spin02

I am looking for the best full suspension mountian bike for around $1500. Until now, I have only riden Hardtails.

PWRDbyTRD

I'll go on ahead and put it out there...what kind of riding? how big are you (height weight) do you have any brand preference or any preferences for that matter? Do you want a lighter bike, or willing to have it weigh something?

spin02

I am looking for a fairly light bike. I do some single track, basic trails, and a little downhill. I am 6'5" and weight around 240lbs. As far as brands, I am riding a specialized now, but really have no preference.

Cornish_Rdr_UK

Specialized Enduro is nice, maybe the Kona Dawg aswell, both nice and reasonably light, both able to do XC, and both with take a pretty good beating...

spin02

I rode a Specialized FSRxc Comp today. Anyone have comments on this bike??

Cornish_Rdr_UK

The FSR comp is a Full suspension XC rig i think, its light for an FS bike, therefore sacrifices strength, and, at your height and weight, you really would want something strong underneath you, depending on how rough your planning on being with the bike, and what sort of riding you going to be doing... For XC, singletrack and stuff similar, the FSR XC is a nice bike

Maelstrom 

Take a look at the enduro. Ideal for you if you can get it in the price range. Would ride similar the fsrxc but a little burlier frame.

spin02

The enduros are definitely sweet. The cheapest I have seen them is just under $3K. I really can't go that much right now. I will keep an eye our for them though.

Maelstrom 

Dang...sorry I forgot specialized jacked the price up big time this year. Try and find a closeout from 2003 or 2004. Well worth it. 2005 is a dumbass year for specialized.

Also take a look at the kona coiler

spin02

I live in Southwest Virginia. Some of our trails are pretty rough riding. If the FSR might not be rigid enough, any suggestions??

Juniper

Both the Stumpy and the Enduro have FSR. It really gets down to how much rough stuff you plan to ride. For lighter xc style the Kona Dawg and Stumpjumper could be good choices. If you think you're going to get into some air, rocks and heavy duty off-trail (not full blown free-ride as in 'it's a bird, it's a plane .... no, it's a crazy maniac on a bike!' ) take a look at the Dawg or Coiler and the Enduro. It largely boils down to going with an xc or all-mountain bike; you kinda' have to pick a primary direction even if you mix it up along the ride.

handlebarsfsr

id check out a kona coiler. its big and strong enough for a guy of your size, and it'll have enough travel to carry you through the tough trails in your area. plus it wont break the bank- leftover 04's are around 1000-1100 bucks, new ones are 1500-1600 for the base model.

Juniper

I think the Coiler could be an excellent choice. I wish I could get my hands on an '04, too.

spin02

Thanks to all for the info. I guess I will start looking more seriously at specialized and kona. Can anyone recommend a good online shop??

hebrew_rider

supergo and pricepoint are my first options. also, this would make a good sticky

a2psyklnut

One you won't find any online dealers for the two brands discussed. The manuf. protect their dealers by not allowing their bikes to be sold online.

Secondly, the entry level Enduro has an MSRP of around $1,700 and it is a great bike.

spin02

AAh, I see.

I will definitely check out that Enduro. Was that a '05??

a2psyklnut

My buddy bought a new '05 Enduro. Not the expert, just the plain Enduro. He got the matte green one. I am VERY impressed with the bike. The component spec was good. The fork is 'so-so' and I talked him into upgrading almost immediately to a Z1. But that and the Chris King headset he had on his old bike were the only changes.