Opinions on this MTB?

[Abneycat]

Hey there. I'm looking for a new bike to accompany my Xtracycle. The bike shop here in Calgary has a bunch of these leftover from a while back, rode it around today and it seemed *really* nice, but i'm out of the loop these days as to whats "good bike for the money"

I'm looking to build my Xtra to be good in the city, but also a capable off-roader, so it was off to look at hardtails and this one stood out:

http://www.bikes.com/bikes/2006/sport/fusion.aspx

Their in house price is $650 ATM. Is that a good deal? It seems like it to me.
They also have the 2007 model at $710, which has LX instead of Deore on the rear. Seemingly its quite similar aside from that.

Additionally, i'm a steel fan, my current frame for the Xtracycle is steel. Does anyone have experience with this and know where aluminum is a total liability with the Xtra, or if its completely fine?

Thanks for any advice!

[vik]

Hola....I'm in Calgary as well and will be getting my Big Dummy on the road as soon as the frame arrives. We should organize a Xtracycle ride down along the river - maybe we'll convert some new people....:p I've seen a few Xtracycles around town.

Anyways about the Rocky Mtn. I don't think AL is a liability - with the Xtracycle you'll get some long wheelbase passive suspension so a harsh ride isn't going to be an issue. I'd save the $$$ and get the Deore bike and then upgrade when it wears out. My friend rode a Deore equipped bike 6000kms in Mexico with no issues. I have a Rocky Mtn Instinct and haven't had any complaints with it at all - it is nice to buy Canadian when you can.

You'll need a 203mm disc rotor to work with your Xtracycle.

Should be a great build. Enjoy & post some pics here when you get her rolling....:) I'll post my Big Dummy build info at www.thelazyrando.com

[Abneycat]

Well, when I went in again, noticed a few more things that passed by notice last night: The frame on the 2006 is round tubing, the frame on the 2007 is shaped and has much more welded surface area to the BB and head tube as a result, making it a stronger choice. The cranks were also better, the ones on the 2006 were Alivio and the 2007 had some nicer looking FSA cranks. Went with that 2007 model, will post some pictures later :D


Vik, that sounds really cool, we *should* have some bike/xtracycle meet ups in Calgary. I'm interested to see your Big Dummy..

[vik]

Well, when I went in again, noticed a few more things that passed by notice last night: The frame on the 2006 is round tubing, the frame on the 2007 is shaped and has much more welded surface area to the BB and head tube as a result, making it a stronger choice. The cranks were also better, the ones on the 2006 were Alivio and the 2007 had some nicer looking FSA cranks. Went with that 2007 model, will post some pictures later :D


Vik, that sounds really cool, we *should* have some bike/xtracycle meet ups in Calgary. I'm interested to see your Big Dummy..

Congrats on the new bike...:p I'll post here when I get my BD going. I sort of expecting the frame at the end of Feb and the bike on the road by the end of March. There seems to be shortage of Xtracycle parts at the moment so I'll probably have the BD ready to go before I have it completely setup with the full Xtracycle kit.

BTW - do you do any bike touring? I'd like to take the BD out on some of the gravel/dirt roads in the Rockies this summer and do some stealth camping. Nothing too heavy duty - just want to test out how the BD would work as an expedition touring bike.

[Abneycat]

Congrats on the new bike...:p I'll post here when I get my BD going. I sort of expecting the frame at the end of Feb and the bike on the road by the end of March. There seems to be shortage of Xtracycle parts at the moment so I'll probably have the BD ready to go before I have it completely setup with the full Xtracycle kit.

BTW - do you do any bike touring? I'd like to take the BD out on some of the gravel/dirt roads in the Rockies this summer and do some stealth camping. Nothing too heavy duty - just want to test out how the BD would work as an expedition touring bike.

I really want to get into some bike touring. I absolutely love getting out into the mountains, and i'm ready for it now after all of the training done over the last year..

Still, i've developed confidence in how the 'X holds up on road, loaded - but i'm still building up confidence with its ability to survive off road.