Anyone that knows a lot, please get in here!!!

[86Trans Am]

here is my situation, i had a 95 or 96 gary fisher hoo koo e koo that just got stolen, i really like the bike, put it though hell, and ride everyday (although not always offroad)my only complaint about it was that it was fairly heavy.

so i have been out of the market for a while now and dont know what all is available. the type of riding i do is mostly on trails, alot of concretet type stuff, on curbs and whatever else i can climb on or jump off of. i mainly want something that is lighter and comprable to that bike or better, i know the new hoo koo e koo are aluminum frame, but thats about all i know.

so can you reccommend a couple bikes that i could maybe research and get all the specs on for the type of stuff i ride and type of quality i'm considering?

maybe one or two from each of the main manufactuers, i have two weeks to make a decision on what to get.

thanks

[86Trans Am]

i'm not sure on hard or soft tail yet, possibly something that can be locked out for hills and what not

thanks

[Rich]

As with all these things, find yourself a good bike dealer, and sample all the affordable bikes they have in there.

I'm pretty biased as I love Treks, but you should also consider, Kona, Specialized, Marin bikes too as these are all good manufacturers who have been around since year dot.

It you're into trials and street riding, I'd suggest a hard tail with front suspension, but only riding the bike (be it hard tail, soft tail, of full boinger) will tell you if it's for you or not...

Have fun riding.............Rich

[86Trans Am]

most of the steet type riding i do would be drop offs and a lot of jumping, why do you say no rear suspension for that?

basically what are the advantages and disadvantages of a soft tail.

.....easy reply for someone looking to get more posts....

[Rich]

Sounds like you're into your trials,

I guess the main reason for using a hardtail over a softail is mainly the strength and weight factor.

Although the softail wouldn't weigh too much more than a hardtail, if you're thinking of riding drop offs etc, you'd stand less of a chance busting a hardtail than a softail..and aswell, the hardtail is going to be cheaper.

Check out Sunn bikes, they have a version of a softail and hardtail, with the same specs, the softail costs quite a few pennies more..still, ride both, and you decide...

Have fun.................Rich

[a2psyklnut]

Just wanted to throw in my $.02. Full suspn bikes are not only heavier, but believe it or not, not durable enough. Take a look at most trials riders. They're on hard tails. Why? They hold up better on big-drops. Full-suspn will compress the shock and then bottom-out. With all the individual moving parts, on big drops, something will fail! For the type of riding you described, take a look at some of the new "urban assault" bikes out there. They're the new rage, most all the manufacturers are making em now. They're heavy, but almost indestructable. I like the Specialized P3 or the GT Ruckus. I've seen the Trek, but I'm not a big fan of Trek's (no real reason), plus there are a bunch of small builders with sweet bikes such of COVE and Spooky. I also really like the Kona's and the Norco's. There are a ton to choose from. As far as forks, Marzocchi has the best fork for this type of riding. It's heavier than Rock Shox or Manitou, but will hold up better and is a smoother ride. If you can afford the Z-1 go for it it's awesome, or try the Z-3 same fork just no external adjustment.
Later

[Ben]

Hehe Vfboomer, come ride in michigan or minnisota (sp), youll change your mind about being a trek fan. Alot of people dont realized that trek bikes are designed with midwest riding style in mind. Trek bikes rock on the trails up there.

[cannondale_chic]

I don't no anything.............

hehehehehe

Sorry just had too

[KevinG]

Check out the Kona bikes. Like the roast,chute, stuff or scab. They are perfect for the kinda of riding you described.