harris.net/bike/misc/giantiguana.jpg |
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