I'm looking for advise on which of these to buy. Here are the details:
I haven't been on a bike in 8 years and I'm looking to get back into it. I'm 6'4" 280lbs. Hoping to get down to around 220.
I have a hard budget of $600 plus tax or shipping. I can't go any higher so a Hoss is not an option. Plus, there are no Kona dealers in my area.
I have done a lot of research online and visited my local LBS's, most of which carry nothing in my size to even try out. I've narrowed my choices to these three:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...keTab=techspec
Great Reputation but I was not impressed by the service at the LBS. Full retail $600.
http://www.diamondback.com/items.asp...=14&itemid=175
$550 at Dick's Sports but with the service that goes with buying at a big box retailer. Seems to have better components than the Hardrock.
http://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-650-Details.html
Good components. I'm a little unsure on the Manitou Axel Super fork vs the Marzocchi MZ-3 on the other two. I looks like Ibex has a great reputation for quality and service.
I'd like some opinions from those more knowledgable than myself. I don't know much about components other than brakes and shifting. I'm concered about hubs, crank, etc.
I'm not too worried about LBS service. I repair my own cars, appliances, etc so I think I'll be okay once I pick up Zinn.
By the way, I'll be riding mostly paved bike paths to start but hope to move up to some light XC as well. I know that, at a minimum, I'm going to need to upgrade the coils in any of these forks. Is that even an option with the Manitou?
Thanks in advance for any/all input.
Nix