Mountain Biking - Buying a P.?

What's up everyone?

I'm looking into buying a Specialized P series or a similar type of bike. I stopped by my LBS and took a look at a P.1 and man it looked tough. I didn't have time to take it for a spin but I plan to this weekend.

The question I have is which size would I want to get? I'm about 5'11" - 6' and 225lbs The P series only comes in either a short (21.25" tt) or long (22.5" tt). I am leaning towards the P.1 as it's cheaper for me to get into, plus I can upgrade as I go rather than pay for extra parts on the P.2 that would end up being replaced anyway. The guy at the shop told me the P.1 only comes in small though. I don't know if this is true since Specialized lists both sizes for either bike on their website but have yet to confirm this. He also said that the small was a suitable size for me but I would rather get more than one opinion before I decide to purchase.

I plan to be doing mostly urban riding, drops, stairs and anything else I can find. Although I want to be able to ride this thing to any place I want to go. Basically anything I don't feel like abusing my XC bike on. If that is the case, should I be looking at something with less of a laid back riding position to it? I also only have a budget of about $700 give or take a little.

TIA,

Mike

Definately the long. The P1's come in long, unless specialized is out of them.

Agreed, available in short or long, but at this time of the year, shorts may be the only thing left. You could wait until the new 2005's come out (prob. Nov. for the P. Series).

Other bikes to consider are Kona's Stuff/Roast. Or, the Cowan Signature frame.

Azonic make the steelhead which is $239 for the frame only, but a lot of used bikes available.

.243Racing has a hot chromoly frame.

I just saw a bunch on EBay.

I'm also considering buying one of these http://www.ridesoul.com/frames/titan.html

Pretty cheap and I've heard good things. For $150 you can destroy it and buy another one!

L8R

Thanks for the help guys. Luckily I found two local shops, one with a large P.2 and the other with both a large P.1 and P.2 which are on hold for me till Saturday when I can go test ride them.

What do you guys think, should I just buck up and spend the extra 100 bucks for the P.2? I can get the P.2 for about $750 and the P.1 for $640 after tax. Also, will there be any notable changes to the 2005 model? Anything worth waiting for?

The Stuff and Roast are both sick bikes but are way outta my budget. Only the Scrap is in my price range but the only local Kona dealer doesn’t have any in stock plus they are not the friendliest people. All the other Kona dealers are a drive and not even in state! I could make the effort but not sure the difference between the two bikes is worth all the driving, especially if I have a problem with the bike.

Spanks,

Mike

I'd pony up the extra $100. The P.1 is a single speed. The P.2 has a better fork and comes with a front disc brake as well.

When hitting the trails and any descents, you do a lot more stopping with the front brake. If you grab more rear brake you end up just skidding out. Skidding is an out of control slowing motion. It's better to use the front brake to slow down w/o skidding.

Plus, I like the color of the p.2 better.

L8R

crazy, im gonna pick up a P.2 as soon as i get my parents to lend me the other $615 that i need to get it!

btw, thats Canadian.

I got to take em for a pretty nice test ride today and man its sweet. I was surprised at how much different it felt riding this bike, almost like I need to learn how to ride again or at least change up my technique, especially riding platforms. Any who, it cost me $160 more than the P.1 but after riding them both there is no way I could get by with just a ss and only a rear disc for any amount of time where I plan to ride.

The one thing I noticed is that the brakes felt like they were not grabbing as well as I thought they should but they told me they just need a short time to break in, is this true?

I could only pay half today(damn bills!!:mad: ) so I won't be able to pick it up until next week but I'm excited! Since Monday is my bday, :bday: to me!! :D what a nice gift I got myself. :p

Spanks again for the help,

Mike

Yes, like in a car, pads have a wear in time.

w3rd! on the p2.

im gettin my P.2 as soon as my parents lend me $600 :p

im gettin my P.2 as soon as my parents lend me $600 :p


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