Hi all, long time no pedal
My Giant Hybrid with a Binox drive was flooded by Hurricane Sandy. I was thinking about replacing the bike as i sort of out grew it. I couldnt crank power into it on the trail or on the street. The nike just needed pedals replaced and the chain from salt water emmersion (an our). the nike will be relegated to shopping and guest duties.
I have a old Centurion Lemans which was last updated 7 years ago before my car accident so that has me covered for pure road riding.
I have been looking at trail bikes. A bike that can handle the less then stellar roads of NYC and non paved bike paths, and some single track riding. I also need it to be a platform for a Bionx system. Since my storage options are few, I discovered a Montague Paratrooper Pro.
http://www.montaguebikes.com/paratro...ding-bike.html . I have test ridden one and i liked it. I am just not sure about the premium for the folding part of it or what to compare it to for an equivalent alternative. I havent really kept up on the quality of the components the last 8 years (car accident). The Giant was a bike to back me back into riding, and now i need a better fit.
I like the fact the Paratrooper bends for storage (I dont really need to fold it as to bend it). I liked the discs on the bike, much better then my giant. The locking front fork suspension is something i wished (and did not know existed) on the Giant. The Paratrooper from what I have been told wont accept a real supported bike rack, but i think it is more of a matter of not allowing the bike to fold completly as opposed to not fitting. I liked how there was no flex in the frame.
So my questions:
I like the bike, and am looking for opinions on it and or the equipment on it
What would be the equivalent non folding bike to it (front suspension a must) in the 700 range. I know the paratrooper Pro is 979 but I am discounting for lack of folding.
What should I be looking for in a mountain bike?
I ride NYC streets, Paved bike paths, canal paths, dirt trails with the occasional log, lots of tree roots, some steep climbs and weigh 180-190 (if we count Christmas cookies).
Thanks.