Mountain Biking - expert opinions..

Ok guys, I need Y'alls expert opinions on this one.

I really like the Sette Fite, but do to shipping issues, I find it cheaper to go this route:

Went to the New bikeshop they opened up on base, A quite large Kona dealer(for on base), they have like 20 bikes out on floor, and close to 75 or so built in the back.

So heres what caught my eye.

Theres a nice and shiny eye catching Red 2007 Kona Dawg
Quick view of the specs:
http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/2K7_Bike_Images/misc/specs.jpg
Frame sizes S(15"), M(17"), L(18"), XL(19"), XXL(20"), XXXL(22")
Frame tubing Kona Clump Light 7005 Butted Aluminum 5"
Travel Rear shock Fox FLOAT Fork Marzocchi MX PRO 120mm travel
Braze-on fittings 2 bottles, fender, Disc brake tabs Headset
TH Crankarms
FSA Alpha Drive ISIS Chainrings 44/32/22 B/B RPM ISIS
Pedals Shimano PD-M505 Clipless
Chain Shimano CN-HG53
Freewheel Shimano Deore (11-34t, 9speed) F/D Shimano Deore R/D Shimano Deore Shifters Shimano Deore
Handlebar Kona XC/BC OS
Stem Kona XC/BC OS
Grips Kona Jack****
Brakes Hayes SOLE V6 w/HFX-9 blade Brake Levers Hayes SOLE V6 w/HFX-9 blade Front hub KK
Disc Rear hub Shimano FH-M475 disc Spokes 14g stainless
Tires Maxxis Ignitor 26x2.35
Rims Sun S.O.S. P1
Saddle WTB Speed V Comp
Seatpost Kona Double Thumb Seat clamp Kona QR
Color Red

The bike is listed as 1500, but I can get it between 15-25% off because its an older model.

Its an 18 inch frame, they have a similar one in 20 I think,
The frame size actually doesn't feel to bad, its comfortable. only 1.5 inches smaller than the trek.

My question to you guys is:
Is this a reasonable price for this bike, I've heard this place has a rep for being rather high priced, and I've seen it myself as the crank set I bought for 30 bucks is priced at 55 here lol.

Because this, if I'm not getting ripped off, would be a lot easier than the sette.

and this way I can also just show up and home with it someday, and my dad cant say anything about it to try and stop me from buying a new bike. lol.

didn't you buy a trek just last season?

quick check on the internet says the 2008 model listed for around 1800$ give take a hundred bucks.

your call as to whether or not you should buy it.

Yes, but the trek leaves me no room for improvement, and it's hard to enjoy some of the rough stuff on it.
and to be honest I'm not all that comfortable on the thing, After a ride I find my back and shoulders screaming.



pictures of the bike*
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688905@N06/2674429761/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688905@N06/2675243936/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28688905@N06/2674417691/in/photostream/

Comparing what you saw to what was spec'd on the 07s and 08s, it sounds like an '07. Dawg is an excellent little bike; wouldn't hesitate a minute to pick one up if the price was right. List price for that '07 in '07 was $1,499; so mentally adjust for it being two-year-old NOS accordingly.

I just went out for a ride on the trek...

I will post pictures of why I want the trek to burn in hell...
and Why i want a new bike.

I should be able to get the Dawg for 1200 or so, So I think thats fair.

The specs are nice... It's deore, the sette had XT, but I guess Ill sacrifice that for the Fox suspension.


Thanks guys.

Anyone else, any imputs?

Get it, yuo know you want it.

I do want it... because the curse of the dang trek struck again...

now my original plan of getting the dawg, and letting my friend have the trek just so he can ride fire roads and to the store and stuff (he doesnt have a license) is gone.. cause the rear wheel needs rebuilt, and I don't feel like paying for it now.

I had JUST put in a new tube today too so I could ride a bit....

argh!

This dawg is going to feel good...

but with my luck... it will be gone when I walk in there next time to buy it..
.....

call 'em up and ask for 'em to put it "on hold" :P.

Im going to see if they have payment plans or what not.

I'd be able to put a good down payment on it, atleast then I know its mine lol.

A buddy of mine rides a Dawg. He's happy with it. Solid bike. Go for it.

P.S. How do Germans pronounce "Dawg"?

is this going to be a bike you're buying "in the future," or next week?

Im going to see if they have payment plans or what not.Ask 'em for the 'Sears treatment.' (Sears just started layaways until Christmas)


P.S. How do Germans pronounce "Dawg"?http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/dminorwa/Dawg.jpg

Zan, I get payed this friday, and if they'll let me do payment options y'all will see a picture of a bike... friday night.

if not..
then in 4 weeks when I get two more paychecks lol