Mountain Biking - Looking for advice on lightest dual-susp. trail bike under $1,100

Hi, all. I'm new around these parts, so thanks for entertaining my newbie questions!

I am getting set to buy my first dual-suspension XC bike, but want something relatively light (as light as I can get for the cheap price range) and I want to make sure I'm making the right decision. So far I have looked at a bunch of bikes that are over 30 pounds and some around 35 pounds. The only one that has really stuck out to me thus far is the Kona Kikapu, being $1,000 brand new, dual-susp., and it appears to be in the 26-27 pound range. Can anyone advse me as to any other bikes that may be similar performers to the Kona Kikapu, similar price range, and relatively light? Thanks.

i think "lite" "dual suspension" and "under $1000" are kind of mutually exclusive terms.

i know, not very helpfull, you should probobly be looking used.

If you found a Kona Kikapu for $1,000 new that weighs 26 - 27 pounds then I say go for it. I do recommend taking your own scale with you if weight is that important to you. To me that sounds to good to be true.

LowCel has a good point. and Kikapu, although not a great choice, is a nice bike at that pricepoint.

I dont know where you live, but if I was looking for a dual suspension bike I would drive to this store (although they sale online) and get any of the following bikes from them (based on components I like and best fit). Call them up and see what they can do for you.

here you go...

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8028/.f?sc=19&category=394
(Iron Horse MKIIIs are one of the best dual suspension bikes I have ever ridden, although my experience with dual suspension is limited)

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8038/.f?category=2187

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.8093/.f?sc=19&category=394

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id.7599/.f?sc=19&category=394

check with your local kona dealers for leftover 2006 models. You may get some great deals. One of my local Kona dealers is offering 2006 Kikapu for $699 and Kikapu Delux for $899.... and Kona Dawg for $989

good luck

I would never buy a $1000 FS bike. Any FS bike at that pricepoint is going to have an inefficient design. All your pedal force is going to be put into compressing the rear suspension, and not translated into rotating the rear tire. For $1000, I would get a nice hardtail.

I would never buy a $1000 FS bike. Any FS bike at that pricepoint is going to have an inefficient design. All your pedal force is going to be put into compressing the rear suspension, and not translated into rotating the rear tire. For $1000, I would get a nice hardtail.

I wouldn't buy a $1000 fs either but the FSR XC has a pretty good suspension design on it for MSRP $1200. I bet you could get one for $1000.

It won't be 26 pounds but you can't have it all at that price point

What is the old saying for bikes - Light, strong and cheap. You can have any 2 of these (but not all three).

What is the old saying for bikes - Light, strong and cheap. You can have any 2 of these (but not all three).

That's pretty much the saying. Bonus if you can remember who originally came up with this saying. He's pretty well known in the industry and still does some races.

Yeah, i was figuring since my price range is so entry-level, I wouldn't probably be able to get any better than this bike. That having been said, I have heard it's a good bike from a lot of people and that it's a good deal considering what you're getting. considering I will probably go with the base Kikapu, what would be the cheapest and most cost-effective way to lighten the bike?

Have you thought about looking for a used bike? I just sold my 2006 Stumpjumer FSR for $1250. I paid $1900 (includes some add ons). I rode the bike 10 times if that. The bike was actually better used than new when I sold it (after I got it all cleaned up adn ready for sell) and you can't beat the Stump design and performance especially for $1250 or less. Keep looking, check other bike forums, Craigs List and eBay and local bike clubs to see if there is one for sale. Also bike shops sometimes have posting or have a return bike for sale.

I would spend alittle more, maybe more than I can afford and get a better bike than try to do with cheap especially with a full suspension bike.

Yeah, i was figuring since my price range is so entry-level, I wouldn't probably be able to get any better than this bike. That having been said, I have heard it's a good bike from a lot of people and that it's a good deal considering what you're getting. considering I will probably go with the base Kikapu, what would be the cheapest and most cost-effective way to lighten the bike?

When buying in this price range you are much better off putting the money you would spend on upgrades towards a better bike. Your money will go much further this way. Once you have the bike the best upgrades to lose weight are typically tires, tubes, wheels, cassette. It just depends on how much money you want to spend and how hard the weight weenie bug bites you. Trust me......it can get expensive!!!

When buying in this price range you are much better off putting the money you would spend on upgrades towards a better bike. Your money will go much further this way. Once you have the bike the best upgrades to lose weight are typically tires, tubes, wheels, cassette. It just depends on how much money you want to spend and how hard the weight weenie bug bites you. Trust me......it can get expensive!!!


Yeah I know how it feels when the modification bug bites you! I am also a motorsports enthusiast and have spent wayyyyy too much money modifying my sports car. I can't imagine this will be much different.

