Mountain Biking - want to purchase a Freeride bike

Hey guys,

I've decided I want to get into some urban assault and freeride so I'm in the market for a new bike. Looking in the $900 range. The bike shop I deal with here sells Haro so I looked at a Haro Extreme X2 which I liked. Of course I want to try out some other bikes before I purchase one so what other bike's would be a decent bike for ~$900?

Thanks!

Dave

Hey,
I free ride a lot and do a lot of urban stuff as well. I'm riding a norco hardtail but am looking for a FS (which i'm assuming your looking for). I'd take a look at the Speicalized Big hit. I heard a lot of good things about them and if you get the low end you should still have some money left to upgrade some stuff (it still comes with some decient componets). Since i'm Canadian i'm going to stick by my Norco's. They make some great bikes for free ride. Check out the Atomic it'll be around your price range and has some really good componets (like hayes 8" HYDROS).

For an extra $200 you can get the Haro Extreme X1. It's got a much better component spec and the fork is a significant upgrade and worth the $200 just for that!

I know it's an extra $200, but it'd be a worthwhile investment if you can swing it!

L8R

don't tell anyone but I'm going to be getting the X2 for under $700 shhhhh

I looked at the Escape 8.3 which is the same level of components and I'm not really keen on the idea of hydro discs... seem like more upkeep, less chance to do trail side repair... etc

i like the idea of the fox rear shock but i really kind of liked the bomber on the X2 better than the X3. i guess those are really the only things that matter to me. I'll see what I can get the X3 for, I might go for it anyway hehe :)

thanks guys, i'll check out the big hit too, it looks pretty nice

The major differences I can deduce are the Rear Shock, X-Fusion is pretty Generic, Fox Vanilla R is only one step down from top of the line. A Fox Vanilla RC is found on many top-end bikes. Fox is well know for quality and durability!

Forks? I personally like Marzocchi forks, but the EXR is toward their low end, and only has 100 mm of travel. The Psylo is a good fork and has adjustable travel from 80-125mm, a nice feature to have!

Discs? I think I'd prefer the Avid's than the Deore Hydro's, but hydro's aren't as much maintenance as people think they are. I rarely adjust mine, and only think about them when I have to replace pads.

What else? Deore shifters and frnt derailleur on both, XT vs. LX for the rear. Almost no cost difference, only like $10 retail, so it's a toss-up.

If you can get the X-2 for under $700, I'd say go for it! It's a good deal and a nice bike. If it were me, I'd see what I could save by switching out the Deore Mech's for Avid's and see what kind of break they could do for you on the X-1. (Like I said, if it were ME!)

As far as the Escape. Those are sweet bikes. Rocket hardtails, big, burly, and built to last!

L8R

I know where you can get a 02 kona stinky for around $1100

Deore discs are very good brakes, some people say that their modulation is better than hayes (and I tend to agree because I own both). If you want i'll sell you this badboy for $1100.

my budget is really more like $700 but I said $900 since the haro x2 retails for that I think I'm going to have a hard time beating the money (I'll see what I can get the X3 for just for grins, may have to go for it). I really liked the way it rode too so i think that's what it'll be unless something else comes along... speaking of which.
what size is that specalized klein?

Its a medium....I am 5'8.

$1,100 for Klein's Specialized or the Kona Stinkey are both great deals.

If you can get the X3 for under $1,000, it'd be a tough choice!

L8R

well guys I ended up with the Haro Extreme X3.

$915. not bad for a brand new $1300 bike

all I can say is after riding hardtails... I <3 FS

Pics?

What color didja get?

Have you gotten it muddy yet?

Did I mention pics?

L8R

Originally posted by Ritalin
I <3 FS

What the heck is that?

ha ha, took me awhile as well. It " I sideways heart Full Suspn."

no mud yet but I'm really digging the urban assault scene... learning to do some drops and handle stairs with ease... ridding up and down them

no pics either but i'm sure i'll get some soon, need to get pics of all 3 of my bikes

ended up with the yellowish orange/black combo... i've had like 5 people tell me that it's a nice looking bike ... even non-riders

IB AOL'ese Nazis!






:o

My opinion is true urban assualt and street riding is best done on a hardtail, where you can keep the weight down. Technical stuff will be easier, and it will teach you how to be a smoother rider. MANY people ride hardtails for urban (i'd say the majority) there are reasons. Also less things to worry about, 1 brake, 6 gears, 2 wheels, 1 shock, and a frame.

Just my 2 cents :beer: Peace