Mountain Biking - Brand Loyalty? Whom do you choose?

O.k. guys, the question of brand loyalty came up in a discussion about suspension designs. Got me thinking. Do you choose a bike (frame) for the design or for the Brand Name?

IOW, do you for instance look for a Dirtjumping Hardtail and then consider 4 or 5 different brands. Or, do you visit Company "X" and decide, yeah, I'd like a Freeride bike?

Personally, I do both. I choose a specific frame that suits my style of riding, then I choose the brand I like. Color isn't usually a factor, but always a consideration (does that make sense?)

I guess the question I'm asking is, "Do you choose your Brand first and then the specific bike in their lineup?" or, "Do you pick you bike regardless of who makes it?"

L8R

Specialized but unfortunately I don't sell them. :(

I would probably say Specialized. I really think they create genuinly awesome bikes for a fair price. If I had a bigger budget I would probably head other directions with it. Though, I'm certain I would stay with a 4-bar design.

I have owned Specialized, Nishiki, GT and (currently) K2 mountain bikes. I have liked them all. I have ridden and been impressed by countless other brands too. However, when I go to choose a bike, I think in terms of my "engineering requirements" first such as type of suspension if any, frame material, component mix (unless I can choose it myself - another factour), quality of workmanship and then there's reputation of the builder/manufacturer, customer support, etc... and of course price. And then I'll try to match brands and models with those requirements. So I guess I would have to say that no, I don't have any particular brand loyalty but I do have certain brands I will look at first because I already know of them either by reputation or having been satisfied with their products in the past. I do try and remain objective and analytical about my purchases because sometimes as those late-night TV advertisements for commemorative plates are obligated to point out, "past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results."

Giant is pretty high up on my list. They offer a lot of bang for the buck and stand behind their product.

Being a newbie, I had no loyalties so I researched every brand that had a model within my budget. Ended up with a Specialized.

I'm loyal to cannondale because of the single shock option on the mountain bikes. I like to turn it off on long uphill forest service road rides and turn it on during technical mountain bike single track trails. No particualr loyalty with road bikes although I also have a cannondale r2000 due to the fact that I just like cannondales.

I chose Specialized (Hardrock Comp) for a couple of reasons. I began shopping around a couple of weeks ago, and one of the things that I had to consider was the larger frame size. Specialized has the 23" frame (although it had to be ordered). I am 6'4" with a 36" inseam. Both shops that I visited suggested I go with the 23" frame.

I also read many reviews from owners, that really impressed me. And last; but not least, I wanted a nice bike for under $500.00.

:beer:

Greg

WHERE IS GT!!!

But did you buy it because it was a Specialized, of just because it came in a larger size?

I guess this is the point of my question. Do people who like for e.g. Cannondales ONLY buy Cannondales w/o even considering other options.

Max poll items are 10, ran out of room.

I should've added "OTHER" for #10, but couldn't edit it after I posted.

Sorry!

L8R

WHERE IS GT!!!

BUSTED;)


I for one am a Kona fan and have been for years. They to however used to be one of the small time makers but when they made some inhouse changes things took off for them.

By the way, the new Zoch. that Tracy and Fabian are using on their DH rigs looks very mean. It is a sick fork. Unfortunatly the only time you get to see it up close is at the starting gate or the finish. They are keeping it under wraps for now.

:beer:

Hey DBD, any idea on the planned release date for that thing? What about MSRP? That things gotta be near $1,500 +. YIKES! For a FORK?

L8R

Originally posted by a2psyklnut
But did you buy it because it was a Specialized, of just because it came in a larger size?

I guess this is the point of my question. Do people who like for e.g. Cannondales ONLY buy Cannondales w/o even considering other options.


I knew they were good bikes, and I like the appearance. I used to ride a road bike years ago, and the name "Specialized" was always considered in the upper echelon for their road, and mountain bikes.

:beer:

Greg

a2, I did not get a chance to speak with the guys at the Kona booth yesterday. We were practicing all day and when we were done they were gone. I will find out more info tomorrow.

By the way, Steve Peat is fast as hell. :eek:

:beer:

UGLY TOO!

Partially company partially rep. I voted kona because for the most part those bikes look sick. In reality my next bike will be a small production bike because I find small production bike overbuild for strength and offer better warranties...so Banshee or Cove bikes are my next choice :)

I didn't see LANDRIDER anywhere on that list, Specialized has the best looking frames and frame geometry to fit me.

Go Specialized!!!!

Yeah go little big S. (the other big big S is shimano)

It's sad that no one voted for Full Custom. This should be a front runner, if not an obvious winner.

Blind loyalty I guess.

I voted trek cause I have one and I'm eyeing an '03 gary fisher sugar 2+ at the lbs. *drool*

Originally posted by Singlespeedster
It's sad that no one voted for Full Custom. This should be a front runner, if not an obvious winner.

Blind loyalty I guess.


Maybe alot of people dont need a full custom bike, or dont want to pay any extra money for one. Alot of people are comfortable with the geometry of a bike made by a large company. I still dont see a single vote in the full custom category, have you not voted yet?:D

Where is Pacific??? :D

I would have to go with Giant... I have owned two and because of my first MTB being giant I was persuaded to get another. I did a little research on other bikes but the NRS just hit the spot. Now only if that rear shock could take some 8 ft drops...

Originally posted by Wait
Now only if that rear shock could take some 8 ft drops...

That's exactly what I've been starting to wish about my 3.6" rear travel....

Yeah, I would have liked to of picked up the AC if it was as light as the NRS... But then again I now know why the extra weight is there.. but then again, the NRS is like a rocket...:D :D :D

Giant

Originally posted by KleinMp99
Maybe alot of people dont need a full custom bike, or dont want to pay any extra money for one. Alot of people are comfortable with the geometry of a bike made by a large company. I still dont see a single vote in the full custom category, have you not voted yet?:D

The question wasn't about money. And as for need, no one "needs" a bike at all. The question was about preference.

I just thought it was odd that given those perameters no one seems to have even considered full custom.

Specialized for me. I ve gone through many brands in order to get my bike. I just love specialized . Giant comes second for me, and third comes ScottUSA...very nice bikes in Europe...especially the full carbon FS rigs they have.

Scott is difficult to get stateside. Ironic that their name implies USA, but go figure.

I would love to have the cash to send my measurements to a custom builder and have them make a bike for "ME", but as often as I sell my bikes, I see that as a disadvantage. I know, I know, why would I want another bike if I go custom? I don't know, I'm just a bike *****. I like something new and "better".

If I did, I'd have to either get a "BREW", or go all out and get a MATT CHESTER titanium.

L8R

Trek coz of the geometry. I'd wait for better colors though.