KantoBoy

probably not a chance since I don't know how to wrench a MTB. Coming from a road bike there's more parts and I'm already lost on how forks differ, maintaining them, parts, etc.

this will be my 2nd bike bought from a LBS and I want the peace of mind of having one close to me whenever I have issues to sort out.

The last 4 bikes I owned were bought online. I did learn to wrench a bit but I gotta admit it's a pain. Also had warranty issues and the shipping costs were getting expensive.

Zephyr11

Norco is a cool company out of Canada. I had a One25 for a while and it was cool bike, but it was a bit of a pig and I always kind of felt like the bike was controlling me rather than the other way around, so I sold it and bought a singlespeed 24" instead.

Where'd all Norco's AMHT and FRHTs go though? I swear they used to have a ton of them...they still have their DJs and the Rampage, but that's it. I just looked at the Cove and Brodie websites out of curiosity too, and they're a shadow of what they were a few years ago too. Did that category of bikes die out? I guess I've been living under a rock??

dminor 

^^ FR HT is going the way of the passenger pigeon, sadly. Was a small niche market, now being carved up to obscurity by other wheel sizes and by capable short-travel rippers (blame Bottlerocket, Double, Killswitch, et al). SC still makes the Chameleon, though, so take heart.

Norco's alive and well, though, trust me. Saw a ton this week in Whistler. If they weren't riding them on the slopes they were commuting on 'em.

Zephyr11

^ That's a shame. They're a nice thing for people on a budget who want something that's more versatile than a DJ that they can toss around without it breaking. I mean, I would take a short travel full-suspension over an AMHT, but if you're in the market for something cheaper...

I guess all the cool kids are running 27.5 now though and I'm just slowly turning into a retro grouch.

dminor 

^^ I think if I was in the market for one, I'd be forced to hunt down a Vagrant frame that wasn't beat to crap.

KantoBoy

I'm now being offered a 2014 Charger 7.2 for 22% off or $240 off MSRP.

2014: https://www.norco.com/bike-archives/2014/charger-72/

Looking at the specs the 2014 has an inferior crank/better brake lever vs the 2015 version.

2015: https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain...er/charger-72/

I'm not sure how much that differs. The colour I don't like but I'll probably be over that after a month. I can probably also order the Forma version (I like the color better) which I understand comes with a shorter stem and a women's specific saddle compared to the regular version.

2014 Forma: https://www.norco.com/bike-archives/...rger-72-forma/

What do you guys think?

Zephyr11

I think you're overthinking it.

Most likely you'll get the 2014 for less money. Probably the better choice unless you prefer Shimano over SRAM (and many people do, and that would be the biggest reason I can see to go 2015 over 2014).

I didn't actually go through the geometry and check (that would be your homework), but typically women's bikes are designed for someone with a proportionately shorter torso and longer legs. If that describes you, consider the Forma. Or if you can go test ride them both and see which you like better, that's the best option.

Pendergast

Yeah, if it's an air fork on the 2014, you might as well just get that one and save the money. Stop fretting over minor differences, get a bike, and hit the trails.

KantoBoy

Yeah I'm probably overthinking it.

The major diff between the 2 models is the fork (2014 coil V 2015 air) and I think at this point I'd rather get something that would require less maintenance.

I think I'm going with the 2014. Just trying to decide on the color since the geometry is 99% the same.

UBDAM

Have you looked at 2015 Trek X-Caliber 7? They claim it's race ready.

KantoBoy

Welp, this is what I ended up with.





2015 Felt 7 Sixty

What won it? The colour. I just cannot deal with the colour options with the Norco and was partial with the Kona. I REALLY wanted the Scott but the 3 month wait is a killer. The fork's about the same level as the other ones and just about right for the money. I know the groupset is piss poor but for my needs it should be fine.

I'll update the thread with pics when I take delivery.

Question:

Why a shorter travel for smaller bikes? The bike will come with a 80mm travel compared to a size above that has 100mm.

megalowmatt

That's a great looking bike. Congratulations!

dminor 

Oh gawd, don't let Daspydyr see that - - he'll start gushin' how it's Broncos colors and we won't be able to shut him up.

Nice looking ride - - enjoy .

KantoBoy

Thanks guys

I really thought those parts were Orange but it's kinda Peachy. It's fine, I'll get over it quick. The Navy paint is very beautiful though.

I took it for a spin today @ a local park with various terrain and boy I think I'm falling in love with MTBing. I like on how I can go through anything without worrying about "my carbon wheels getting ruined" (the roadie inside me).

roccobike

I don't know. I ride small size Stumpy 26ers. Both the dual sus and the ht have 100 mm Fox. Actually, the dual sus has a Talas that can be extended to 120mm. So I think the 80mm fork on your bike is just a Felt thing based on their design.

UBDAM

Based on the frame color the 7 Sixty you picked is actually 7 Sixty W which has geometry tuned more for a female. What size did you get and how does it fit you?

KantoBoy

Actually it is the same exact geometry as the men's except it comes with a different saddle, bar width (which I thought was super wide already) and a shorter stem (I believe 10mm shorter).

Gotcha.

I did go with the size above I originally intended to get. I think it's fine. I still do need to fine tune my fit though.

Leebo

Wow, color? Enjoy. Soon you will sell your road bike, get a fat bike, let the beard grow and start wearing flannel shirts with cut off sleeves. It is our plan to convert all the roadies....BaaaHaaa.

KantoBoy

ah, if anything I'll be adding a FB on my stable next year. I ORIGINALLY intended to get one but I thought I might do some MTB events soon. Matter of fact, there's one on the 18th. I just want to ride and not "race".

I just don't know how many practice runs I can do before that. I'm going to ride with some hardcore MTBers tomorrow.