Southside_OVRC

I am brand new to MTbiking. I am thinking about buying the GF Tassajara. I really like the brand but wonder if I should put the purchase off to save up for a more sturdy machine. The reason I ask is because I am 6'3" 226lbs. Will the components especially cranks, bars, etc. be sturdy enough to support my size? Whatever you guys could recommend in the $500-$900 range for a hardtail would be appreciated, if you don't think the Tassajara would not suit my needs.

I plan on riding a lot of Single track (I think that's what you call it) and some road riding. I'd like to experience the whole gambit of what MTbiking has to offer.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Feel free to smack me around with my newbie status.

Brandon

a2psyklnut

The Tassajara is a nice bike and will suit your needs very well. It is the bike that I recommended to my friend/co-worker. It's built well, quality frame, nice paint job, and good component spec.

L8R

DiL

I know a lot of people very pleased with their Tassajara

Southside_OVRC

I'm still excited as ever to get the Tassajara. My brother put a bug in my ear after he went to REI and the sales guy (Yeah I know, expletive word there) told him his weight would bust the cranks in no time with any slightly aggressive riding. When my brother told him what I was looking and that I weighed more than he did. The sales weasel said I was in worse shape. Is this just a sales guy trying to sell a more expensive bike?

Is the step up to the Big Sur worth the money. I checked the Hoo Koo E Koo but the only difference was the Gold Series Frame instead of silver.

Do any other manufacturers stand out in ya'lls mind that compare to GF in quality, design, and cost around my budget?

I really do like the GF the best so far.

DiL

If you're looking for more of an agressive riding bike you should check out the Haro Escape 8.1 for the same price as the fisher. Also take a gander at the Kona Scrap for a hair more than the escape.

a2psyklnut

I think the Gold frame is probably weaker than the silver. It's a slightly further reduced weight and subsequently thinner tubing (in areas). The guy's trying to sell you more than you need. BTW, I second the Haro suggestion if you're going to ride agressively. But, from your initial description you'll do fine with the Tassajara. Just don't plan to do some 6'0" drops on it!

L8R

Southside_OVRC

I think you guys have convinced me to stay with my original decision. It has a strong frame which is of utmost importance. It has good components for the price and it seems it doesn't matter what you get things are going to break and then you upgrade from there. Just as long as the good foundation is there. What are your opinions on the RS Pilot xc, which I believe is stock? I assume once that breaks to go with something like the Duke.

DiL

You shouldn't count on a fork breaking. If it seems flexy or poorly constructed you should upgrade now instead of later. You'll just saving yourself the cost of the fork now. I have no experience with a pilot.

a2psyklnut

With regards to the fork. Have the shop order you some X-Tra Heavy Springs for the fork. At 225 lbs, you'll need them. It'll be like Night and Day once you get the right springs in the fork. Figure on spending another $30-$40, but ask the shop to install them for you. Heck, see if they'll give you a deal on them since you're buying the bike! (not free, but discounted for sure!)

L8R

Southside_OVRC

a2,

Just stopped by the LBS to ask about the higher spring rate. They said the springs in the RS Pilot XC cannot be replaced. The only thing you can do is add air to the air assist.

I did take a look at the Big Sur... Man that is a sweet ride! Adjustable ride height, components, Platinum frame, etc. It's just the 400 extra dollars I don't know about.

a2psyklnut

Ooops my bad, the sag is set by increasing the air pressure. To do that, you must have a high pressure shock pump. They usually come with the bike. Make sure one is included with your purchase. For 225, pressure should be 15-20 p.s.i. I'd use this as a starting point and increase up or down as necessary!

You'll be fine with that fork and that bike!

a2psyklnut

hey Southside, I just read your sig.

I haven't read Atlas Shrugged in a couple of years. I use to read it about once every other year. It's scary how much of what was written is present in today's society. It's almost a self fulfilling prophecy!

Scary Stuff!

L8R

Southside_OVRC

You know that's right. I love that book. I try to read about like you. Everytime I do I seem to get more productive at work and more focused at everything. I had the owner of my company read it and he couldn't get enough. I'm reading Fountainhead right now. I was wondering how many people out there would recognize that sig.

If this society continues on the same path I could really see something similar to that happening. Minus the electric power station running off static electricity in the air. But then again who knows?

redfox

The tassajara is a great bike.My father in law has had his 2 yrs and loves it.BEcause of his bike i went w/ the big sur.I love it.If you can afford the big sur i say go for it,it is worth the xtra money.However if not the tassajara is a great bike for the money.

JR_Sith

yo
the frame and the components on the Tassajara will most likely hold up to your weight, though i would suggest getting the disc version considering your weight. the brakes on the non disc version aren't even a brand name. the hayes mech disc brakes will be much better. the pilot is not a bad fork though keep in mind, depending on the type of riding you do, that the pilot was supposed to be cc fork loosely based off there highend SID platform. you won't get much on a tradin to you might as well see how the fork feels and after a year if your sick of it getting something a bit more burly like a psylo or duke.

JR_Sith