Mountain Biking - Can't decide

Hi Guys.......new member here with my first post. I've been reading the forum for some time now and found tons of useful information. This is my first full season riding. I started in fall of 04 and really took to it. I now find myself doing about 125-150km per week. 75% road 25% trail. At the moment I'm riding my fathers old 82' Norco Bigfoot. Its a lot of fun, but really outdated and the time has come for me to make an investment in my new passion. I've visited a lot of bike shops, and asked a few questions, as I'm not very technically savy when it comes to new technology. I've narrowed my choice down to 4 bikes. listed from least expensive to most expensive.

Giant Rainier $1000. CDN
Cannondale F600 $1400 CDN
Kona Kula $1400 CDN
Cannondale F800 $1900

Any advice?

Any advice?


I would check out the 2 high end models in the Gary Fisher 'Dual Sport' line.

They seem like they might fit your bill.

What type of trails will you be riding?

Smooth with roots and rocks?

Lots of rocks and roots and drops?

Thanks for the reply....mostly smooth drails with roots and rocks....no major "hills" or mountains where I am, and I'm not comfortable with severe drops at this stage. I may get to that, but probably not this year. I'd like to increase my off road time, but was told that since the majority of my riding will be on smooth trails or streets, I should consider a hard tail. Or a full suspension bike with a "lock-out" on the rear suspension. I've noticed that quality full suspension bikes start out at around 2k so I've decided on the hardtail.

Of the above I would go for the Kona Kula. Kona is a great brand, it doesn't hurt that I hung out with the Kona rep all weekend either though. :) If I were you I would also check out Rocky Mountains though. I imagine if possible you would like to have a bike built in your country. It would make it nice if anything ever goes wrong with it.

I have checked out Rocky Mountain, problem is the owner of the LBS that I saw them at treated me as if I was an idiot when I told him about the other bikes I was considering. I explained to him I was a newbie, and was looking for info on what I should consider for components and the like. He showed me the Trailhead, and I did like the bike, but was so put off by him I kind of eliminated it. Maybe I'll check out Rocky Mountain at another bike store.

Yeah, try to give them another shot. They are worth it. That really sucks about the guy at the shop, especially since he was the owner.

Hi
I am frankiee from Owen Sound Ontario
I am also new
I have mountain bikes for about 3 years
I am now addicted to technical trail riding
I am doing every thing in my power to get my whole family addicted
Bikes are a bit expensive but we are doing it in gradual steps

http://www.konaworld.com/can_demo_dates.htm

The above link is Kona's tour around Canada to test thier bikes
The price is free and the motive is that you will love one of their bikes so much that you will have to buy on now or later.
Good way to try out hardtail or duel suspension.
I had a Brodie Bandit hardtail that was stolen($1200) and now have a $300 Iron Horse duel suspension because I wanted to get used to a duel suspension.
I want to think about getting a Brodie Hurrricane or Awl but I want to make sure that the duel suspension is what I want.
The duel suspension?? Some times yet I love it and other days I hate it.
I am still playing with it and my technique.
Plus, I cant compare a $300 Iron Horse to a $4000 Brodie
But, they wont let me borrow it for a month to find out if I want it or not.

My wife is going bike shoping this week. I want to talk her into a used (all we can afford right now) Haro V-1.

I think the biggest thing is a bike shop that you can depend on.
If the bike breaks or is nothing gut problems then you want someone that you can talk to and have them go to bat for you with the manufacturer if need be.
Also, the seller of the bike should be a fanatic about you riding bikes as much as you are. My dealer here in Owen Sound is a bike fanatic. They know bikes,they talk bikes, they have public rides with the bikes, and they dont cut down my Iron Horse just because I didnt buy from them. They say it is awesome.
You can guess where I am going for my next bike when I spend the big bucks. To them, because they have my respect and trust.
I hope that you can find a shop like I have. Here is the address just in case you are in the area.

http://www.alternativewheels.com/events/main.php

And if you are in the area send me a heads up and I can loan you my Iron Horse and I will ride one of my old clunkers and we can ride some.
I have a hard time to find some one to ride with.
I think they dont like the trails I take them on.
Good luck and choose wisely




http://www.konaworld.com/can_demo_dates.htm

I ride a Cannondale F600 and I love it. Some people will say negative things about Cannondales but I have nothing but praise. The bike is well built, has good-to-average components and is affordable. It has a great lockout feature which helps a lot during steep climbs as well as on road rides. And with a few upgrades you could find yourself with a very nice racing rig (the F800 is the same frame with slightly better components).
I'm not sure what the current conversion rate is from Canadian to U.S. $ but I'm thinking it's around .80 to the dollar?...if this is even close then you may be paying too much. I bought my F600 for $900 USD (and my LBS threw in a saddle bag, water bottle and computer).

Frankee, thanks for the great info and links with regard to Kona, if I'm ever in the area I'll give you a heads up.

BErad: Thanks for the info on the Cannondale, you're the first cannondale rider I've received feedback from! I especially appreciate the heads up on the cost. Your conversion rate guess is pretty close to bang on, so I might see if I can get him down a little bit. I'm thinking I'll have to go on another round of test rides before I put the money down........sheesh, I've had a much easier time buying a car! But I'd rather do my homework and be happy.

Thanks again!

it doesn't hurt that I hung out with the Kona rep all weekend either though. :)

Disco Jeff? Yeah, he's cool.

Yeah, Jeff was cool as hell. Started talking about getting a mullet or a reverse mohawk at one point. Honestly, I don't see it happening though. :)

Hey Man,

Check out HARO's line of bikes.... I bought a new X2 Xtreme last year. It's a GREAT bike for the $$$$, I promise....

www.harobikes.com