ca7erham

After about 5 years of riding my current mtb I have decited that i need a new one (its a 14 inch frame, which would be fine but im 5' 8"-9", still growing, and at or a little past the line that says not to past on my seat post). I have priced the cost to build a mtb my self and have decited that it would be much more cost effective to buy a pre-made bike (using Nashbar and Jenson the bike was still $800 using XT and LX components, without a fork of any kind). I have looked at the Cannondale F5 co2, Trek 6000, and the Gary Fisher Parana. I have choosen these three because these are the bikes that my both of my LBSs have. I can get the Parana for $730, the 6000 for $650, and the Cannondale for $630. All three bikes are avalable in the size frame that I would like (im thinking a 19ish inch frame because a still have a good bit to grow). I am leaning towards the Cannondale or Trek due to cost. If i buy either and upgrade to XT components, it would still be cheaper that building a bike bit by bit. My mind is open and advice would be appreciated. Also, one last thing; how would switching to a rigid fork affect the frame geometry (I just prefer rigid forks, plus they are lighter)?

Update: The cannondale is now $660 but has a Rock Shox Tora 302

Spreader

I just scored an '07 Trek 6700 19.5 inch on eBay for $560. It's over $1100 new, so even if it needs some TLC when I get it, I should still come out ahead.

I've seen other bikes in similar sized and components for about the same price and in very good condition.

ca7erham

I know that there are great deals on ebay and other classifieds but i would like to buy a bike only after having ridden one

kellyjdrummer

DeciDed.

ca7erham

i should be more clear, sorry. i want to be able to test ride first.

kellyjdrummer

Actually, I was vague. Decided is not spelled with a 't.'

ca7erham

LOL my bad. Guess I need to go back to 4th grade.

adidas

I bought the Cannondale F5 a few weeks back for 630 as well, and I am VERY satisfied with it. Plus, its a sick bike with that matte black finish.

ca7erham

I looked at the XTC but i found that it has no rack mounts (seams like a dumb reason not to get a bike, but I need to carry more weight than a seat post rack will carry carry to and from school and work)

ca7erham

Most of my ride to work and school is urban with many curbs and stairs, so having 10-25 pounds up front will not be to good. I know it sounds like im just making excuses not to look at the XTC but I really do need the rack. Plus I already have a rack that will work and $80-120 is alot of money.