newer Specialized vs older style xc bikes
08-12-09, 04:48 PM
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newer Specialized vs older style xc bikes
A few years ago i purchased a speciailized hardrock pro disc....and it upgraded my older mid 90s GT outpost trail.
After a few years on this new bike.....i must admit......i think i like the gt better.
The speciaized seems to have a weird geometry where it looks really goofy. I have to have my seat just a fraction below the max marker on the post.
I measured both frames out right and the GT was 18 inch frame. THe specializeds is 15 or 16 inches on the seat tube so the frame itself is alot smaller. The LBS claimed that was what i needed. THe old GT never felt huge or too big at all. I could still clear the top bar just fine.
I have a 18 inch zaskar now from the mid 90s and it is perfect.
The specialized is much much heavier as well. I can barely get that thing off the ground where as my old Gt i could throw around like nothing.
It is safe to say i the GT was more of a XC bike and i dont really know what i could classify this specialized as. Im thinking of getting rid of it. IM just not seeing the point of the smaller frame and all the extra weight. It fits me fine but i could go longer trips on my old outpost than the new specialized. I am 31 years old and the specialized looks like a childs bike almost.
Im not saying it is a bad bike....it has held up pretty well. Are these 2 bikes entirely different? I told the LBs what i was replaceing and wanted somthing simular but more modern.
I just think it is weird. I had to put a longer stem on the bike right out of the door of hte shop because i would turn the bars and they would hit my knees as i pedaled. Like i said i run with the seat at max height where on my old gt i would have it just a bit above bar height. I guess the Specialized is about that high as well but looks weird because the top tube slants down so much. THe bike shop said this bike was my size given that im 5'6 with an inseam of about 31 inches. I have plenty of clearance on this bike for sure..
I ride mainly rual and single track so on and off road. I find my old GT and my newer Zaskar of the same era to be much better on the trails than the specialized. I have had my share of fun on this bike as well but it just seems gimmicky to me....and almost too small given even my small size. SHould i be running wiht the seat this high? Should i look at upgrading parts on it to make it lighter or should i just ditch it and hunt for another older style GT
Everyone i see rides more of a traditional bike with more of a horizontal top tube from teh head set to the seat post.
After a few years on this new bike.....i must admit......i think i like the gt better.
The speciaized seems to have a weird geometry where it looks really goofy. I have to have my seat just a fraction below the max marker on the post.
I measured both frames out right and the GT was 18 inch frame. THe specializeds is 15 or 16 inches on the seat tube so the frame itself is alot smaller. The LBS claimed that was what i needed. THe old GT never felt huge or too big at all. I could still clear the top bar just fine.
I have a 18 inch zaskar now from the mid 90s and it is perfect.
The specialized is much much heavier as well. I can barely get that thing off the ground where as my old Gt i could throw around like nothing.
It is safe to say i the GT was more of a XC bike and i dont really know what i could classify this specialized as. Im thinking of getting rid of it. IM just not seeing the point of the smaller frame and all the extra weight. It fits me fine but i could go longer trips on my old outpost than the new specialized. I am 31 years old and the specialized looks like a childs bike almost.
Im not saying it is a bad bike....it has held up pretty well. Are these 2 bikes entirely different? I told the LBs what i was replaceing and wanted somthing simular but more modern.
I just think it is weird. I had to put a longer stem on the bike right out of the door of hte shop because i would turn the bars and they would hit my knees as i pedaled. Like i said i run with the seat at max height where on my old gt i would have it just a bit above bar height. I guess the Specialized is about that high as well but looks weird because the top tube slants down so much. THe bike shop said this bike was my size given that im 5'6 with an inseam of about 31 inches. I have plenty of clearance on this bike for sure..
I ride mainly rual and single track so on and off road. I find my old GT and my newer Zaskar of the same era to be much better on the trails than the specialized. I have had my share of fun on this bike as well but it just seems gimmicky to me....and almost too small given even my small size. SHould i be running wiht the seat this high? Should i look at upgrading parts on it to make it lighter or should i just ditch it and hunt for another older style GT
Everyone i see rides more of a traditional bike with more of a horizontal top tube from teh head set to the seat post.
08-12-09, 05:47 PM
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ya...the lbs guy was pretty adimit about this being the right size for trails, jumps, etc but wow...it just never has felt right.
it is time for a change anyway....
im thinking about building up an older zaskar. the one i have now is a SS and i plan to keep it that way. It just rides too good to keep flip floping parts on it.
i wonder if i can depoly an older zakar frame with a threadless modern fork? My guess is no and ill have to stick with an older rockshox judy. The judy long travel is what i currently have and it works fairly well.
it is time for a change anyway....
im thinking about building up an older zaskar. the one i have now is a SS and i plan to keep it that way. It just rides too good to keep flip floping parts on it.
i wonder if i can depoly an older zakar frame with a threadless modern fork? My guess is no and ill have to stick with an older rockshox judy. The judy long travel is what i currently have and it works fairly well.
08-12-09, 06:10 PM
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Unfortunately "That's definitely the right size for you" is often code for "the correct size is out of stock right now, but I want you to buy a bike anyway"
08-12-09, 06:23 PM
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thats what i figured. I mean the bike is nice and i can ride it fine but it just doesnt have the feel of my triple triagle low model outpost trail or the zakar le. Considering comparing the zakar le to the hardrock isnt really apples to apples.....not even close......
THe hardrock was a "good deal because of a overstock year end close out"
I got the bike for around 5 bills at time but kind of alway regretted the purchase. It was fun to finaly have somthing with discs on it but that was about it....
THe hardrock was a "good deal because of a overstock year end close out"
I got the bike for around 5 bills at time but kind of alway regretted the purchase. It was fun to finaly have somthing with discs on it but that was about it....
