bobonker

Hi all,

I've narrowed down my search for a FS trail bike to the Cannondale RZ One Twenty 3. I want to ride trails, climb, etc. Nothing hardcore.

The 2011 bike has 9 speed X9/X7.

The 2012 bike has 10 speed X5 components. My only concern is that I've read lots of reports of people complaining about the durability of the 10 speed SRAM stuff.

The 2011 bike is $1499.
The 2012 bike is $1599. (plus 10% back -- from REI)

Those are the best prices I can find in the area (Nor Cal) and since Cannondale doesn't allow their stuff to be shipped, I'll have to stay local.

I've also looked the the Trek EX series. The EX 5 seems comparable to the the 2012 Cannondale, but is $1649 and I get no money back. There's a 2011 EX 7 on clearance for $1949, but that's a pretty steep jump financially and I don't know if it's worth the extra cost for a beginner like me.

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Bob

SlimRider

You must at the very least consider the Jamis Dakar XC Comp:

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/fullsuspension/dakarxcr/12_dakarxccomp.html

I think this will resolve any internal conflict you may be experiencing with regards to FS! ~ $1700

- Slim

PS.

I'd say, skip the FS. Use the same amount of cash to get a really good HT with even better componentry!

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/dragon/12_dragon29sport_spec.html
The Jamis Dragon 29 Sport

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/hardtails/exile/12_exilecomp.html
The Exile Comp

bobonker

Thanks for the link.

The prob is that I had back surgery last year (herniated disc) and have some degeneration of my L5/L6 disc. The jarring ride on a hard tail makes my back very unhappy. FS offers enough give that I can ride without much trouble.

Thanks,
Bob

bobonker

I've also looked at the Motobecane Fantom Trail DS, but some guys at work (who are really into MTB riding) said that the suspension design would lead to a very bouncy ride and that it makes the rear wheel feel "loose". It looks very much like a (cheap?) copy of the Trek Fuel Ex?

https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...comp_ds_xi.htm

Thanks,
Bob

SlimRider

Sorry to hear about that Bobonker!

Just get it confirmed by your MD before making the final plunge.

- Slim

Lindenwood

I think a 9- vs 10-speed cassette should be the least of your concerns!

During the last dozen rides I've actually only made practical use of 4 gears, heh.

So, on that note, I'd definitely get the one with a better reputation for durability, all else being equal. You won't miss the difference between 27 and 30-speeds or whatever.

bobonker

Doc says, "If it hurts, don't do it!". FS takes care of that for me.

# of gears really isn't a concern. I just didn't want to buy anything fragile.

Seems like they are all reasonable choices. Am I wrong to even consider the Motobecane bike?

Thanks for the feedback.

Bob

SlimRider

Hey there Bobonker!

Sometimes guys just blow gas in order to sound like the experts, they'll eventually attempt to approximate. However,what really counts is how you feel about the MTB. IMHO the Motobecane sounds like an excellent candidate. However, only your butt will be able to determine exactly how comfortable the bike really rides.

Therefore, I say test-ride as many bikes as feasible and come to your own independent conclusion.

Answer these questions for yourself:
How does it feel when you mount it as compared to at least five others, close to it?

How does it ride in comparison with two of the other MTN bikes that felt good when you mounted them?

- Slim

commo_soulja

Q: Which bike should you buy?


A: the cool one

Lindenwood

Haha that is about the conclusion I reached when comparing bikes. In a similar price range, it seems way more important that you get a bike that just feels good to you and has the little features you might want (like more / less aggressive tires, seat, etc). More importantly (for me, at least), a bike that is supported by your LBS is a big factor. I ended up making my choice for all of the above reasons, with the LBS also being important because I really like them and they have good service.

RobE30

See if there is an LBS around you that has a demo fleet. You can ride something on a trail that you know and get a feel for it to make sure you like it. Also, about now is when those places are getting in new demo models and usually like to blow out last years demos. I picked up my 2011 Stumpjumper 29er Comp for a smoking deal that way. It was a demo that nobody demo'd. Nobody wanted to test out a hardtail....worked for me! My buddy also just picked up a 2011 Stumpjumper EPIC 29er for $1750 that was a gently used demo

FWIW, I have SRAM X-9 10spd and so far so good in regards to being fragile....

bobonker

Thanks for all of the feedback. Looks like a fun weekend ahead of me.

I think I got one of the last 2011s available anywhere in Nor Cal.

Bob