Need an entry level XC racer
03-18-04, 01:58 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Need an entry level XC racer
Hi,
I want to start to get into XC racing and am looking for a hardtail around $1500 Canadian dollars. So far I've looked at the 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper ($1700), 2004 Giant XtC 2 ($1600), 2004 Cannondale F600 ($1500) and 2004 Cannondale F600 SL ($1300, just an F600 without discs). I can't decide between these 3 bikes, the specialized has the nicest fork, the giant is extremely light and well spec'ed, and I really like the headshok on the Cannondale and how well the lockout works (also, being a student I like how it's the cheapest). I really would prefer something with a lockout as I plan to ride a lot of flat doubletrack and road for training. Anyone have experience with these bikes or suggestions at any other in this range? I'm 150 lbs and about 5 '8 if it matters.
I want to start to get into XC racing and am looking for a hardtail around $1500 Canadian dollars. So far I've looked at the 2004 Specialized Stumpjumper ($1700), 2004 Giant XtC 2 ($1600), 2004 Cannondale F600 ($1500) and 2004 Cannondale F600 SL ($1300, just an F600 without discs). I can't decide between these 3 bikes, the specialized has the nicest fork, the giant is extremely light and well spec'ed, and I really like the headshok on the Cannondale and how well the lockout works (also, being a student I like how it's the cheapest). I really would prefer something with a lockout as I plan to ride a lot of flat doubletrack and road for training. Anyone have experience with these bikes or suggestions at any other in this range? I'm 150 lbs and about 5 '8 if it matters.
03-18-04, 02:57 PM
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Regina, SK, CA
Posts: 945
Bikes: 2002 Rocky HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you're on a budget (and what student isn't!) I'd look for left over 03 models. Perhaps you could find something like a 03 Kona Kula for $1500 or a 03 Rocky Mountain Elevation for about a grand.
03-19-04, 10:25 AM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Parrish, FL
Posts: 7,963
Bikes: Lots
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
All the one's you listed and especially the one's KrisA listed are good bikes.
I will say, that for XC racing, you will be perfectly fine with Vee brakes. I would actually recommend them over discs for racing.
Have you considered a lightweight full suspension XC bike? If so, the Specialized is hard to beat!
L8R
I will say, that for XC racing, you will be perfectly fine with Vee brakes. I would actually recommend them over discs for racing.
Have you considered a lightweight full suspension XC bike? If so, the Specialized is hard to beat!
L8R
__________________
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, "WOW, What a Ride!" - unknown
"Your Bike Sucks" - Sky Yaeger
03-19-04, 10:59 AM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
No, FS is out of the question, they just cost too much and I want a bike I can ride on the road too without bobbing all over the place. I think I'm leaning towards the Cannondale F600SL, not many shops around here have left over 2003 models so it's slim pickin's in that category although I certainly appreciate the advice.
03-19-04, 08:14 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
I'd go for the F-600sl, Its pretty light, and gets the power to the ground.
I'd try and check about the warranty on the C'dales produced before bankruptcy had been filed, does anyone here know what the status on that deal is?
I would be less inclined on the Giant, only because they use an integrated headset... just my opinion,Leits just say finnesse is not an adjective used to describe my riding...
I'd try and check about the warranty on the C'dales produced before bankruptcy had been filed, does anyone here know what the status on that deal is?
I would be less inclined on the Giant, only because they use an integrated headset... just my opinion,Leits just say finnesse is not an adjective used to describe my riding...
03-19-04, 11:11 PM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 65
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I believe Cannondale was bought by a well standing company and are on good terms now financially. Their website states they have a lifetime warranty on their frames.
04-24-04, 12:29 PM
#7
Sport Class Racer
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern Kentucky
Posts: 75
Bikes: 2003 Leader Bike LD 515 <----race bike, 1991 Cannondale SR 400, Haro Escape 8.3(dead, will revive to ride urban on),2003 Ironhorse Hollowpoint Expert, Random Frames and BMX stuff
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Dude, don't buy a bike, build your own. I got a Leader Bike Frame that weighs 2.3 lb. It is an XC machine!!!!
I used ebay and spent $625 USD and got a bike worth $1100 USD!!!!!!
I used ebay and spent $625 USD and got a bike worth $1100 USD!!!!!!
04-24-04, 12:59 PM
#8
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally Posted by pual
I believe Cannondale was bought by a well standing company and are on good terms now financially. Their website states they have a lifetime warranty on their frames.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
04-26-04, 01:37 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 236
Bikes: 2003 Diamondback Apex; 1998 Gary Fisher Kaitai (commuter)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You mentioned you looked at a 2004 Stumpjumper.
I'm selling a 2002 Specialized Stumpjumper M4 for $600.
· M4 Manipulated Alloy Frame, 17” (medium)
· Brand new Shimano Deore rapid fire shifters
· Brand new Avid-5 brakes and levers
. Brand new Shimano SPD -505 pedals
· Front Fork - Rock Shox Duke XC, 80mm travel
· Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore LX
· Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore XT
· WTB SpeedMaster Rims
· WTB Moto Raptor Tires
· 9-speed
Ridden 1 1/2 seasons. My husband bought a Superlight.
I'm selling a 2002 Specialized Stumpjumper M4 for $600.
· M4 Manipulated Alloy Frame, 17” (medium)
· Brand new Shimano Deore rapid fire shifters
· Brand new Avid-5 brakes and levers
. Brand new Shimano SPD -505 pedals
· Front Fork - Rock Shox Duke XC, 80mm travel
· Front Derailleur - Shimano Deore LX
· Rear Derailleur - Shimano Deore XT
· WTB SpeedMaster Rims
· WTB Moto Raptor Tires
· 9-speed
Ridden 1 1/2 seasons. My husband bought a Superlight.
05-14-04, 03:05 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Richmond, VA
Posts: 273
Bikes: 2006 K2 Apache 6.0, 2006(ish) Specialized Sirrus
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 14 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by pual
No, FS is out of the question, they just cost too much and I want a bike I can ride on the road too without bobbing all over the place. I think I'm leaning towards the Cannondale F600SL, not many shops around here have left over 2003 models so it's slim pickin's in that category although I certainly appreciate the advice.
06-15-04, 04:51 PM
#11
2 Track Mind
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 70
Bikes: Giant XTC 20 lb Hardtail
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have a 20 lb XC demon
It's a Giant XTC hardtail frame. I built it up superlight and from the frame up, but word on the street says that Giants come built with KILLER parts out-of-the-box. The Stumpjumper hardtails are very good deals for your limited budget as well. Also check out maybe a 3 year old Litespeed or Airborne Frame from ebay... Titanium lasts (very close to) forever!
It's a Giant XTC hardtail frame. I built it up superlight and from the frame up, but word on the street says that Giants come built with KILLER parts out-of-the-box. The Stumpjumper hardtails are very good deals for your limited budget as well. Also check out maybe a 3 year old Litespeed or Airborne Frame from ebay... Titanium lasts (very close to) forever!
09-25-04, 06:16 AM
#12
BloomBikeShop.com
I have an XTC SE2 and it's a great bike except for the integrated headset. I thought it would give out last year but it didn't (yet), but I would stay away from it.
My experience with Cannondales and Headshoks has been ****ty at best. I think the Headshok is the worst fork there is.
I'd go with the Specialized you mentioned or look into a Trek 8000.
My experience with Cannondales and Headshoks has been ****ty at best. I think the Headshok is the worst fork there is.
I'd go with the Specialized you mentioned or look into a Trek 8000.