I really don't want to spend more than $1,000 on each bike (I am also getting one for my girlfriend), and have heard that the Kikapu, even the base model, is a good bike as long as you understand what you are getting. I don't want to spend my money on something that's not worth buying, but it's not like the Kikapu is a bad bike, is it?

The Kipapu line is pretty good, but just about any new full-suspension bike at the $1,000 pricepoint is going to be pretty mediocore. If I were looking at a FS bike, I'd start around $1,400 or so and look for a 9-speed drive train as you'll have better parts options if you break something or want to upgrade. The Kipapu Deluxe looks pretty good. If a grand is your a hard figure, get a nice hardtail. Are you set on FS and, if so, why?

kikapu is a decent bike given your requirements.

"I am getting set to buy my first dual-suspension XC bike, but want something relatively light (as light as I can get for the cheap price range)"

you can probably lighten up the bike with some upgrades down the road.

there is a certain amount of snobbery and elitism goes around in this forum. Sometimes its healthy and sometimes its not. dont get discouraged by that. I know its nice to have a $5000 dollar rig when you are sponsored by X Y Z or your mom and dad surprises you with a $XXXX dollar birthday gift bike. but lets face it some of us buy our bike with our own money. and dont do 15 feet jumps and stunts. for us, its Cross Country and general trail riding. we want to have the capabilities but it does not have to be cutting edge or top of the line.

OP..I dont know where you will be riding this bike....and how aggressive your riding style is...but if you are doing general cross country and dont have to climb hills in racing competitions, you would be fine. Sure a $5000 dual suspension rig would be better.....but do you really need it....

bottom line is....Kona makes decent bikes...and their frames are often worth upgrading.....so buy the Kikapu and ride it.....if you dont like something down the road....upgrade it.....

kikapu is a decent bike given your requirements.

"I am getting set to buy my first dual-suspension XC bike, but want something relatively light (as light as I can get for the cheap price range)"

you can probably lighten up the bike with some upgrades down the road.

there is a certain amount of snobbery and elitism goes around in this forum. Sometimes its healthy and sometimes its not. dont get discouraged by that. I know its nice to have a $5000 dollar rig when you are sponsored by X Y Z or your mom and dad surprises you with a $XXXX dollar birthday gift bike. but lets face it some of us buy our bike with our own money. and dont do 15 feet jumps and stunts. for us, its Cross Country and general trail riding. we want to have the capabilities but it does not have to be cutting edge or top of the line.

OP..I dont know where you will be riding this bike....and how aggressive your riding style is...but if you are doing general cross country and dont have to climb hills in racing competitions, you would be fine. Sure a $5000 dual suspension rig would be better.....but do you really need it....

bottom line is....Kona makes decent bikes...and their frames are often worth upgrading.....so buy the Kikapu and ride it.....if you dont like something down the road....upgrade it.....
Thanks...as I said, I am not some hardcore cliff-dropping trailrider. First of all, I live in New Orleans, so that pretty much precludes me from going up any hills. This bike will be for cross-country and general trail-riding and some road/park riding, and my riding style is far from aggressive compared to some of the members of this forum.. I'm not going to say that I wouldn't love some $5,000 carbon-fiber XC bike just as much as the next guy, but there's dreams and there's reality. If the bike is just garbage and not worth buying then I understand, but I have heard some good things about it as a light XC bike, that's it. I think some people on here are getting the wrong idea about how I am planning on using this bike. I am not planning on bottoming the suspension out every time i take the thing out.

Thanks for your reply.

If you are going to be road riding, most would advise a hardtail to be preferable. In the Kona line throw a leg over the Kula and Kula deluxe. My Deluxe is in the 23.5-24 pound range. Good time to be buying high quality used.

That's pretty much the saying. Bonus if you can remember who originally came up with this saying. He's pretty well known in the industry and still does some races.

Keith Bontrager :D what is my prize?

I wouldn't buy a $1000 fs either but the FSR XC has a pretty good suspension design on it for MSRP $1200. I bet you could get one for $1000.

It won't be 26 pounds but you can't have it all at that price point
The 05 FSR XC Comp with Avid discs and Mavic rims, 17" frame, is exactly 30.0 lbs.
You're right the suspension is great.:D

what about the Jamis Dakar?

Doesn't say weight but it's the same frame as the "race" version.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_cds07RRLOCK.htm

I should add: If you know your way around a bike, know what size, turn a wrench, fit yourself...

what about the Jamis Dakar?

Another vote for the Jamis Dakar. Especially considering the original poster's description of how he and the girlfriend are going to be riding. Most of my local dealers have some really good sales going right now. You should be able to pick up a Dakar sport for around $800.

