Mountain Biking - Advice for an old mountain biker

Hi,
I have been out of the sport for a while now. The bike that I have now is an old Cadex with a mag 21-sl ti shock, mavic wheel set with carbon fiber nuke proof hubs and a mish mash of other parts. Question #1 Should I fix this up to ridable condition and sell it or just throw it away.
I took a trip to a few local shops and they all did a great job of answering my questions. So far I have seen the Trek Liquid 25, Fuel EX7 and EX8 along with Cannondale Jekyll, Prophet 1000 and the 2000. So I am looking at $1500 to $2500 for a new bike. Quesion #2 From a performance stand point of a medium to aggressive all mountain rider who wants to go up as well as go down where should I narrow my focus to. Question #3 Or are there other brands I should look at? Any help would be great and thank you for your time. :D

Many of us - myself included - in here would point you away from either the Trek or the Canondale brands and have you take a look at Specialized. For the type of semi-aggressive AM riding you're talking about that falls within your price range you would do well to take the Stumpjumper models into consideration. They have both 100mm and 120mm rear travel models and they are incredible bikes (I ride the '04 Stumpy Pro myself.)

These things climb as well as anything out there, they descend better than most, they're exceptionally sturdy and Specialized' customer service is excellent. Take a look at the links below for a better idea as to what I'm talking about:

Stumpjumper Expert Disc 120 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9668&JServSessionIdroot=kss3chvrs3.j27007)

Stumpjumper Expert Disc 100 (http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9667&JServSessionIdroot=kss3chvrs3.j27007)

Both are at the upper end of your price range but you should be able to get either of them on sale for a couple hundred less than the MSRP.

Sorry if this seems a bit personal but how old are you generally? Because if you're over 40, I would recommend looking at strictly XC bikes instead of aggressive AX/All mountain bikes.

Some examples are the Kona Kikapu Deluxe/King Kikapu, or the Kula or Kula Deluxe

The specialized StumpJUmper FSR series, not sure of specific model MSRP pricing though.

ALso, those Trek Fuels are the kind of bike you could be looking at.

Hope those are good suggestions!

EDIT: damnit, didn't read last 2 lines of post as I went searching for bikes

I don't want to delete the above because I spent 4 minutes looking that stuff up.
So disregard! I really like the Cannondale bikes you've selected there. Nothing wrong with them I don't think, if only slightly over priced for what you get.

ok...so far specialized getting 2 votes. Why the FRS and not the Epic or Enduro lines. They may be out of the budget though. Now I gata find a Specialized dealer and give them a look. Trek and Cannondale 10 or 13 years ago were not that great but I figured time heals all wounds. I will look in the Kona as well. Thanks for all the great help :) and my road to the perfect fit is well on its way. Keep the advice comming and thanks for your help. :))

:D BTW I am not 40 yet... :D

don't want to hijack this thread, but wonder what is wrong with trek or cannondale and if it is true that "most here" would not reccomment those brands. i am also in the market for a new ride. even though i am planning on getting a santa cruz heckler, i would be interested in objective opinions on trek and cannondale.

for the original poster - i am not sure, but i think you could also get a santa cruz blur in your range, and it is definetly a great bike.

I'm a big fan of Kona and I think you should check out Yeti. The latter may be pushing the limit of your price range if you buy new, but you can easily get a deal something used. Check out the '03 Yeti Kokopelli. That's what I have and it is pretty much the most amazing XC bike I've ever come across. They're pretty tough to find because they stopped making them in 2003 and I doubt many riders are putting them up for sale. Check the classifieds on www.mtbr.com for some great deals...I wouldn't buy new if I were you.

:D BTW I am not 40 yet... :D

Well, then you certainly don't qualify as a old moutain biker. :D

sounds like you have the same interests i do, ive got the 03 specialized enduro-love it. i got it for 1350 great value. everyone who owns one says the same.

:D BTW I am not 40 yet... :D
Your not old!!!!!! I have a couple of friends that ride Enduros and they really like them. With your price range you have lots of options in bikes.

Try a 29er (http://www.fisherbikes.com/fisher101/). You may love it.

Try a 29er (http://www.fisherbikes.com/fisher101/). You may love it.
He might need a 39er? Something closer to 40. :D

When you're 60, you ride these.

:roflmao:
He might need a 39er? Something closer to 40. :D

Another vote for looking at YETI, you might add FOES, Turner, Intense, Santa Cruz etc to the group. For the amount you're looking at spending, and some of the sales going on right now, you might be shocked at what you can end up on with some careful set up.

Sorry if this seems a bit personal but how old are you generally? Because if you're over 40, I would recommend looking at strictly XC bikes instead of aggressive AX/All mountain bikes.

