component importance
 

just wondering what your humble opinions are for my situation...

I am looking to get into trail mountain biking and spend 1000-1300 cdn on a new unit. I realize all components are upgradable, but am wondering where to focus my $ on the initial investment. For example, I am wondering if have a better forks may be a bit more important than having better brakes.

Also, at that price range, any suggestions on components and/or bikes?? I am currently considering Trek 6700, Cannondale F600, Rockhopper pro disc (if avail in Canada), Rocky Mountain Vertex 10...

Thanks!

forks before brakes, but if the brakes are supa **** then get something that is more level.

I'd say the two critical things that make the biggest difference (to me) are the brakes and the fork. If your brakes are OK but you're unhappy with your fork then definately change the fork when possible. If you have v-brakes then it's better to upgrade them to discs and THEN change the fork (if you feel the need to).
One thing: am I right in saying that the F600 has either a Headshok or a Lefty fork? If so, I don't think you'll be able to change it (could someone please correct me if I'm wrong?) I'm not sure about this though.

Ride all the bikes and buy whichever feels best to you. =)

i think i would sacrifice brakes first. it seems like only the most expensive bikes come with the "top" of the line brakes. since i like top notch brakes, i wouldn't even factor it in to my purchase...i would just get nice ones soon after.

but i guess everything i just said above could apply to forks as well. oh well, nevermind. i mostly just wanted to show off my new avatar

I have been told that if I want to change the forks on the F600 that I would need an adapter to go with a 'standard fork' - though I am not sure how much that would cost.

Deuce, glad to see you signed up.. these guys will give you lots of good advice...

as for the adapters (headset reducer) - http://www.betd.co.uk/product_list.asp?CategoryID=169

it has the headshok
you can change them, you just need the headset reducers i noted above.

it all depends on what riding you do...for me, its:


frame >>> fork >>> brakes >>> drivetrain/wheel >>> seatpost >>> >>> saddle >>> the rest (handlebar/stem/headset, etc)

to support my way:

1st - frame : handling i think its the most important thing you are looking into when u get a car if you really drive besides power which in the case of a bike, it depends on ur leg. So handling would comes first and it comes from the frame geometry

2nd - fork: an air fork would improve handling but more bumpy feel, if you are doing drops, jumps, or anything big, a coil would be a good choice. if weight is a problem, get an air

3rd - brake : you need them to stop. Period!

4th - drivetain - shifting, weight (barly), thats its

5th seatpost - on my first real MTB ride, i broke my seatpost clamp...thats what i put it 5th, GET A THOMSON ELITE and you won't go wrong. Its the lightest beside carbon Easton and easton don't have a good clamp

6th saddle - its really a pain if you have a crappy saddle if you are going for a long ride

7th - the rest : its just weight and look mostly

I am agreeing with Achc those are what i think are the most important! Nice post

Get a $50 Surly 1x1 fork. It is 2.9 pounds, then you can afford a *****in set of brakes.

1 - Fork / rear shock
2 - Brakes
3 - hubs/wheels
4 - everything else (and yes that includes drive train)

I don't really include frame as that isn't a component, its assumed that *THAT* would be the most important part of the bike.

Thanks! Any guidance for these forks...
 

Cool, that kinda confirmed my 'gut feeling'!

I am also noticing a trend that a lot of bike manufacturers tend to place a better rear versus front deraileur. Is this perhaps becuase people tend to shift the rear gears more often??

Also, if anyone has an opinion, how would the following forks compare in weight, feel, adjustability etc:
1 -- MZ Gran Fondo Race 3 Fork (2006 Vertex 10 Rocky Mountain)
2 -- Headshock DLR (2006 F600 Cannondale) - Improved over 2005 model I beleive...has external rebound adjust now...
3 -- Rockshox Tora 318 Air (2006 Trek 6700)

I have been hearing great things about the Headshock, and the lockout is really attractive to me, but if someone has experience with the other forks, I could use some insight, thanks!

Front deraileurs varry very little. I could not notice a different between lx and xtr. Once I hit lx I was in dream land compared to my old oem deore.

Would love to help with the fork but I don't know diddly about xc so I will leave my recommendation on the shifting

oh yeah - mostly trail riding
 

I forgot to mention that I am mostly going to be doing some trail and city driving (about 40%-60% respectively...) Nothing too crazy on the trails, maybe some small 1-2 ft drops, with "some" hilly sections...

I know it's already been said but I'll chime in: Get the best frame you possibly can. Then Fork (forks are expensive) and then brakes (get some sweet Vbrakes like Avids for v. little money!). Sure, drivetrain is important but also very upgradeable bit by bit, so it's not crucial to get right straight away.

what mael said, and the fact that a bike with an XT rear/Deore front is far more appealing to some people than a bike with xt front/ deore rear.

:D when we get you out on the trails, a 2 foot drop is not as small as you think!