The Jamis Dakar is one of the best "values" out there. A friend of mine has one and races it from time to time. He constantly reminds me how much he enjoys it.

even better....if you know how to put a bike together you could do this....

get the frame for $299
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FR406B00-Jamis+Dakar+Sport+Oe+05.aspx

The fork for $199
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK503A21-Marzocchi+Mx+Comp+Etatas+100120+06.aspx

this wheels and components for $299
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SL405B00-Shimano+765+Shifter+Brake+Wheel+Kit.aspx

and a quality crankset for $70
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR506A00-Truvativ+Fire+X+Crankset+Oe.aspx

or

this one

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR408A19-Fsa+Gamma+Drive+Megaexo+Crank+W+Bb.aspx


so for around $900 you would have a very decent bike

Don't forget pedals, tires, tubes, cassette, derailleurs, headset, stem, handlebar, seatpost, saddle, bars, grips, and chain. ;)

http://www.harveycycles.com/

Check these out! I rented a "Laurel Mountain" built up w/ LX & XT & Race Face cranks over Thanksgiving weekend. Loved it!! I think I'm gonna have one built up w/ LX next year.

Good luck

The Jamis seems like the best deal so far. ^^ Dropping $600 on a frame doesn't leave much for the rest of the build if the budget is a grand.

Actually, if you can find the Dakar in your price range, that'd probably be your best buy. It looks like the only thing sherpaPeak left out derailleurs, chains, a head set...

Oops, shoulda seen the next page!

Don't forget pedals, tires, tubes, cassette, derailleurs, headset, stem, handlebar, seatpost, saddle, bars, grips, and chain. ;)

Okay, I got it. the total comes to (excluding shipping and assembly) = $1098. Very tight. but you see what level of bike you get for the money.

so here is the detail

Frame=$299
(http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FR406B00-Jamis+Dakar+Sport+Oe+05.aspx)

Wheels, brake, shifters, levers = $299
(http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/SL405B00-Shimano+765+Shifter+Brake+Wheel+Kit.aspx)

Fork= $159 (I originally suggested a better fork, but this one would still be better than the stock one)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK408A00-Manitou+R7+Comp+Oe+06.aspx
or
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK501A02-Marzocchi+Am+06.aspx
or
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FK503A21-Marzocchi+Mx+Comp+Etatas+100120+06.aspx

Crankset= $69
(http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CR506A00-Truvativ+Fire+X+Crankset+Oe.aspx)

Padals= $29 (platform, its what I prefer)
http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=31493

Tires=$34
(http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/10982-320_PANFI1_SET-3-Parts-73-Tires/Mountain/Panaracer-Fire-XC-Pro-Tire---Buy-2-%26-Save!.htm)

Tubes=$4 (based on avarage for 2 tubes)
(http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/10988-345_SPD2P1_PKG-3-Parts-74-Tubes/Accessories/IRC-Tubes---Set-of-10.htm)

Cassette= $34 (assuming that he would go with 11-32 or 11-34)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CS708B15-Sram+Powerglide+Pg-970+9Sp+Cassette.aspx

Derailleur (rear) = $50
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/RD707A04-Shimano+Xt+M750+Series+Rear+Derailleur.aspx

Derilleur (front)= $33
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/FD701A01-Shimano+Xt+Fd-M761+Front+Derailleur.aspx

Headset=$20 (there are a few in the $20-$30 range)
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/139-Headsets.aspx

or this one
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12579-205_CACS23-3-Parts-63-Headsets/Cane-Creek-S-2-Headset.htm

Stem= $36
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/ST602A01-Race+Face+Evolve+Xc+Stem+05.aspx

or for $24 (http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=23147), if the size fits you.

handlebar= $8 (this is probably the handle bar that is taken from the bike
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/HB608A00-Jamis+Alloy+Handlebar+Oe.aspx

there are some other good choices too
http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=29683
or
http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=19135
or
http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=29160

Grip=$10
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/15707-190_SETBL6-3-Parts-61-Grips/Bar-Tape/Sette-Type-B-Lock-On-Grips.htm

Chain=$15
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/CH505B00-Kmc+Mz9000+Mtb++Road+9Sp+Chain.aspx
or
http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=30525

ok i skimmed through most of this post...but


WHAT KIND OF RIDING DO YOU WANT TO DO???? AND WHY ARE YOU SET ON A FS BIKE? we can then help point you in the correct direction

Another vote for the Jamis Dakar. Especially considering the original poster's description of how he and the girlfriend are going to be riding. Most of my local dealers have some really good sales going right now. You should be able to pick up a Dakar sport for around $800.