Some examples are the Kona Kikapu Deluxe/King Kikapu, or the Kula or Kula Deluxe

The specialized StumpJUmper FSR series, not sure of specific model MSRP pricing though.

ALso, those Trek Fuels are the kind of bike you could be looking at.

Hope those are good suggestions!

EDIT: damnit, didn't read last 2 lines of post as I went searching for bikes

I don't want to delete the above because I spent 4 minutes looking that stuff up.
So disregard! I really like the Cannondale bikes you've selected there. Nothing wrong with them I don't think, if only slightly over priced for what you get.

Dude, you have no idea what life is like past puberty so, please, try to refrain from giving anyone who's old enough to drink, vote or go to NC-17 movies advice as to how they should or should not proceed with their lives and activities. Your "advice" is generally confusing and uneducated at best and can be entirely misleading for someone looking for a sound opinion.

You should probably stop posting for a while.

Another vote for looking at YETI, you might add FOES, Turner, Intense, Santa Cruz etc to the group. For the amount you're looking at spending, and some of the sales going on right now, you might be shocked at what you can end up on with some careful set up.

You can immediately cross Foes, Turner, Intense and Santa Cruz off that list for the price he's looking at. I spec'd them out last year and you'd be very lucky to get one of those built out for under $3000. You can find deals on Yeti's once-in-a-while but not that often.

Sorry if this seems a bit personal but how old are you generally? Because if you're over 40, I would recommend looking at strictly XC bikes instead of aggressive AX/All mountain bikes.


XC is a rougher body position to adopt for long periods IMO, though, the knee\spindle\seat being more towards road or 'correct' riding can be a blessing as your knees erode.

Butt, being old :rolleyes: you might want a full squish so your 'roids and prostate don't get outta whack.

Gravity racing might be easier, just throw the bike in the back of the caddy and drive back up the fireroad.

Only thing I notice getting older is it takes longer to heal.

An all mountain would be fine, maybe more than an XC. Doing any 'all mountain' on an XC takes a little skill, you're off the seat. An all mountain can be set up to do flatland O.K. probably.
?

Just in here to argue a bit. ;)

It seems that no one asked the obvious question. Have you tried riding your current bike the way you want to ride it? You said you were out of the sport for a while but the next question is how long have you been back into the sport. Your body changes over time, your interests changes over time. Instead of immediately heading off to buy a new bike (well, I guess there's really not much wrong with that either if you have the cash) you may want to just take stock with any limitations you might be facing with your current bike. This will allow you to more accurately narrow down the solution space.

well...it's good to see that this is an active forum. By the looks of all the posts there is alot of great info. (stands on soap box) I am a 6'4" 210lb, 30 something ;) . I grew up in New England and spent most of my riding near Kennybunk port ME, I cant spell the mountain so I won't try. We rode an average 10 miles a day on very tough trails and worked a 50 hour per week job. Shocks on both ends of the bike were just coming out. Then I moved to St Louis MO, and rode at Castlewoods and Chub trails, then I hit a tree and broke my collar bone. Now 5 years later looking for a full suspension ride that will go easy on my colon :) and give me room to grow into the potential the bike has. My old bike won't do(hardtail) and I will be looking at Specialized and Kona...with an eye toward Yeti and those kind...droooooooole :) . Good advice on the full squish, don't want anything out of wack lol . Thank you all for the info and if I just got too wordy forgive me :rolleyes: . Great forum and I will be on often to view more advice because I think I need it. :eek:

One humongous vote for C'dale, I'm personally looking at a Prophet as well and have test ridden them and it is a flat out amazing bike. I can't say enough good things about it. Oh ya and "End Lefty discrimination" haha

Dude, you have no idea what life is like past puberty so, please, try to refrain from giving anyone who's old enough to drink, vote or go to NC-17 movies advice as to how they should or should not proceed with their lives and activities. Your "advice" is generally confusing and uneducated at best and can be entirely misleading for someone looking for a sound opinion.

You should probably stop posting for a while.:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

One humongous vote for C'dale, I'm personally looking at a Prophet as well and have test ridden them and it is a flat out amazing bike. I can't say enough good things about it. Oh ya and "End Lefty discrimination" haha
I can say plenty of bad things about them. Just wait until you need that Lefty serviced

[QUOTE=Zapcod] Now 5 years later looking for a full suspension ride that will go easy on my colon :) and give me room to grow into the potential the bike has. My old bike won't do(hardtail) and I will be looking at Specialized and Kona...with an eye toward Yeti and those kind...droooooooole :) . Good advice on the full squish, don't want anything out of wack lol . QUOTE]

Works for me.
Whatever justification you can come up with to buy a $$$$ FS bike, use it.

For the wife, try laying on your stomach on the couch for days moaning about your sore @$$ and not doing any chores.

