Seen them at REI. Everyone that I have run into say that they are decent entry-level bikes (K2 Mach 2.0) comparable to entry-level Trek's, Giant's, and Specialized. Anyone have an opinion on these? The pedals would HAVE to be swapped out for clipless but..105's and Tiagras...anyone here wanna fill me in?!?!?

They're no better or worse than other entry-level bikes. Take one for a test ride and see if you like it. REI's really good with returns, too, so if you decide it's not for you, you can just take it back.

Someone in the biz told me to be careful with K2 because they use cheaper aluminum on their entry level bikes, vs the major brands. Of course this dude might be biased because he sold two of the major brands. If you want to be sure, ask to have the bike weighed and compare the weight to other brands you're looking at. If that's not a concern, go for it. BTW, the mechanics at our local REI are pretty good.

bogus

Does anyone know how long K2 has been in the bike business? When I was 13 I had K2 inline skates and they made good ones then, as well as great snowboards...but bikes?...

well....im not TOO concerned about weight considering I do various 20-40 miles rides on a freaking Mountain Bike! I think anything other than my Trek 6500 would be grand considering my bike is not made for road riding lol. A guy I know is selling a 2006 K2 Mach 2.0 for a mere $300 and maybe I should pick it up. I am looking for something to do a century and hang with the local riders at the nearby cycling club. How am I sounding**********

Sounds like a great starter bike to me!

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I believe K2 first got started in the cycling business when it acquired an innovative mountain bike company called Proflex in 1996. I remember it took them a couple years before they started branding the bikes under the K2 name. They first introduced a road frame in 2001 when they started the Mod line.

So, as far as bikes are concerned they're a relatively young company. But from what I've heard they have a decent offering of bikes.

Good luck with your choice!

I have a K2 Mach 1.0... great little bike. Comes factory with 26 tires, so it takes a bit to get moving but once I'm going I'm flying. Smooth shifting and easy to ride. Have had ZERO troubles with her. Getting ready to buy a new wheelset because I use this bike on my trainer as well so I want a couple wheelsets.

This makes no sense. Smaller tires will accelerate faster and will take more energy to stay in motion.

Physics fail.

Exactly. What's your point?

I have a K2 Mach 2.0. It's been a great bike. It's a 2007 model that came with full Tiagra 9 speed gear. The Tiagra hardware works fine, and it was pretty much the best deal I could find on a new bike when I bought it.

The stock saddle is ridiculously heavy, but otherwise, the only thing I felt an actual need to replace was the pedals (it comes with platforms and toe clips).

Edit: Mine came with ordinary 700C wheels, though. Not 26". They were Alex something-or-others, as I recall. I still have the front, but the rear got trashed when I got rear ended by a car. The frame was fine, though.

Derp.

Some of us BFers are professional doodie heads.

i thought the 26's were wider... I'm not technically inclined so dont knock me there. I used to own an old cannondale r300 with 23's.... my point is that TO ME...it feels like I need to push harder to get going from a dead stop.
BUT... that's my opinion on MY bike...