new bike choices????help!!

[harosport]

After reading through some of your threads I thought this was a good place to start. I'm new to MTB but not biking I'm 33 and still ride a 20" '85 Haro sport also I've got a road bike. I'm getting too old for ramps and 10 mile rides on a bmx are for the birds. I'm looking for a full sus MTB. What I've seem and test rode so far are Gfisher, Specialized, Trek, Klien, Gt, Cannondale. Of the models I like the ht feel of the spec epic but I like the rider position of the GF sugar2+. I rode the 2+ in the low travel setting and thought it was a close second to the brain epic setup. After so many years on the bmx some of the bikes felt like a pogo stick but these 2 did not. Are there any other bikes I should look at for this type of feel, and what do you think about these 2 bikes I listed. Last question Disc Brakes?! Right now I have tuffwheel 2's and bulldog2 brakes(the worst stopping rim with the strongest working brake lol) so great brake power is only marginal, going to a mtb are the discs worth it? thanks in advance for your help. Mark

[MMcG]

After reading through some of your threads I thought this was a good place to start. I'm new to MTB but not biking I'm 33 and still ride a 20" '85 Haro sport also I've got a road bike. I'm getting too old for ramps and 10 mile rides on a bmx are for the birds. I'm looking for a full sus MTB. What I've seem and test rode so far are Gfisher, Specialized, Trek, Klien, Gt, Cannondale. Of the models I like the ht feel of the spec epic but I like the rider position of the GF sugar2+. I rode the 2+ in the low travel setting and thought it was a close second to the brain epic setup. After so many years on the bmx some of the bikes felt like a pogo stick but these 2 did not. Are there any other bikes I should look at for this type of feel, and what do you think about these 2 bikes I listed. Last question Disc Brakes?! Right now I have tuffwheel 2's and bulldog2 brakes(the worst stopping rim with the strongest working brake lol) so great brake power is only marginal, going to a mtb are the discs worth it? thanks in advance for your help. Mark


First - Yes Disc Brakes are definitely worth it!!! Definitely get discs!

Second - Have you thought at all about a hard tail mountain bike? I've heard comments about the Epic that with that brain shock, there is actually an annoying delay in the shock reacting to bumps (especially multiple bumps if memory serves me correctly). I would give a hardtail or two a try while you are testing out bikes. Did you try a Giant NRS full suspension bike? I believe they are supposed to be a good FS rig to transition to from a hardtail. Just a thought.

Also, what's your budget? That could help members provide additional advice.

Good luck and have fun!

Mark

[harosport]

Pricewise around $2000 and as far as hardtail my tail is too hard already from that bmx haha!! I want to get something decent without breaking the bank cause I have to get 2 bikes (1 for my girlfriend too). Now regaurding her being only about 100# do you think discs are a big deal for her. The bike she's looking at is the treck fuel 90 womspec 14" frame to match her size.

[MMcG]

Pricewise around $2000 and as far as hardtail my tail is too hard already from that bmx haha!! I want to get something decent without breaking the bank cause I have to get 2 bikes (1 for my girlfriend too). Now regaurding her being only about 100# do you think discs are a big deal for her. The bike she's looking at is the treck fuel 90 womspec 14" frame to match her size.


Have a look into Jamis Dakars - they are usually spec'd well components-wise and they utilize a proven FS design.

You may even find a 13" frame for your girlfriend that she might like.

An FYI on Trek Fuels - they used to be highly prone to chain suck but that may have been fixed now for 2003.

Good luck!

[steve_b]

do you think discs are a big deal for her

Depends on what type of trails you are going to ride. I personally will NEVER own another mtb w/o discs. However, if the only riding someone is going to do is on rail trails, boardwalks, canal paths, and other non-tech areas, discs may be a waste of money. If you ride year-round, enjoy tech riding, remote trail riding, or plan on progressing to that point some day, then defintely get discs. The main advantage is no loss in braking power even when it's wet.

Harosport -

Assuming it fits, here is your bike. Of course this is also assuming you want a trailbike and assuming you don't want to wait for a SC Blur.

Since I am a do gooder I expect no "finders fee". However, if you are on of those who 'mandates' you do right by me, typically beer or bourbon (elijah craig or knob creek) makes a nice gift for NOO ;) Just kidding.

Check out this Loco Moto. SMJ rides one.


http://www.bustedspoke.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=992

NOO

Harosport -

Assuming it fits, here is your bike. Of course this is also assuming you want a trailbike and assuming you don't want to wait for a SC Blur.

Since I am a do gooder I expect no "finders fee". However, if you are on of those who 'mandates' you do right by me, typically beer or bourbon (elijah craig or knob creek) makes a nice gift for NOO ;) Just kidding.

Check out this Loco Moto. SMJ rides one.


http://www.bustedspoke.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=992

NOO


Screw the booze. I'll take the King Hubs off the Loco instead.

[MMcG]

also a bike for your girlfriend?

IF you have a 2K budget, that Loco that NOO posted the link to looks pretty damned sweet.

IF it is a 2K budget for two full suspension bikes, I'd still give a hard look at Jamis rigs.

Mark

[gungywump]

HaroSport,


Here it is:

For you the 2003 Kona Kahuna Deluxe – $1200.00

[gungywump]

And,
For the better half the 2003 Kona Kahuna – $900.00

[harosport]

Thanks for the input I found an lbs in leominister so I'll check out the kona. The rear susp seems similar to the fuel? I actually have about $2k for each, in case I wasn't clear before. So far and after all your advice and reading many reviews I'm leaning towards the Fisher2+disc. I guess cause I really felt comfy on the bike immediately. I haven't found a dealer for Jamis bikes yet in central mass any sugg? thanks again for your input. If I went with the 2+ should I see if the lbs will swap out the talas r to a talas rlc. I'm only asking cause if it's something to strongly consider or upgrade I might as well do it now if I can get a good trade in being new.