Mountain Biking - Q: New MTB purchase and rider weight q?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
bewshy
12-11-03, 12:18 PM
I ran a search but was unable to find any posts relating to this question.

I'm purchasing my first MTB and I weigh about 200-205 lbs and am about 5'11 - 6'0 tall. The 2 bikes I like (in my price range) are the Gary Fisher Tassajara and the Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Thanks in advance for any help.

1.) RH Comp uses a Manitou Axel Elite fork and the springs included are rated for 150-170 pounds per manuf. On the manuf. website they list alternative stiffer springs that are rated for 170+. My question is are these springs easy / fast to obtain / order and fairly easy to install?

2.) GF Tassajara uses a Rock Shox Pilot XC fork and to my understanding this type of fork can blow out easily under excessive weight. Should this be a concern with my weight (200-205lbs).

3.) Type of riding? Road, Trail, Off-Trail (nothing too crazy, as I will be with my fiancée)

4.) I'm leaning towards the RH Comp a little more, but what bike would YOU choose, based on my provided information.


Thank You again for any help.


Eric

a2psyklnut
12-11-03, 12:23 PM
You really have to take each bike out for a test ride and determine which one is most comfortable. Once you've decided on that, you can ask the shop to change out the springs for you. They'll probably charge you for the parts, but if done at time of purchase should swap them for you for no charge (at least that's what I would do). After the sale, then I'd charge you parts AND labor. Cost for new springs is about $40.00. It's not difficult to do, and should be done regardless of which fork manufacturer you choose. Rock Shox, Manitou and Marzocchi all have different spring rates for different size riders.

As far as quality between the Pilot and Axel, it's a bit of a toss up. They're about the same. Check out www.mtbr.com and/or www.epinions.com to see what other people have said.

L8R
bewshy
12-11-03, 01:54 PM
The Kona Blast is starting to look pretty good compared to the other two :)

bentrim
12-11-03, 03:41 PM
Consider the overall bike definitely, but read the thread "Ahh! My forks..." regarding the somewhat dubious Manitou Axel series...
bewshy
12-11-03, 05:24 PM
Its official. I can't find any dealers in SoCal who have the 2004 Blast in stock and won't get them in until Feb. :(
Otherland
12-11-03, 07:07 PM
I've had my GF Tassajara about 4 months now and its holding up really well (knock on wood). When I got it I weighed about 225 (195 now). I do about the same kind of riding that you describe some XC and easier trails (so far) and road riding. I've put LOTS of miles on the bike in 4 months, about 1700miles (mostly road riding). The seat the comes with the bike SUCKS, toooo small for my big butt :)

Check out the reviews of the GF (and others) at this site..

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/product_121348.shtml
bewshy
12-11-03, 08:09 PM
I've had my GF Tassajara about 4 months now and its holding up really well (knock on wood). When I got it I weighed about 225 (195 now). I do about the same kind of riding that you describe some XC and easier trails (so far) and road riding. I've put LOTS of miles on the bike in 4 months, about 1700miles (mostly road riding). The seat the comes with the bike SUCKS, toooo small for my big butt :)

Check out the reviews of the GF (and others) at this site..

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_hardtail/product_121348.shtml

Thank you for the information, it is very much appreciated.


eric
Otherland
12-13-03, 12:22 PM
Hey no problem eric... Let us know what kind of bike you do end up getting.

seeee ya.... Jay.....