Originally Posted by UCSDbikeAnarchy
So I am in the market for a mountain bike and I figured you might have some insights. I am working up in bishop this summer and I thought I’d get a few days in at/around mammoth, although I am looking for more of an XC-type bike. First off I’m looking to spend $700-1000. I can get a good deal through my club on a KHS bike.
I haven’t seen the ’05 price list yet, but that range would safe cover the KHS Alite 2000, XC204(maybe the 604) and the comp st. I have ridden extensively on trails in norcal on a hardtail trek 4500. and have never really felt that I need full suspension, but havening never ridden full suspension, I don’t know what difference it makes. I’d like a bike that is good all around, both climbing and on descents. And thoughts on the KHS softtail? I also want something that will last me a while. The 4500 with a Deore groupo always felt really solid for me, and I don’t care about the wieght that much. I am thinking about buying the high end frame (the 4000 or the 904r or the teamSt) and putting midlevel components on it, which I could always upgrade later. I can’t tell from the website if the high -nd frames have tabs for disc brakes or not. Again, I have never ridden disc brakes before, but I have had bad breaking experiences with rims covered in mud before. I hear that el cheapo cable disc breaks suck ass, but that high end mechanicals are great and that hydraulics are good but hard to service. Also are UST tires/rims worth the extra money? I guess they are lots more work to maintain, but provide a really nice ride.
The last question I have is Shimano vs SRAM. I have been hearing good things lately about. Should I be looking at the x.7 x.9 stuff in adittion to deore/lx?
I’m sure most of this stuff was repeated elsewhere, but any inisghts you have would be super helpful.
Thanks. Kevin
Based upon what you're looking for you'd be wise to take a look at the Iron Horse (IH) and Weyless lineups. They're both SuperGo proprietary brands however, they've both become exceptional brands for the money. They incorporate some excellent componentry in their builds and - especially where the IH is concerned - the suspension technology is top notch. Take a look at
THIS LINK (CLICK HERE) and you can see some of the great values you can get on their bikes.
I don't personally ride one of these but I pass by the Laguna Hills Supergo every day and I'm in there about once a week so I've had plenty of time to examine and test ride these bikes over the past couple of years and they are solid. Good luck.