Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Mtn Bike for a clyde under 2K

Here's my what bike to buy thread. I have decided my next bike will be a mountain bike, to have variety for training and some of the off-road events around here. I want to get a bike that I can ride any variety of trails or events around here, so I'm looking at full suspension bikes and my price limit is $2k.

I'm at 240 lbs, about 6'3", and would go on 1-4 hour rides either on local trails or something like Nate Harrison Rd on Palomar mountain.

Here's one on bikes direct.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_teamX.htm

Here's one from Performance, a GT Marathon.
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1074245_-1_20000__61000

Any other bikes I should be considering?

For 2k you can get a specialized stumpjumper comp, or if you go last years model maybe even an elite. I have owned two stumperjumpers, son has one, and friends have them. Outstanding bike, quality components even in the comp model, and the thing climbs and descends great.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=46578&eid=4950&menuItemId=9248

Though it says 2200 in the link (specialized website), that is just manufacturers suggested retail...they are going for about 1700-1800 around here. I got my 2010 stumpjumper elite for 2100 and I love that bike. The frames on these bikes are great. Very similar characteristics to my 2007, but more refined and brakes well in the rough. You hear people rant about Yeti's or Ellsworth bikes as they are different, but to be honest, not going to get a much better all around mountain bike than a stumpy...does everything very well. I would get the stumpy comp before either of the bikes mentioned above and you can get it cheaper or at the same price. When you first go in they may try to get MFR from you, but little bartering and you will own it for at least the same price as the two you linked above.

Thanks, that is a nice looking bike. And I found out the Specialized dealer here will let me take one home for the weekend for a $2K hold on my CC and $60 charge when I return it in one piece. They probably just picked up a new customer....

Where are you from? They had the bikes tagged at full retail, I was not ready to get serious yet but that seems high. This store was in San Diego.

I am in Utah. They are having a ton of sales here on specialized, then again all brands seems to be. Do they have any 08s or 09s. Usually you can get those alot cheaper. If you let them know your serious about buying and have a limit of 2k they should work with you. Specially if they know they just got a customer for life. If you get that bike, you will love it. I tested and tried several different bikes before i decided...to me it was the stumpy hands down. Then again Trek come out with the EVO system about 5 months after my decision though and I heard that is good. Good luck with your purchase.

I have a 2008 Stumpjump FSR Pro, which I bought as a close-out at the beginning of the 2009 model year for $2700+tax (MSRP: $4500). As Bosock says, all of the Stumpjumpers are very nice bikes for cross-country or trail riding. I was particularly impressed with the light weight and climbing efficiency of the Brain-equipped Pro model, but have ridden some of the others and they're all nice. If you want something with a bit more suspension travel and don't mind a little extra weight, I've test-ridden the 2009 Specialized Pitch Pro and was very impressed with it. The 2010 looks to be even better, and for $2200 it seems like a steal!

Highly recommend doing on-trail test-rides of full-suspension bikes before making a purchase. Most places around here will let you take a bike out for 24 hours at a cost of $50-75, which will be credited back if you purchase a bike from the shop. For myself, I know that a parking lot test-ride isn't enough for me to tell how a full-suspension bike is going to perform on local trails. The Pitch Pro, for example, felt a bit heavy in the parking lot but out on the trail it seemed to climb better than I would have expected from the parking lot ride.

As nice and sexy as that GT is, I have a problem going with carbon for a mountain bike. I ride a full carbon road (Coronado Bayshore Bikeway) and some of the roads are bumpy along Harbor Drive down in San Diego--but that's one thing. Mountain biking and being a larger fella (I'm 250-260 depending on how good the weekend was), I don't think I'd trust a carbon MOUNTAIN bike, no matter the out of pocket cost.

By the way, I hear good stuff about that Nate Harrison Road. Man, I love living in San Diego.

As nice and sexy as that GT is, I have a problem going with carbon for a mountain bike. I ride a full carbon road (Coronado Bayshore Bikeway) and some of the roads are bumpy along Harbor Drive down in San Diego--but that's one thing. Mountain biking and being a larger fella (I'm 250-260 depending on how good the weekend was), I don't think I'd trust a carbon MOUNTAIN bike, no matter the out of pocket cost.

By the way, I hear good stuff about that Nate Harrison Road. Man, I love living in San Diego.

They do offer the GT in an alum version, I am going to go ride one. It's about 1600 for the alum version, and Performance has 20% off this weekend. Decisions, decisions. Have you done Nate Harrison?

I have never been to Nate Harrison Road. I've just recently renewed my mountain biking interest (I bounce between the road the mountain bikes) and have been doing the trails in Chula Vista and have only gone up north once to do the Lake Hodges area. That was fun but I certainly don't have the confidence to careen down a stepped downhill yet.

As for the 20% off, it's a really good deal. I might have to actually pick up a commuter I've been eyeing for a while.

For 2k you can get a specialized stumpjumper comp, or if you go last years model maybe even an elite. I have owned two stumperjumpers, son has one, and friends have them. Outstanding bike, quality components even in the comp model, and the thing climbs and descends great.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=46578&eid=4950&menuItemId=9248

.

I second the Stump - good bike, made well... as long as you aren't riding like a crazy man should do you well. Comparable bikes are Trek Fuel EX 7 and the Santa Cruz Superlight (my bike). Before I bought my Santa Cruz I also had a Stump. I would have kept the bike but it didn't fit me well.

I ended up getting a GT Marathon from Performance, an alum version. They had their 20% off sale, got it for under $1K out the door. I figure it is a good starter mountain bike, then I won't be too worried about banging it up as I learn to ride. Took it out for the first ride yesterday, and the bike is way better than my mountain biking ability, so I am happy so far.

I picked up a new Cannondale rush for 1500. That would leave you some room for buying add ons for it. The Specialized is good though too. Sounds like its time for some test rides