Tuttster

I see a lot questions like this on here, but a lot of great anwers, so I thought I would give it a try.

I'm just getting into mountain biking, and am looking to buy a new bike. Just getting started, it is easy to gravitate towards some of the "big" names, like Trek or Specialized.

Right now I am riding a GT Rebound, which I purchased about 5-6 years, and haven't really ridden it until this year.

My price range is $2000-$3000.

The first bike I was looking at is the Trek Fuel, more specifically the 9. But now I've also taken a look at a Marin and the Kona King.

I'm sure all of these bikes are good and they will get the job done, but I'm wondering if anyone can point out any negatives? I know nothing of the Marin or Kona brands.

I've shyed away from the Marin as the LBS told me the 15.5" that they had in stock would be large enough. I would just have to raise the seat. Seeing that now I ride a 20", I think he was just trying to make a sale.

Any opinions are appreciated.

EJ123

I would take the Trek, however I really like that the Kona has Fox suspension. I dont know much about the RS Reba.

EJ123

29 viewers and no other opinions?

jag89

your very right there, that guy was obviosly(sp) an idiot just one of them o so rare bad salesmen.

however back to the bikes, had some experiences with konas, a couple of full sussers like the colier and the kikapu allthough not the king. the 2 that i had rode were great bikes allthought the colier was on the heavy side as its a DH bike and the kikapu is really a all cheapish all mountain bike. when selling konas day in day out you get to learn that kona are mostly in the business for a profit unlike some companys want to give there riders the best experience. havnt had any experience with Marin but i hear they do some pretty good bikes, same with trek no experience with them but i know a few people who have some (one a session and one a rememdy) and they say there amazing! if you havnt allready looked i would have a look at specialzeds bikes for around that price specialized offer alot of bags for a really good price and if you still arnt happy with the price im sure you can haggle a little with the LBS owner!

sorry i could be any more helpful, but good luck choosing and let us know what you go for!

JKWITS

"when selling konas day in day out you get to learn that kona are mostly in the business for a profit unlike some companys want to give there riders the best experience"

I reckon lots of people would disagree.

You should try and ride both bike and choose the one that you feel comfortable on as well as checking out spec quality, both those bikes are pretty well specced tho I imagine.

I personally dislike treks and like konas but thats just my opinion not based on facts. However I have never had any trouble with my two konas.

jag89

i do as well, on some of there bikes its worth it others its not.

most people of this forum do as well, however im not one of them... bring back the brusier!!

ditto..not a single problem with mine im soooo happy!

Tag1

+1

EJ123

Ill always like Trek. Trek rox

Siu Blue Wind

"kikapu is really a all cheapish all mountain bike."


I own both a Trek (and a GF as well) and two Konas. I can attest that Kona is far from being a cheaply made bike.

mcoine

ok, my opinion is that Trek is mass produced, generic trash, not quite at the level of Giant, but getting close. This includes all there lines including Fisher, Klein, Bontrager, Lemond...

Sorry, you asked for opinions.

Pheard

For me, I've never cared what people thought of trek. I've rode an old trek, I've tried newer entry level treks and loved them. That's all that matters, if you like how it feels. What's stamped on the frame doesn't matter.

Siu Blue Wind

!!! *thunk!* (Siu Blue Wind just passed out....)

EJ123

At least you responded.

Siu Blue Wind

(Siu Blue Wind wakes up)......"huh? wha?.........OH YEAH! " *thunk!*

JKWITS

Also... Keep an eye out for sales since the 07 Konas aren't far away as well. Could save some big bucks.

Not sure about trek. Who cares?

overthebarscar

personally i think trek make great road bikes, but their mountian bikes SUCK ASS. sorry i just had to say it.

junkyard

Funny, the OP was looking for some help on choosing a bike and it seems to have turned into a pissing contest between Trek supporters and Trek haters, Kona supporters and Kona haters, etc.

To the OP, I'm pretty sure that in the $2000 to $3000 range you're going to get a high quality bike no matter what brand you wind up choosing. So, fit and function would be the two main things you want to consider. First thing that you want to deterimine is what type of riding you will be doing: downhill, XC, freeride, etc. That will at least narrow your search down. Secondly, get on the bikes and ride them. Go with whatever feels comfortable. If you're not comfortable on the bike, you won't ride it and you'll have wasted a good amount of money. Trek and Kona are both good brands, especially in the price range you are looking. I wouldn't rule out any of the other brands either. If your price range was more limited, it might be easier to steer you towards a bike that provides good value. At the price point that you are considering, you have a ton of great options.

Pheard

This finding is based on your "professional bike fleet" ?

1 trek rigid bike, 1 ironhorse sgs pro freeride, 1 specialized hardrock

LOL, don't make me laugh.

jag89

maybe hes had more rigid treks and got rid of them, or maybe he test rides them




or just maybe.... its aload of s**te

Siu Blue Wind

Geee...........I wish MY bikes were as nice as his........

JKWITS

Your bike collection isn't too shabby, although I wouldn't mind that Ironhose myself.

Chone

He did ask for opinions, and guess what, that pissing contest you are describing... its just people giving out their opinions.

Siu Blue Wind

Hey you have a pretty awesome blue bike there! Care to let me borrow it? I'll let you borrow mine!

JKWITS

Postage might be a bit steep.

Anyway if you look at it in the right light it goes pink so must be a girls bike

And its dirty at the moment...

Siu Blue Wind

You saw that too?!? They told me I was crazy when I said it had a purple hue to it. You are now officially my new friend. Come on over! I wanna bounce with ya! (bouncey bounce boing boing!)