MeHT

The LBS still hasn't got the Kona's yet so I still have the time for alternatives. Just found this on MEC Gear Swap:

2001 Trek 8000 17.5in frame w/LX shift, and fr der, XT rr der, RS judy race w/100mm travel, avids w/speed dial levers. bike has been modified to suit XC, trials, or urban/freeride w/addition of riser, DH stem, carbonfiber rr brake arch, Dh rr rim, and bash ring, but remains light to be ridden XC apx-23lbs.

$750 CDN

I wonder if it's worth it?

MeHT

And another one:
2001 Kona Stuff $900 obo

Description: Selling a 2001 Kona Stuff, in good condition, just some scratches. Full specs at: www.konaworld.com All stock except for kujo dh 2.35 on the rear and tioga factory dh 2.35 on the front. Also will have a new BB and a tuneup when sold. i have pics, email me for them.

Specs:

Mashimaro

i don't know if the trek would be a good buy..you'll have to take a good hard look at it cuz it's been setup for urban yet it's an xc frame? i doubt it's 23 lbs too..

good luck w/ your search..
(ps. check out Giant, they have nicely spec'd bikes for the price)

MeHT

Checked out, Giant Iguana blows Kona Blast at the same price.

Mashimaro

depending on your budget (i don't know what you're working w/..) try to save up for the Giant XTC 2 HT. i just helped a friend buy one and i'm seriously amazed w/ how much bike she got for about under 1500 CAD. that bike is worthy of upgrades in the future..the frame is light.

You live in vancouver? you might want to check out some consignment places around town. Found a Cove 'Handjob' frame for about 400 last week. mint.

MeHT

Trek:

Mashimaro

yup, there's no way that bike is 23 lbs in that picture..unless he's going to give you some stuff w/ it (ie: big ring, lighter tires, spds).

it might be worth looking at though...frame could still be good...

MeHT

I live in Ottawa. Periodically ride around bike repair shops checking for used bikes and LBS' checking for '03 stock. Budget - <$1000.

fubar5

What kind of riding? XC? Aggresive XC? Freeride?

MeHT

I wish I knew.

I've never done serious MTBing before, but I want to try everything (except DH) and see what I like most. But I think it will be XC/Freeride.

fubar5

Kona would be the best way to go I would think.

Maelstrom 

Sorry is that stuff American price. I bought a 2002 in the spring (better parts etc...) for 950cdn. If doesn't seem worth it at all. I will vouch for the frame and geometry though. Bombproof and fun all round to ride

The geometry of the kona suits what you are looking for.

MeHT

It's CDN. I'll try to work on the price if the size is right and I like the pics.

MeHT

Used?
'03 model's MSRP is $1200.
https://www.konaworld.com/2k3/2k3_stuff.cfm

dirtbikedude

I too believe that a Kona frame is the way to go for that type of riding but they cost more.
If you are looking strickly for a ht I would also suggest Giant, Brodie, KHS (although the groupo is not that great).
One other idea, GT Zaskar. Good strong frame, not to heavy and you can get a frame for some where around 300USD. My LBS has one I am considering for 275USD w/a judy fork. I would not use the fork but it is a great deal.

The best thing to do is pick 3 or 4 diff bikes and ride each one if possible and which ever feels the best, get it. If they all feel the same go by components if that is about equal take the one YOU think looks best.

Slainte

Maelstrom 

Nope new. I am damn good at haggling and talked them from 1100 to 950. I also happen to live near the largest kona dealer in north america.

The 03's though might have better parts. They got rid of the chute and mmoved the roast up a bit. Moved the Stuff up to take in the middle where the roast used to be a created a whole new Kona ob ht.

MeHT

Huh?
'03 Model:


'01 Model:


'01 Model has better drivetrain, but V-Brakes instead of discs. Otherwise they're pretty much the same...

MeHT

What about Brodie Hellion '02?
17" (I'm 5'9-10")
https://www.brodiebikes.com/2002/specs/hellion.html

Maelstrom 

Wow the o3 has discs. Nice. I was talking about the '02. But no it doesn't look like they improved things. Well I know the '02 stuff is under 1000$ now. As for the '03 the bloated price is because of the discs for sure.

As for sizing try them. I am 6'5 and have a 19" and sometimes that is too big for me for some tricks so I hop on my gf's Stuff which is 17". Sizing varies depending on preference and style of riding.

I like brodie. They are tough as well I don't have time to look for what it looks like. But a slckened top tube like the stuff / roast / chute would suit your stlye of riding best.

dirtbikedude

When I was shopping around for a dh rig Brodie was one I was considering. I did some reserch and found that they make a very decent bike. Also, every one I spoke with about Brodie gave great reviews. They are also very customer friendly as is Kona.

Slainte

MeHT

Screw that, he's asking $750 for it. I can get an '03 bike for the same price with much better specs.

MeHT

What about this, though?

2002 ORYX Gemsbok 125 Size 18"

24 Speed Rapid Fire
Frame: Aluminium
Fork: Marz. Z2 X Fly 80mm
Rear susp.: Fox Vanilla Air
Rear Der: Shimano XTR
Front Der: Shimano XT
Crankset: Shimano XT
Shifters: Shimano XT
Brakes: Hayes Hydraulic Disc
Levers: Hayes
Rims: Taurus 2000
Hubs: 4 rox

$850 CDN.

Look awesome! I understand that I'll need to change rear shock ASAP if I but it, though.

Maelstrom 

Thats a really upgraded bike. In reality that bike is sold as crap wth VERY low end parts. If it has all of that on it and it is in good condition grab it. Couple of things to keep in mind.

IF it is used no warranty
This is a xc bike only. It won't hold up to much aggro riding
Those forks are pure xc. Do anything besides going straight and marzocchi won't cover it. If it is used, marzocchi won't cover it.
I would switch out the rear rims within second. I would warp those without even getting on the bike. And the hubs too.

All in all this is going to be a good bike. I would also get it checked out by a mech to be sure the parts and stuff are good. Definately a worthwhile starter bike

Looking on the site they claim it to be a north shore bike. Not sure which north shore but this bike is NOT for ns freeriding quality.

MeHT

Ottawa Police Service sells it, those dudes don't lie.
Will it hold up for freeride if I change the rear and front shocks?

Maelstrom 

It will do better. Really the rear shock will do fine. (you are a smaller rider aren't you). Change the rear rim and get a 4" - 5" fork on the front (keep in mind your geometry will change quite a bit doing this). A z1 fr comes to mind. Maybe a dj1 or 2 but that fork blows for aggro xc or freeriding. Go to a heavy duty rear rim/hub combo and eventually switch to a spring shock.

Keep in mind. All those parts are almost worth the price of the bike. Canadian bike as well by a reputable company at that. But there won't be a warranty.

Since you are looking for a straight answer. I would get it. But I would also carefully measure its limits before I get too crazy.