"I NEEEEED the bike baby! I'm dying out there..." ;)

Oh as for a suggestion DEFINATELY Specialized

I can say plenty of bad things about them. Just wait until you need that Lefty serviced

*dramatic long yell* NNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The discrimination continues!

My advice:

Build up a new bike from scratch.

As I was browsing the usual bike company pages when I made my return to mountain biking a few months ago, I couldn't find exactly what I wanted. I could find a good frame but I didn't like the fork. Or it had good components but bad brakes, etc. I was also disappointed that I couldn't find a bike with full XT, as each bike had certain parts that were either lower grade Shimano or generic. Even on a $2100 Trek, I found generic parts.

So I decided to part it out myself and am very glad I did. Instead of spending $2100 on a bike and then $300 more to replace the parts I didn't like, I spent $1700 and it's perfect. Of course, I did buy a super-cheap frame.

Hand pick the parts yourself and you will have no regrets. And most of us older guys do have one advantage over the younger guys: money :)

:D BTW I am not 40 yet... :D

That, by the way, has nothing to do with the price of tea in China. I have a friend in the local bike club who is 82 and he rides an old POS hardtail and can whoop most all the rest of us on just about anything - up, down or flat!

I tend to like the XC type bikes because they are lighter, have better components and you can ride them uphill instead of having your mommy drive you to the top of the local downhill so you can play with all your other teenage friends ;)

[QUOTE=Zapcod] Now 5 years later looking for a full suspension ride that will go easy on my colon :) and give me room to grow into the potential the bike has. My old bike won't do(hardtail) and I will be looking at Specialized and Kona...with an eye toward Yeti and those kind...droooooooole :) . Good advice on the full squish, don't want anything out of wack lol . QUOTE]

Works for me.
Whatever justification you can come up with to buy a $$$$ FS bike, use it.

For the wife, try laying on your stomach on the couch for days moaning about your sore @$$ and not doing any chores.

"I NEEEEED the bike baby! I'm dying out there..." ;)

Or, better yet, invent something 15 years ago, have someone buy the rights to the invention and get a HUMOUNGOUS check for the royalties. Then go buy your dream bike after you put the money in the bank.

It may not be easy but you don't have to whine to your wife that way :D That's the way I got my new Stumpy FSR :D 'Course I had to wait 15 years but ...

O.k., old man here's my suggestions:

Another Vote for Specialized Enduro line-up. Good all around bike, great amount of travel front and rear, well spec'd with good components and Specialized In-house brand stuff is better than a lot of aftermarket stuff. PLUS, the FSR suspension.

No one's mentioned the new Giants. There was a Demo around here last month and go to throw a leg over a "Reign" very impressed.

Other brands not mentioned are Iron Horse. I'm constantly impressed with their new products from year to year.

Jamis makes a good bike as well.

Cannondale. I won't bash them, but they do have a lot of proprietary (C'Dale ONLY) parts on them. If you've got a good relationship with your dealer and don't travel where there are no dealers then great! I like their new Prophet bikes.

Trek's and Gary Fisher's. Never really liked their full suspension designs for my own style. They are however, very well made bikes with a HUGE dealer network.

Yeti's ASR-575 and Santa Cruz Blur's are probably just over your upper budget. If you compromise a bit on components you can get a build for just over $2,500. Check out www.adrenalinebikes.com for YETI's.

Kona's, I've always liked KONA's You won't go wrong with one. The King Kipapu is their XC bike, but their Dawg would be what I suggest.

Since it sounds like you know your way around a bike and perhaps with tools, you could always buy a frame and hit up eBay for NOS OEM parts on closeout and build it up yourself.

Right now with the technological advancements in suspension technology, there really isn't a BAD design out there. O.k., maybe a few, but most designs have been refined to the point where they are all good.

If I were to buy a NEW bike right now, It'd probably be a new Specialized Enduro or an Iron Horse MK.

I am a 6'4" 210lb, 30 something ;) .


http://www.lenzsport.com/leviathan.html

http://vandesselsports.com/buzzbombfs.php?bike=6

Here is some food for thought. You're a big guy, evaluate the big wheels for yourself and see if you like them. Some people around here hate that there is actually a wheelsize choice these days, and try hard to discredit the 700c size wheels for offroad use. Most of them have never tried them, so therefore are talking out their rumps. I'm not saying the 9ers are for everyone, just that they do ride quite differently than 26" bikes do, and some people really like them. Depending on the type of riding you do, they might work for you.

May I suggest the Santa Cruz Heckler? Depending on the build, average price is $2500.

http://www.santacruzmtb.com/bicycles/heckler.php

http://www.lenzsport.com/leviathan.html

http://vandesselsports.com/buzzbombfs.php?bike=6

Here is some food for thought. You're a big guy, evaluate the big wheels for yourself and see if you like them. Some people around here hate that there is actually a wheelsize choice these days, and try hard to discredit the 700c size wheels for offroad use. Most of them have never tried them, so therefore are talking out their rumps. I'm not saying the 9ers are for everyone, just that they do ride quite differently than 26" bikes do, and some people really like them. Depending on the type of riding you do, they might work for you.

