Mountain Biking - If you were going to build a freeride bike...

What frame and components would you choose, and why?



Assume you want to spend less than 2 grand for everything. Where would you buy it from?

Two grand would barely buy the frame and fork.

If I were on a budget, and wanted a custom built bike, I'd probably start with a Santa Cruz Bullit. Probably the most affordable high quality frame available.

Forks would include a Marzocchi Z-1, or DJ series. I'd also consider the new Manitou Sherman forks or a Rock Shock Psylo, in that order.

Wheels would either be custom hubs laced to Mavic rims, or a complete set of Atom Labs.

Components would probably be a mix of LX and XT.

You planning on getting something, or just dreaming? Let me know, I should be able to help you out on some stuff! PM me!

L8R

I agree with a2 however instead of the sc bullit I would go with Banshee Scream. Very tough durable 4 bar designed specifically for freeriding and I think you guys can getthe frame for 1200...

however with that budget I would look at norco. High quality 4 bar's designed for freeriding but you can find them under 1000$ for the frame. I think around 800 for the launch (I think maybe less)

Due to the money restrain an 03 djer is in order or a user jr-t which you can find for 500cdn so I assume cheaper there. (250 to 350$)

XT hubs built onto Mavic 321d rims 200$ total

mix of LX and deore drive train. I find my deore/lx drive train does exactly what it needs to do although a chain guide is becoming required (no clue but should be cheapish)

Total Lets say above is so far 1300-1400 and you still need some key components but that should beunder 2000$ american and with 'bro' deals you should get stuff even cheaper :)

That woould be an affordable freerider for sure :) All of those components

For under 2 G's get the Norco Rampage. Its all sold out, but if you can find a 2003, its just a sick sick bike. It's a ht, but it has a DC fork and the specs on it are amazing for the price.

looks a lot like a specialized p series.
do those tyres get good reviews? i got some and i want to know what others think.
thanks

IT also looks like the Freeride ht's Kona comes out with. But they do have differences in basic geometry. Especially the Kona's which have a short cockpit for shore riding.

The Gazzi's are big and going out of style thank god. They really don't have great turning traction in comparrison to Maxxis mobster's and the like. They have a huge rolling resistance and at 3" are just retardedly big. I can honestly say even the kids on NSMB have started to go to more reasonable sizing at 2.5 to 2.7 for freeriding and dh.

But those tires sure do help ht's feel plush. Run low air and you have some fake suspension :D...on skinnies they are nice too because you can be half off of the skinny and still be ON the skinny :)..

they do look really cool though.
you got to admit it.:p ;)

3inch tires...hell yeah...big and burly :D

Only XC weenies care about rolling resistance anyway!

http://www.dirtpassion.com/fawk.gif

What about Iron Horse? Full bike that has seemingly decent componentry for like 1600 bucks?

http://www.supergo.com/images/items/completebikes/full/SGS03_EXPER.Blk-f.jpg

Also keep in mind that I weigh 150 pounds, so it's not exactly like I'm hard on things. I take some big drops to flat and some rough landings, but I'd rather have a semi-lightweight bike than something insanely burly. It's really hard for me to manuever a big bike. I rode a 45+ pound freeride bike that my friend owns and it was all I could do to flick it around in the air/bunnyhop.

Jim have you ever had the chance to ride a kona. I know I seem to push kona Stinky a lot but they work REALLY well especially for smaller riders. They have a short cockpit and tend not to weight as much as other beefy bike. They are built for the shore and being able to flick it around tight technical rides...

BTW...I love ironhorse - I got to test ride a hollowpoint and they are well made I just can't justify buying a high end bike from a 'sports' store in Canada. :)

Originally posted by Jim311
Only XC weenies care about rolling resistance anyway!

http://www.dirtpassion.com/fawk.gif

99% of the time I agree but with those tires you know you are going slow the second you start pedalling :)...

Now these are real free ride bikes!!
:D

http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_07.05.01/news/photos/bike.GIF

If I were to go the freeride route, 2K USD = 3K CAN

I could bash together a decent Kona Stinky, or maybe a Norco Launch?

The problem is... I live in Florida. They don't really sell freeride/DH bikes around here. The urban/dirtjump scene isn't really popular just yet. I've been riding a XC hardtail for freeriding and haven't broken anything, but I want something a little more plush with better angles for riding ledges and dropoffs. We have a Kona dealer around here, and I just met a guy who works for a Kona dealer, so I might get a hookup. We shall see.. what am I looking at for a base line Stinky?

1999 cdn...ummm 1500ish american I guess...

03' BigHit Comp.


I have one, with an 03' Jr.T on it..

I've spent about $2150 on it TOTAL.

mmmm druel
i cant beleive that i have fell in love with a bike!! its unbeleivable. i really want one.:D :p