Please help with identifying a possible custom MTB
01-25-05, 11:42 AM
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Please help with identifying a possible custom MTB
I am looking to purchase a MTB due to my size (275#), and get into cycling for the excercise and fun.
Because my budget is limited, I am reduced to looking for used bikes, and have been cruising thrift stores as well as looking at used bikes in ads.
I have seen a ton of bikes, and most are just junk. However, I just ran across a beautiful bike that is my size and in virtually new condition. The problem is this: I cannot identify it. I do not want to buy a xmart bike if I don't have to. I suspect that it is not a xmart bike because of the quality, fit, finish and components. I am not an expert, so I am asking folks out there for help.
I suspect it MAY be a custom bike with company/sponsor logo's. Regrettably, I did not have enought time to examine in detail, but here is some info:
It is welded, steel frame (I think). It has a front suspension. It is marked on the downtube KAN BIKES, and on the fork, SJ ENTERPRISES. It says DESIGNED IN US and has an abundance of flags. It is also marked SHIMANO on the main horizontal tube. The shifters seem to be built into the grips with SRAM markings. It is 24 speed. The rims are alloy and very beautiful. There was an abundance of markings on the handlebars, which I do not remember. They seemed to be of a pro style, not just to impress kids .
Can anyone give me an indication of the maker, or desireability? I have searched the internet and could find no information on the peculiar names on the bike.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Because my budget is limited, I am reduced to looking for used bikes, and have been cruising thrift stores as well as looking at used bikes in ads.
I have seen a ton of bikes, and most are just junk. However, I just ran across a beautiful bike that is my size and in virtually new condition. The problem is this: I cannot identify it. I do not want to buy a xmart bike if I don't have to. I suspect that it is not a xmart bike because of the quality, fit, finish and components. I am not an expert, so I am asking folks out there for help.
I suspect it MAY be a custom bike with company/sponsor logo's. Regrettably, I did not have enought time to examine in detail, but here is some info:
It is welded, steel frame (I think). It has a front suspension. It is marked on the downtube KAN BIKES, and on the fork, SJ ENTERPRISES. It says DESIGNED IN US and has an abundance of flags. It is also marked SHIMANO on the main horizontal tube. The shifters seem to be built into the grips with SRAM markings. It is 24 speed. The rims are alloy and very beautiful. There was an abundance of markings on the handlebars, which I do not remember. They seemed to be of a pro style, not just to impress kids .
Can anyone give me an indication of the maker, or desireability? I have searched the internet and could find no information on the peculiar names on the bike.
Thanks for your help in advance.
01-25-05, 11:47 AM
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A good place to look for quality when you don't know the label is at the rear dropouts, where you slot the rear axle into the frame.
Low grade bikes use stamped steel.
Higher grade bikes use moulded (investment cast) fittings. These have more intricate shapes, changes in thickness and are more massive than the thinner flexible stampings.
Low grade bikes use stamped steel.
Higher grade bikes use moulded (investment cast) fittings. These have more intricate shapes, changes in thickness and are more massive than the thinner flexible stampings.
01-25-05, 02:29 PM
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Where is it for sale? Is the LBS selling it? Googling turns up a heck of a lot of nothing on the items you mentioned, but it doesn't really mean it's junk.
And as far as getting a MTB bike, just because you're a big feller doesn't mean you have to go MTB. I went cyclocross when I weighed about 260, and you have to take into account that the tire pressures are a heck of a lot higher on those type of bikes than a MTB.
What I'd highly suggest is sharing exactly what your situation is with an LBS. I just traded in a bike that a LBS is now selling for $150. They put new brakes, shifters, etc., on it and did a complete overhaul. Nice cro-mo frame. They usually don't put these out on the floor, but they are for sale. Usually you'll get some sort of maintenance deal on it, and they'll know every detail about the bike too.
And as far as getting a MTB bike, just because you're a big feller doesn't mean you have to go MTB. I went cyclocross when I weighed about 260, and you have to take into account that the tire pressures are a heck of a lot higher on those type of bikes than a MTB.
What I'd highly suggest is sharing exactly what your situation is with an LBS. I just traded in a bike that a LBS is now selling for $150. They put new brakes, shifters, etc., on it and did a complete overhaul. Nice cro-mo frame. They usually don't put these out on the floor, but they are for sale. Usually you'll get some sort of maintenance deal on it, and they'll know every detail about the bike too.
