Mountain Biking - another which bike to buy question

All right its getting time to upgrade from my '00 gt agressor.I'm looking to spend nit more than a $1000.As a note we only have 2 bike shops locally. One has schwinn and raleigh(dont care for either) the other has gary fisher,trek and c'dale.The ones i've liked that he has(in stock anyway) are the Big Sur(fisher) and the trek 8000.I can get either of these for $900. So any comments on these or what else does everyone like in this range.My other thought is to buy a frame and build it slowly,as money allows. By the way I'm 190lb,dont do BIG drops,mostly just singletrack thats rooty,sandy,some lightly rocky.

not sure on the bikes, as I haven't ridden them ;) but if you are going to build a bike there are a few things you need to remember.... first of all patience, it takes a lot of work and time to do such a thing and if things do not go smoothly don't worry, it will work eventually. secondly you need to know how to maintain a bike to even think about building a bike, so make sure you have the basics down. Thirdly don't rush into buying all the parts at once or as soon as you have money. check out reviews, ask us here, and make sure you have the correct part for your frame. and lastly have fun with it :D

I just recently finished my road bike, at first I figured after 2 weeks I'd be done, but with a few back ordered parts and finding out it takes a while to actually build a bike, it ended up taking almost a month.

oh yeah... good luck :D

Originally posted by redfox
I'm looking to spend nit more than a $1000.... the other has gary fisher,trek and c'dale.The ones i've liked that he has(in stock anyway) are the Big Sur(fisher) and the trek 8000.

I do not think you would go wrong with either choice. Are there any differences in frame geometry? Sometimes, particularly on a mountain bike, the length of the top tube may be the single most important sizing parameter for you. Can you get comfortable on both bikes with normal-length handlebar stems, or does one just "feel" better?

I would look at Gaints and Specialized...they both have comparable bike of slightly higher quality. if you cant get them from your bike shop I would buy a bike mag. and check out some of the mail order deals. Some of them have awsome deals.:beer: :beer:

I also like the new Specialized. The Giants I like as well, but I've always liked the way bikes from Specialized rode (for me!).

I don't think you'll find either of these bikes mail order (unless a couple of years old). They are very careful to not let them be sold over the internet to protect their dealers.

You can't go wrong with the Fisher or the Trek, since they're both made by Trek, they're essentially the same bike with different paint!

As far as building a bike up, this can be very gratifying and aggrevating at the same time. Make sure you get all the necessary information from the frame manufacturer regarding recommended bottom brackett size and spindle length. And check to see if they're seatpost is an odd size diameter. The other frame specific information is the front derailleur. This can be a long or short cage, top or bottom pull, top or bottom swing, and all in different diameters, then there is the plate mount (like the one on the Specialized FSR XC's)

If you go with an XTR rear derailleur, make sure you get standard size cranks (not compact). If not you'll have problems with chain length!

Also, building a bike up will probably be more expensive, but you get exactly what you want! Unless of course you buy all closeout deals and get a frame for a good deal!

Of course there is always the used market! BTW, I've got a great bike just for you! (Shameless plug!)

Good Luck & L8R

I have a Fisher Big Sur and I like it a lot. If thats too expensive for you however, try looking into Giant. They seem to run a little less expensive, otherwise you could go with the Hoo Koo E Koo.

To the person who said that Trek and Fishers are the same except for paint....well thats close...the geometry is also different and thats really important. When I got my bike I rode the Trek 8000 and hated it. The geometry just didn't feel right for me. I rode my Big Sur and loved it. Make sure you ride a bunch of stuff before you buy. I'm a sales person at the local shop and I always try to get people to ride many bikes. Sometime the one they where looking at and that they thought they wanted doesn't fit them nearly as well as another brand. They are often surprised at how different some bikes feel.

Ride lots and then the decision should seem a lot more clear to you.