Jerry in So IL

My oldest, rode a SS Jamis Mtn Bike (26" wheel, SS only) last week when I picked up a SS Hardrock from a guy. She loved it and said that is what she wanted for Christmas.

This morning she called me from a friends house she stay over night with and found this on BD https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...tcast29_08.htm. She is giggle to the fact I have that much now to spend!

She's teenager, 14, and rides daily to school and to practices and with friends. She hits the paths and trails with her friends, but they aren't bunny hopping and rockclimbing with their bikes.

Is this a good buy?

Jerry

sneaky viking

This forum (myself included) doesn't know too much about SS mountain bikes. The mtn bike forum would be a better bet.

That said, I think the complaint with that bike is that it doesn't have disc tabs, so isn't upgradeable. Also, how tall is she? 29ers really make more sense at the larger end of the bike size scale, like 18 in and up.

Jerry in So IL

Well, she is 5' 7" now and she is only 14 years old. So I'm thinking she is going to be around 6' like my sisters.

I kind of posted here due to the fact she isn't going to be doing alot of off roading and I was wondering about any urban jungle riders that were riding these SS/FG 29ers.

But thanks for the suggestions.

Jerry

triplesixer

Go for it. It's cheap. If she doesn't like it, I'm sure you could find someone on BF to buy it off of you. I might pick one up as a beater bar/trail bike.

azukisingle

if she really wanted the front could always get a new fork with tabs for disc. I dont think its all important . And I was unaware that 29" was for bigger people but ok,whatever. I like the roll of a bigger wheel with going over things.Speaking of , I would love to have this bike for a Urban fixed rider or Single ride.It would take curbs and road objects with ease. I would buy this bike for that purpose .Make

clink83

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...direct+problem
Bikes Direct, quality stuff.

Jerry in So IL

Upgrading to disc brakes isn't a big issue for her or me. I was wondering about a mount for a back rack, but a setpost rack would carry the little stuff she wants.

Hell, the more I look at it the more I want one! I've been riding my SS Hardrock, 26" wheels, and I was just thinking a 29er would be the stuff since I'm not that "hip" to the road style of riding and bikes.

Jerry

Jerry in So IL

Everything is a risk with anything you buy. I read through alot of past post about BD, and I feel confident that they are in the bussiness of supplying cheap bikes to cheap folks. Most of the complaints I read, I think the OPs would ***** about anything. You are not getting a $1000 bike and LBS like service when you buy a $400 bike online.

Jerry

triplesixer

Well said Jerry.

sneaky viking

From what I've read, in order to avoid toe overlap issues in the small sizes they have long top tubes and other geometry compromises, and consequently feel like low, bigger bikes. Also, for a smaller rider it is *supposedly* a lot of bike to handle.

I was pointing out the only complaints I've read about that bike. Also, from what I've read you want discs because the whole single-speed, bigger-tires-to-roll-over-things requires increased momentum, which wants corresponding increased stopping power. You could think it's not 'all important' that the fork has disk tabs, cuz you can buy another fork, but that adds $100(?) to the price. And then you're right at the price of


A Redline Monocog 29, that you can buy at a shop, assembled with a warranty, etc.

I like bikesdirect, but I don't think that particular product is super well thought-out/ an awesome deal.

Understanding

well, there also the fact that she might outgrow it, although i don't know at what point she'll stop growing.

robcycle

If you feel confident in assembling it and maintaining it, you should consider it. Height is a non-issue. 29ers are not just for people over 6'. I'm 5'8" and ride a 17" 29er with no problem. If she's going to grow more, the bike being too big is not a problem. As for it needing disc, that's just not true. If she's going to be shredding the downhills and riding through lots of mud/water/snow, then its something to consider, but the V's should work fine, especially in stopping a 14 year old girl. As for Bikes Direct, I took delivery of a Fantom Cross Uno on Thursday. Other than some idiot putting red loc-tite on the cog and lockring, it was fine. If you can assemble and maintain it, it would be fine. The stock gearing (42/18 I think) is a bit high for off road, but would work for the street, though you may have to gear it down, depending on how strong of a rider she is and your local hills.

That being said, the Monocog 29er is only $100 more, comes from a shop, and is a better bike. I'm not partial because I own one

-Rob.

Jerry in So IL

I'll take her down to C'dale Cycle and have her (and me!) try out the Monocog.

Jerry

wludavid

Sorry to threadjack...

Rob, what size Uno did you get? I'm 5'8" with long legs, but I'm mildly concerned about the high standover.

Also, I'm not sure why loctite on the cog and lockring is such a bad thing. Don't you want those things to stay attached to the hub?

robcycle

I got a 52, based on their sizing chart, which is based on the TT length of bikes you already own. I feel its a little short in the TT, but it seems to fit with some stem swapping. The standover is a non-issue. I'm 5'8" with a 28" inseam and I have at least an inch of clearance. That being said, I have never felt that TT clearance was a huge concern. If I'm going to wreck and hit my balls, its just going to happen. Love the bike

As for the loc-tite, there are several issues. Red loc-tite is intended for things you DO NOT want to come undone. It takes massive force (or a little heat) to get it undone. If it were blue loc-tite, which is intended to help things stay put while coming loose with hand tools, I wouldn't have been so upset. It just seems like a bad solution. You can't fix stupid people, they will still assemble bikes. I feel the disclaimer was enough. Oh, and when properly assembled, the lock ring keeps things from coming off the hub.

-Rob.

Jerry in So IL

+1 on going with the TT lenght measurement!

I'm 6'. But I usually pick a taller bike due to me torso being so long. The LBS guys just go crazy, but like Rob said, I doubt that when I hit the TT with my balls I will be flat footed anyways! I do try to keep my tippy toes on the ground though.

Jerry