Mountain Biking - New Bike Purchase

Hey I am thinking of maybe getting a new bike.

My requirements:
Dual/ Full Suspension
Big enough for 6'1" person
Able to handle 190LB without any problems
Reliable

My budget:
Well, there really isnt much of one. My very max is $2000. I would prefer, however to stay near $1000.

Give me some recommendations. I looked at Bikesdirect.com but I am skeptical of the Motobecanes because they are so much cheaper than what I think they should cost. Someone has to explain the pricing of the site to me because I am skeptical.

They use their own rebadged frames so they can offer decent component specs. Not a good way to go unless you are comfortable working on it yourself/willing to learn, or willing to pay a premium for bike shop labor when needed. For 1-2 Gs you can get a pretty nice bike used either on ebay or craigslist, although admittedly it can be intimidating trying to figure out what to look out for in a used bike. What style of riding are you wanting to do? There is a big difference between a $1k xc bike and a $1k fr bike.

Pete, I'm not going to suggest anything here because I'm not good at sizing bikes. (infact I suck!, yes Pete, I said I suck at sizing bikes :eek:)

My budget:
Well, there really isnt much of one. My very max is $2000. I would prefer, however to stay near $1000.


For fit- try riding an actual bike at a shop, not da internet.

For your price range, you need to do some work. $1,000 or $2,000 is like saying you want to buy a $25,000 or a $50,000 car. There is going to be a HUGE difference there.

The Specialized Stumpjumper FSR is pretty sweet- check that out. In reality, almost all brands make very high quality comparable bikes in this price range. Have fun shopping.

I do a ton of trail ridng and also I hit streets that should have long been repaved. (potholes everywhere)

Streets sort of blend with trails since I take backroads a lot. The trails are of medium difficuty with holes and uneven pavement a couple of inches in level. There is lots of roots and many bumps. A hybrid or road bike will definitely not due for me.

Dude, I just got a hell of a deal on an 07 Stumpjumper FSR Comp across the bay in Redwood City. You would do OK on a Large Stumpy depending on your proportions. Give the guys at GoRide a call for a good deal on 07 Specialized FSRs.

any bike should hold a 190lb rider unless it's some kind of carbon that's out of your price range anyway. I'd look at a giant they are priced reasonably and have a good selection of FS rigs.. from the 5 inch trance x to the 3.5 inch anthem... nice looking bikes too I think I'll have one soon.

any bike should hold a 190lb rider unless it's some kind of carbon that's out of your price range anyway.

I'm a 6'1.5" 190lb rider and have broken 2 frames. :eek:(could be just bad luck) I'm just an aggressive rider who can't ride XC'ish bikes. I'm a broken record when it comes to my XLT though. I love it. It has served me well and I can ride it up hills without puking.:D The parts spec per $$$ is usually a bit higher than the norm as well. There are usually plenty of places on line to find one spec'd pretty well in your price range.


The Stumpy FSR is indeed a stellar ride! I took out an "Elite" and drooled all over it. I don't imagine the Comp could be too terrible.

Pete, I'm not going to suggest anything here because I'm not good at sizing bikes. (infact I suck!, yes Pete, I said I suck at sizing bikes :eek:)

Then why say anything at all? Least of all directly to someone who you don't like that hasn't participated in this particular discussion...I guarentee you that he hasn't thought about you since that thread was deleted except to chuckle at a random thought.

Give it up and get your bike built so you can post some pic's of it.:)