Simko

Hi everyone, i have a 2 part thread here as my first post, ill start with an introduction as who i am, and all that stuff

My names aaron (as you can see), im 18 years old and i do enjoy the outdoors, i was never really big into biking, but i find that with the increasing gas prices, i dont want to drive around as much

also, i find bikings really good exercise, and i dont have to run as much ( i hate runnnig).

I really dont do a lot of hardcore offroading, but i do go through some paths, some climbing and jumping, but most of my riding is done on roads and stuff, like if i go fishing ill bike, then ill be walking the creeks etc.


Okay, now my question to you is:

I really need a new bike, i used to ride a kona hahanna (1996-present) and the things just way too small for me (its about a 16" frame). I need a new bike and i was thinking of something with a hard tail, and maybe a front shock.

the thing is, i am a little tight on money rigfht now, so i was thinkign about either findnig a nice bike with some shocks, or a nicer bike without shocks and maybe i could just buy some bombers, or rockshocks later on when i get some cash flow.

I mainly do street biking, but i occasionally go offroading and through trails.

i dont really care about disk brakes or whatever, i just want something that works.

Aluminum, or chromoly doesnt matter to me, i just want a nice traditional bike that will last me for a while, as long as i dont abuse it.


sorry i read the :what can i get for 500" sticky, but i think this is kind of a unique question

oh, also

im 5'9", ~160 pounds (heavy set)
and i do live in canada if that makes any difference



Thanks (a lot) in advance!

-aaron

monkey69

plenty of bikes will do ,ckeck out some entry level specialized like the Hard Rock or Rockhopper,giant Iguana ,or some trek models.there are also some "less" know brands that make good bikes like ironhorse.you gonna have to do some research and even better ,go to your lbs.the bike market is stiff and if you stay with the brands that are known for good quality and prices you cannot do much wrong in the sub 1000 $ bike market.

Simko

If i want to buy a used quality bike, is there a website i need to go to? not many people here are selling bikes locally (err... used bikes i mean)

Maelstrom 

www.pinkbike.com
www.ebay.ca
www.nsmb.com

Simko

Okay question

should i be concerned about the yeear of the bike? like should i only buy one from 2004,2005?

also, anyone heard of a Kona Lanai?

should i only be aiming for disc brakes?

Drunken Chicken

1) Year shouldn't really matter, it's just different components.
2) Heard of, but don't remember anything
3) Around 1000 dollars? I think so.

Simko

Okay so im going to be lower end than that, so maybe the Lanai is good for moi

monkey69

1. depends - some bikes are completly different (look rockhopper)
2.no
3.depends,if you going to ride often in wet conditions,discs are almost a must.

also i would rather try to find a bike locally that you can look at and test ride.you can then check ebay on how much it is worth paying for it.

Simko

so if i ride in wet conditions, i want disc brakes

can i get them aftermarket and add on?

or do i have to buy them with the bike?

swifferman

Depends which bike you buy but chances are if it isn't meant for discs right away you'll need to buy some new componenets to make it disc compatible like wheels or a fork and this can get expensive fast.

www.canadiancyclist.com is also a good source for used bikes and go to www.mec.ca and try the outdoor gear swap. Might be able to find something you like.

Raiyn

1. Try to keep it within the last couple years as the older you go it's harder to find bikes in great condition.
2. Heard of never rode one
3. Disc brakes are a good thing in wet conditions, Personally I love my Avid BB7 mechanicals.

Simko

I found a kona fire mountain with disc brakes, all i need is right frame size and i think it wold be good to go

is this really the honour system? or is there a way of checking someones sellnig feeback?

i was preparted to get new forks, as i cant remember what shocks this one has but id be ready to buy some bombers or some rock shocks, or whatever ifind will suite my riding style.

Raiyn

Since you're unsure of what size you actually need why not visit your local bike shop? It would be better to buy a new bike that fits than a used bike you're guessing at.

swifferman

Post the full specs for us so we can help you decide. I have the same bike but only the 2005 has disc brakes. Is this from a lbs but I'm guessing it's not since you're asking for feedback...

Simko

its from Pinkbike.com

Raiyn i need an 18" frame, thats from all the LBS workers opninions

ill get specs once the sellers tell me

he/she stated that they did some mods to the bike, so i wanna find out what they are.

Raiyn

Opinions are like as_(well you get the idea) It won't mean jack without a test ride.

Simko

well i have ridden other bikes that are 18", and they fit me, but a lot of the bikes in stores are not really my thing, and are really pricey

example: the one store i did a lot of business with a while ago now only carries Fuji and Devinci bikes


the bike i have now is 16" and is too small for me, being a pretty medium sized person, i feel that i dont need an overly large frame,.

Simko

How does this sound for a descriptionof Rock shock judy's:

Used Rock Shox Judy
1 1/8 threds
Steam 5 1/4 inches long
missing brake steams you can buy them at local bicycle shop

call if ?

304-258-6006

Raiyn

POS

Simko

ithankyou for your honesty

Raiyn

I tend to be rather blunt. No offense intended

Simko

oh i didnt take any offense

im really new at this and i appreciate all the help you guys are giving me, and i want a decent bike if im gnna be spending the money, so theres gnna be more questions to come

Simko

okay i found 2 bikes, they have a lot of details, and theyre in my range, can you guys help me weed otu the crap from the good

1.

'99 Rockhopper FS for sale
I bought it brand new in 2000 so it is a 5 year old bike. It is a 19" frame. It is very well maintained: I cleaned and lubricated it very frequently. I replaced the whole rear cog, chain, and brake pads last season so this bike is ready to be used. I also added brand new Shimano clipless pedals last season (I still have the cage pedals if u prefer those). It is a good bike for recreational riding or a person who wants to start racing but does not have the dough to dish out for a new racing bike.
Price: $$420

2.
Kona Fire Mountain hard tail
Great condition Kona 17" Fire Mountain bike for sale. Bike is 4 years old and has been meticulously maintained and serviced. It has an aluminum frame and hutchinson tires. All original components. I bought the bike for $750.00 new and am asking only $300.00.
Price: $300.00

Simko

Okay, got an email from the dude selling the Kona Lanai

hey i have a kona lanai its got a tioga factory dh 2.10 tire in the
back
with new rim if wanted i could go to lifcycles to get it perfectly
sraight
its got a dh norco stem the front tire is a stock 1.90 its got a new
rear
derailer new rapid fire shifters by shimono it has half tektro brakes
half
some stock ones and new seat and set post and some cheaper lock ons and
thats pretty much it the pics on the internet don look any thing like
it so
if your still interested i could get some pics of it sometime this week
or
tomorow most likley may 2 tomorow

capsicum

So this may be heresy in a MTB forum, but ridgid forks and rim brakes work quite well for what you described, I actually race a full rigid bike (crosscountry races. Not downhill or freestyle, just some burly trails.) My rim brakes work fine even when wet.(not as good as dry, but they still stop me) though I do occationally clean my rims with alcohol to remove old brake dust and road oils. (which are a big part of the slippery when wet problem)