Mountain Biking - New Bike

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : New Bike

mjw16
08-26-02, 09:47 AM
I'm looking for a new bike and have decided on a full-suspension. I currently have a 6 yr old Kaitai with many new upgrades to include; race face cranks/ bb, thompson stem, xt shifters/brakes/9 sp cassette, derailleurs, bontrager wheel set, serfas seat, and Shimano 545 pedals, oury grips, barrends, and velociraptors. I am considering: Fisher Sugar 3, Jamis Dakar, and Trek's Fuel 90.
I would like some feedback on these bikes (performance, geometry, etc) as well as advice regarding whether or not to buy a whole bike or just a frameset so as I can swap all the new parts from my current bike (I'd hate to think these upgrades were for nought). Which is the more affordable/practical option? As of yet, I have not seen the framesets for these bikes and am wondering if/when they'll be available.
I'm a heavy rider (6'2" @ 260 lbs.) and would like an xl frame for better fit. Should my weight be a consideration for any of these bikes? Also, I test rode a Sugar 4+ and liked the geometry quite a bit, will there be significant differences in these bikes? I would also consider other manufacturers in this price range, although I've always had a preferance for Gary Fishers.
Any and all feedback will be appreciated.

Bokkie
08-26-02, 10:23 AM
I can't suggest any make one way or the other. One thing I'd look at is the height of the bb. I got my wife's bike today and hers is 29cm (11in) and my Gemini is 35cm (14in). Standing on hers and then on mine, I can really feel the difference in the c.o.g. Another reason for a higher clearance is to give you more clearance under the bb. If you don't think you'll be doing extreme bashing, then maybe the higher clearance is perhaps unnecessary. Just my opinion.
dirtbikedude
08-26-02, 08:58 PM
I am going to suggest Kona. Any of their Out-of-Bounds frames are great. I am the same size and height as your self and the Kona frames stand up to abuse very well. I am not sure what the price range of those other frames are so I am not sure if the Konas will be comperably(sp) priced. I do know that those manufacturers are very good and their bikes work well.
Slainte:beer:

bertt
08-26-02, 09:47 PM
like dirtbikedude said look at the kona's and try the specialized enduro series.