i have a dakar, though it is only a frame now(cuz i raced it then striped it), it is a decent xc bike.. don't spend more than you need to, but jamis is pretty sweet

i only ride 1 speed bikes now, and will never turn back. but before you tell people around here what your price range is, tell them what type of riding you do. good luck

What about my prize?

hmm, from my opinion, if he can find a past year frame (without and change in the design) I say go for IT!, its just that since 07 has a lot of improvement, you might feel a bit of disappointed with your 06 or below bike. Thats the tradeoff though

I'm not dissapointed with my 2006 frame.....come to think about it I'm not dissapointed with my 2005 either. :o

its just that since 07 has a lot of improvement, you might feel a bit of disappointed with your 06 or below bike. Thats the tradeoff though


can you please specify what kind of improvements you are talking about? thanks.

nah, I mean when you buy a bike at the end of the year when all the 07 stuff comes out, it will make you feel outdated at the stuff that has been improved. Like 07 Mavic wheels for example, its lighter

I recently asked Larry @ MtnHighCyclery to give me a budget quote for a spare FS frame I had. This is what I was quoted and the total came out to about $1150 and this obviously does not include the cost of the frame. The big ticket items are the fork, wheels, brakes and cranks. Budget a little more for the extras (bottle cage, bottle, housings) but it shouldn't add up to much more. You can definitely find some pretty sweet wheelset/brakes combo deals (Shimano Deore level) that will save you tons of money but feel free to use the following as this is a pretty decent set of components for the price.

Rock Shox Reba Race = $325
Truvativ Stylo Team crankset = $108
X.7. rear der. = $40
X.7. triggers = $38
LX front der. = $19
PC-951 chain = $12
PG-950 cassette = $40
Avid BB7 + FR5 levers = $115/pair
Wheels: DT Onyx hubs/DT 455 rims = $269
Dimension skewers = $15
Cane Creek S3 headset = $32
Race Face Evolve post = $33
Race Face Evolve stem = $26
Race Face Evove bar = $29
WTB Speed V Comp saddle = $25
Tires = $50'ish/pair.
Tubes = $6/pair

I'm not dissapointed with my 2006 frame.....come to think about it I'm not dissapointed with my 2005 either. :o

I'm such a fool. My "new" bike is a 2005. I'm feeling very disappointed.

I'm such a fool. My "new" bike is a 2005. I'm feeling very disappointed.

Actually in my opinion the 2005 Flux is still better than the 2006 and 2007 model. You probably already know why.

Actually in my opinion the 2005 Flux is still better than the 2006 and 2007 model. You probably already know why.

Yeah, that's the feedback I keep getting. I met a couple of guys from my club for lunch not too long ago and when we got into the discussion of my new bike first thing I was asked, "Did you get the HL model?"

I honestly don't think I'd be able to tell the difference as I'm nowhere near the part of the development curve where I could sense the nuances of a change like that. What's funny is that I do have a 2006 frame at home and if I really, really wanted to I could go through the pain of comparing. I just don't really, really want to, though.

The 2005 is more like the Ellsworth Truth since they licensed the ICT from them that year, at least that is my opinion on it. I can't tell much difference in my two frames (other than 3" vs 4") but I do prefer the way the suspension feels on the Truth. Unfortunately I'm not smart enough to convert the differences of the feel into words.

The 2005 is more like the Ellsworth Truth since they licensed the ICT from them that year, at least that is my opinion on it. I can't tell much difference in my two frames (other than 3" vs 4") but I do prefer the way the suspension feels on the Truth. Unfortunately I'm not smart enough to convert the differences of the feel into words.

You'd make a poor race car driver. Feedback is key. This is one of my biggest weaknesses. That being said a good race engineer knows how to draw out the right information. Since you're your own race engineer, you obviously understand yourself so this is a moot point.

dont feel offended ya, I forgot too write some people. Because like me, I dont like to buy a new stuff that is outdated unless that outdated stuff is better then the new one. Just my opinion though. For eg : I like the original Trance and Reign design with the shock basket because it makes your bike look unique :D

Kind of know what you mean wheelhot. I mean personally I still like the NRS just as well as I like the Anthem. The NRS was a great design though.

yeah, It was design by renault is it? because I test ride another guys NRS and he rode my Anthem, he says the handling feels the same and I agreed with him. Only difference is NRS is a bit heavier. I love NRS paint quality though. And when I look behind it says Suspension created by Renault something like that. I wonder why Giant cant make the frame lighter?

Another thing that made me amazed is the weight reduction of Giant Anthem Advance, soo little difference between the aluminium version

FWIW, Performance is selling off thier Rocky Mountains at cost. The 2006 ETSX and Element 50 are both $1500. Not quite your price range, but the Element is 24lbs and has a very efficient suspension design.

Az