Mountain Biking - what kind of quality is DEAN?

I've never heard of DEAN but anyway its the stem of my bike is it a good name? would it be stand up to freeride or trials?

Handbuilt custom Ti frames. Not my style, price range or even interest in those styles...but no I have never heard of them.

http://www.deanusa.com/index2.htm

So it should be a pretty good stem. Why aren't they your style?

Dean makes sweet stuff.

As the very happy owner of a Dean Castanza (Ti road bike), I'd have to say Dean's quality is first class.
http://home.att.net/~mark.livingood/DeanCastanza.html

The welds are tight with very uniform beads, the machined parts are also first class and the finish (brushed) is as good as any others I've seen. I'm fortuante enough to have black decals instead of the more colorful "Fisher Price" variety.

It's my understanding that not all products marketed by Dean have been made in house, but those that have been done outside conformed to the same high standards for quality.

Originally posted by mountaindew
So it should be a pretty good stem. Why aren't they your style?

I don't think Ti holds any value...great stuff but too expensive to bother...kind of like Shimano XTR. :)

I used to ride a DEAN Scout, which is their low end Ti hardtail. Really nice bike, great welds, great quality....

Mine was satin finished with the Fisher Price logo :)

Originally posted by Maelstrom
I don't think Ti holds any value...great stuff but too expensive to bother...kind of like Shimano XTR. :)

Value as in not breaking or rusting and lasting longer than you will?

See thats where I differ from most. I expect bikes to break. I also don't want them to last. I love new things and having to replace a bike every few years is not a chore but sheer excitement...

And yes...no value in Ti. If I knew I was going to have 1 bike for 15 years then fine but when I know I need to replace it every 3 or so or at the very least upgrade anyways then I don't see the value...

would it be stand up to freeride or trials?

Dean stuff is on the light weight/xc end, probably not the best choice for trials and freeride.

I love new things and having to replace a bike every few years is not a chore but sheer excitement...

Yeah, me too. but i would buy a new bike every few years even if my older one was in great shape. i would have to get another garage to house the bike though.

DEAN makes a very good quality ride. If you are in to road or xc it would be a great bike.

Slainte
:beer:

To be honest I am there too. I enjoy the research, testing and then buying. I have a feeling I will be a bike ***** soon enough :)