I've just read too many things that say you really don't get enough of an advantage with the 29" tires to justify the severely limited tire selection and the added weight. It's just not a feasible or logical option for most.

I've just read...


Thanks.

Point. Set. Match.

The out pouring of quality info is outstanding. I am very lucky to have fallen into such a great group :) . The research I have done and the help I have gotten here has pointed me in the direction of these few bikes(so far):
(in no order)
Yeti 575 - Dream bike
Trek Liquid 25 - need more info on this one
Specialized Enduro comp 130 - looks good
Kona Dawg Dee-Lux - Dont like the color though
Foes Inferno - I think its $2100 for the complete bike
Building a bike is a great idea but since I havent kept up on the sport for so long I'd be afraid of choosing the wrong stuff. I will need some time to learn what all the bits and pieces are good to get.
I need to clear up a small point that pops up every so often. :) When I said I was an old mountain biker I ment that I started riding 13 years ago. I did not mean I wore a diaper while riding or used 2 squirts of polydent to keep my teeth in place on a fast rock laden down hill run of single track :lol: .
My price range has settled to $2000 to $2500ish ;) . I think I can get something good in that range. Keep the advice comming because I will need help with figuring out what front and rear shocks to get. I think if I stay with an LX/XT or similar quality parts and replace what breaks with higher quality parts, I can get a great frame and still not spend too much. thanks again for all the help and talk to you all later. OOPS I left out the Heckler from Santa Cruz

Spluge and go for the 575. :p

I have the shorter travel version (ASR-sl) and it is nothing short of amazing.

If it were my money I'd be buying the Enduro. Can't beat Specialized's warranty. They'll back that thing for as long as you own it.

Ok...I was wrong Foes is WAAAAAAAAAYYY out of my price range :(

Ok...I was wrong Foes is WAAAAAAAAAYYY out of my price range :(
Umm yeah. Just a tiny little bit. :lol:

I definately wouldn't want to steer you away from the 575...but I think the lead time on one is about 2-3 months right now, so keep that in mind. Whatever you get you should focus on high quality components- any frame in that price range is going to be solid. I'm sure a shop would help you pick out parts if you wanted to custom build something too. Seriously check out the classifieds at www.mtbr.com and other places too- you can get a screaming deal on a lightly used bike and then put the extra money toward customizing it to your liking. After my last purchase I will never buy new again.

If you like the 575, the Intense 5.5 is a great bike similar to the Yeti. I dont like the 575's mainly because of the nimble looking top tube. Just looks like its gonna break any second.

Check out a Kona Coiler (its what I'm saving up for) its light enough for XC yet tough enough to throw about.

http://www.konaworld.com/shopping_cart/FrontEnd/Products/product_detail.aspx?productid=106&parentid=182

There isn't really anything wrong with Treks. Everyone just has their own brand name that they will swear to, probably the first bike they ever owned or something. Try out bikes that interest you, and get the one you like :P.

very good point, I need to take some demo rides from local shops and get a feel for the bikes. Also buying a high quality frame and having a shop build it is something I may want to do. I followed the link to MBTR and I bookmarked it so I can see what goes up for sale from time to time. Time will tell...the search is fun but the ride is more funner ;) .

If it were my money I'd be buying the Enduro. Can't beat Specialized's warranty. They'll back that thing for as long as you own it.

I'm living proof of that. I had the '02 Stumpy Comp for a little over two years and had the bottom pivot bolt completely shatter on me...TWICE! The first time they repaired it no questions asked. The second time they sent me a whole new frame only they replaced my '02 Comp with an '04 Pro! To say that going from the former bike to the latter was an improvement would be like saying water's kinda' damp.

While I did have to fight a bit to get them to send the '04 (they were going to send me one of those hideous '03 yellow ones...YUCK!) they ultimately took care of me in a big way and won a loyal customer.

Get the Enduro or the Stumpy 120; you won't be sorry you did!

There isn't really anything wrong with Treks. Everyone just has their own brand name that they will swear to, probably the first bike they ever owned or something. Try out bikes that interest you, and get the one you like :P.

My first bike was a Trek and I loved it but when you're talking about full suspension bikes Trek's bikes simply aren't even in the same hemisphere as some of the other bikes mentioned. FS is not their primary focus around there and I believe it really shows in the product they've sent to market.

If we were talking hardtails however, that would be a whole other story.

Hand pick the parts yourself and you will have no regrets. And most of us older guys do have one advantage over the younger guys: money :)
*gives dirty look* you dirty rat. i hate you. :p