ctopher1986

Hi,

Little bit about myself:

I am 25 yrs old, 5"6, and 145 lbs. Plan on going every other weekend riding off-road trails around Dallas.

I'm looking for any bike suggestions (under $1200) that would fit this criteria:

• Hardtail
• Fork has the ability to lockout
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 9 or 10 speed
• 26" wheels
• Under 30 lbs

I believe this is what I want.... any helpful advise/suggestions would rock.

Thanks!

TRAINING WHEEL

I would check Dallas CL, Im in Okc and when my brother was looking for a bike, we actually were looking in Dallas too. There are some nice bikes in that area and you can always get ALOT more bike when you go used. There were a couple Trek X-Cal bikes on there for about that price.

SlimRider

Here's some really nice bikes for ya:

www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/26-hardtail/nitro-6/

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_700HT_xi.htm

www.bikesdirect.com/products/windsor/windsor_cliff4900.htm

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/motobecane_600HT_xi.htm

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_comp_xi.htm

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_pro08.htm

www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_elite09.htm

You're Welcome!

- Slim

DCB0

If there is a Jamis dealer in your area check out the Durango Race (or last years model the Durango 3). Jamis bikes are generally quite well spec'ed for the price and I am tired of being the only one around here mentioning it!!!111

Other options:

Trek 6000
Specialized Stumpjumper (if you can find a good deal on a last-year's model)
Cannondale Flash 3 (if you can find it for a discounted price) or Trail 2.


Keep in mind that most (or all) of the bikes available in your price range are made in the same handful of factories in China and Taiwan, and there is actually very little difference in quality from one brand to another. THe most important aspect of selecting a bike is making sure it fits you properly and you will be comfortable riding it. This is much more important than getting slightly upgraded components or hydraulic brakes instead of cable actuated brakes.


While the bikes that SlimRider mentioned are indeed great bikes for the money, be very cautious buying a bike over the internet for several reasons: it is difficult to ascertain fit of a bike online; warranty service can be difficult to access from an online company should there be any problems with the bike; most bike shops offer free service during the bike's initial 'break in' period, and for an online purchase you have to do this yourself. Basically, if you are comfortable doing your own repairs then thonline purchases are a better idea than if you are not.

However, you are form Texas and I have heard that BikesDirect bikes are available through some storefronts, possibly in your area, so the above warning may not apply to you.

Best of luck!

ctopher1986

The Trek X-Cal is a 29er correct? I think I would prefer the 26 wheels for more handling/acceleration

RobertFrapples

Consider saving $100 to buy a rigid fork to swap. A rigid fork is better than a crappy suspension fork.

ShimmerFade

For a $1200 hardtail I would assume he will be getting a pretty decent fork. That Fantom Pro or Norco both look like good starting points. Ragley is selling some pretty well priced complete hardtails that look pretty nice, but a bit more expensive (and the geo is meant for some rough terrain).

DCB0

Good choice. Especially since you are a smaller person you don't need a bike with larger wheels.

ctopher1986

Thanks everyone for the information/advice, I will do some research from what was given and I'll keep you guys updated!

Thanks!

ESW116

I really dig GT's. Probably going to get one whenever I upgrade. Love their designs.

Take a look at this one

https://www.gtbicycles.com/2012/bikes...-avalanche-1-0

Lime1GT

I just bought a 2011 Cannondale Trail SL2 last fall. I do a lot of cycling on concrete to get to the trails and the test drive was a let down due to the all open knobby tires so I had the LBS install Maxxis CrossMark tires that were on a Giant I had also test driven. They are still knobby but have extra blocks between the center rib knobs which give a smoother straight line ride. I'm really enjoying this bike both on and off the trails. I bought the 26" over 29" because at 5'10" and 33" inseam I needed a large frame for comfort and the large frame 29" left me very little stand over clearance.

FlatSix911

Put this at the top of your list ...

Shimano XTR DynasSys 30 Speed 2012 Fantom PRO $1195
140mm Rockshox Revelation RLT Fork, Remote Lockout + Avid Hydraulic Disc
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...om_pro_xii.htm