Willsellout

So after a lot of research and a lot of talking myself out of it, and then into it; I came home with this as well as some accessories. It's been a long time since I last biked and I've never had a full suspension bike. It makes all the difference for me!

anyway I went to my local shop again, this time it wasn't raining and I got a chance to spend some time on about 5 different bikes. I went there with the intention of getting a mid priced hardtail. I tried a Specialized rockhopper, a Giant something or other, a couple other hardtails, a Cannondale Prophet, and the Specialized Enduro. The hard tails were decent but I had a hard time climbing on them and it was quite frankly giving my butt a difficult time. Then I tried the Prophet and although it was nice, it felt a little too cramped. It climbed well and shifted nice but it didn't feel right. Then I tried the Enduro and wasn't all that impressed. I came back in and told the owner about what I thought. I kept hitting the pedals on the Enduro on the climb up. He took a look and said "Well that's why". The pressure was way low on the rear shock and I was bottoming out (I'm fairly heavy at 220). He adjusted it while I tried out a couple other hard tails then I tried the Enduro again and fell in love with it.

It's more bike than I deserve, probably more bike than I'll ever need but it feels so nice on the trail and it makes my climbing much easier. I got it for 1500.00 and bought some other accessories like helmet, gloves, mud flap, tool and patch kit, and walked out just over 1600.00. I think I did all right and I hope I can learn to use this bike to it's potential.


Dan

BlueTrain

nice bike.
ditch the reflectors.

Dannihilator

Very nice, congrats on the purchase.

Willsellout

Yeah they will be coming off. I just got home with it about 5 minutes ago

rankin116

Nice ride, congrats.

Careful with the pump there, I could see it shattering on a rock.

MattP.

Very nice purchase, congrats!

BlueTrain

and is that a bottle holder below that? if so, take that off as well. horrible spot.

Willsellout

Yeah I had him adjust it this afternoon and he put both of those on in their current positions. I will definitely be finding a different spot for both. Thanks for the advice on that.



Dan

mtnbiker66

Nice bike.

BlueTrain

ya, not only will you hit it on something and do some damage, the bottle will constantly be dirty. just get a hydration pack.

Willsellout

Yeah I will be getting a camelback..the pump is an issue though. Where it was mounted was the factory position for them...what a horrible design. With the frame the way it is there isn't much room anywhere else though. I think I need to get a couple pieces of velcro and attach it to the saddle post?



Dan

Dannihilator

The bottle cage mounts are in about the same spot as my fisher's, I never undid the bolts for the bottle cage and not about to.

rankin116

Either there or underneath the top tube.

junkyard

Carry it in the Camelbak. Many have a specific pocket for a pump.

ProFail

Agreed. Mine does.

DirtPedalerB

looks heavy .... how much poundage? climbing better? hmmm

cryptid01

Enduros are the best.

elf 232

I have an 03 enduro (all 07 or later high end components) and it still is one of the most awesome bikes on the trail. Enduros are the best bikes ever! I'd kill for an '08 Carbon, but thats not likely anytime soon.

bearacuda

Fixed.

It's not about the bike.

elf 232

sry i wil spel lik gehto trasg 2

Willsellout

I haven't weight it personally but from what I've read it's about 31 pounds. When I say it climbs well, I'm comparing it to the Hard tails I've ridden in the past, so take that for what it's worth. It works great for me though and I can't wait to get out and ride a bit more to get a real feel for what it can do, and what I can do on it.


Thanks for the info on the camelback with the pump!


Dan

dminor 

Solid choice - - I hope it brings lots of enjoyment. Oh, and don't ever let yourself think you don't 'deserve' a quality mount - - a good bike has a way of raising the bar on you and getting the best out of you and your rides .

giant rules!!!

sweet bike! take the reflectors off, they arent necessary

Willsellout

I took the reflectors off, the bottle and pump mount and the mud flaps. It looks a lot better bare than it does mucked up with all that stuff. Does anyone ever use the mud flaps? It rains a lot here and I will definitely be riding through mud and general wetness and was curious if they are even necessary?


Dan

Willsellout

Thanks for that. I know it will make my riding more pleasurable. I rode it for a little bit today around the local lakes which are mostly paved but with dirt ins and outs running all through it. It was fun and handled really well. I can't wait to get out and ride tomorrow as well.


Dan