six6one

A few months ago when I asked about my bike (etsx-70) taking on downhill, all of you said "Dont do it". I didnt listen, because Im a fool, and because I choose not to beleive it. Today when I was at my lbs to pick up my bike for a wierd shifter problem, The guy who sold me the bike came up to me and said that we needed to talk. He personally had worked on my bike, and he said that the problem with it was that the back of the frame was bent. They did manage to get it back in place after 2 hours, and they did not charge me. They viewed it as their responsibility, as they steered me away from a RM switch and a slayer, just so that they could sell the etsx. I should have seen that one. anyway the claim that the rear airshock is damaged and that all of this came about because of jumping and freeriding on a bike that can't handle it. The bike is 2 months old and in perfect condition other than the bend which was fixed, and some minor shock damage. I paid $3,300 for it new, and the shop will swap with me for a RM flow or low end switch. The guy I spoke with really strongly reccomended that I get a freeride bike. Anyway, what I am asking after all of this is should I take the Flow, or go to a different shop and try to get the bike I really want, A Kona Stinky?

FoX Rider

I feel kind of responsible. I said it could probably take it. Sorry man. Both the Switch and the Stinky are NICE bikes. It's a tie depending on what the components on the bikes are.

six6one

Youre not responsible at all, dont tell yourself you are. Killington didnt wreck my bike, a jump I built out of a bathtub, and a jump trail my friends built did it. Im shooting for October 10 on killington, If I get a new bike. Maybe we could meet up there. Shout me a pm.

Maelstrom 

Sorry you had to learn the hard way. Bummer it was such an expensive mistake.

Stinky would be great...decent price, tough and a decent pedaller. Signifigantly stronger than the etsx thing.

a2psyklnut

If the shop is willing to give you a significant trade in for the ETSX, I'd jump on that like a hot 22 year old!


Then see if you can sell the NEW bike and take that money and apply it towards the Stinky! In the meantime you have the RM to ride!

L8R

six6one

That etsx was a terrible bike for me. They said yesterday Its tires were not intended to leave the ground ever. I think Im going to take it to different bike shops and see if they are willing to trade or give me a good discount for it. I am looking for a freeride bike, preferably dual supension that can take medium jumps and drops, nothing over 10ft. I can probably afford a $3,000 bike with the trade in, absolutely nothing more expensive than that. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

six6one

Oh yeah, I also have a question about the Marz drop off fork. the 2005 stinky is equipped with a drop off triple, and there was a thread a while back about how much that fork sucks. Whats wrong with it?

Maelstrom 

Dropoff has crappy damping. Good starter fork but I would upgrade if you do any fast long dh runs.

six6one

Im also considering the kona stuff, how good is it for freeriding? What is the advantage of ht over fs other than price?

Maelstrom 

With a ht you learn better line selection and how not to be a hack.

Kona rider is a freerider who uses the stuff. The bike can handle a tonne.

six6one

Ht is probably the best choice for me, but Ill have to see tomarrow. I have contacted a bike shop that deals kona and they say that they're interested in my estx. Im bringing it to them tomarrow.