New rider looking for help picking the right bike

[deerhunter]

Here's the deal - ex-motocross rider tamed due to wife and kid now wants to hit the trails to drop a few pounds and enjoy the fresh air. Miles and miles of trails in Connecticut - Nepaug forest area within 5 miles.

Can I get some advice on a good solid ride for a 5 foot 10" 200 pound rider that hasn't lost the thirst for a good ride?


Budget is around $1,000 - used but not abused is OK

Thanks

[gungywump]

Maybe we should get McAskalot to handle this one. It could be a good test for all the information he has already culled from us on this very topic.

Deerhunter,
$1000 will buy you:
A really nice brand new hardtail.
An entry level brand new FS.
A good quality used FS.

What are you looking for?
At 5'10" you should be roughly looking for an 18" frame. But, as I've said many times before the toptube lenght has a more direct effect on how you fit on the bike. Try some stuff out, find what is comfortable, and find out what the geometry of that bike is and try to find bikes with similar geometry.

[turch]

Why not drop into Benidorm's Bike & Boards (Rte.44, Canton) and check out their offerings?. Doug Tanner (owner) and his gang should be able to help discuss different offerings and help you size a bike, if not offer you something to fit your requirements.

[MMcG]

Maybe we should get McAskalot to handle this one. It could be a good test for all the information he has already culled from us on this very topic.

Deerhunter,
$1000 will buy you:
A really nice brand new hardtail.
An entry level brand new FS.
A good quality used FS.

What are you looking for?
At 5'10" you should be roughly looking for an 18" frame. But, as I've said many times before the toptube lenght has a more direct effect on how you fit on the bike. Try some stuff out, find what is comfortable, and find out what the geometry of that bike is and try to find bikes with similar geometry.


Top tube length is critical! Also get adequate standover height...I didn't and am bummed about it. Find the frame that offers the best of those two features. That's what I should have done, but got a little impatient and wanted to get out there and ride.

What type of riding will you be doing? Trail riding, free riding, a little bit of both?

The Kona Kahuna might be a good choice....or for a little more if you are going to be doing hard riding....look into the Dawg, but that'll push you over a grand. The Kahuna Deluxe looks like a sweet bike that'll get you disc brakes as well.

You can probably get a killer hardtail for that price range now. feel free to contact me....I know who has the good prices! ;D

Also, Jamis bikes offer a lot of bang for the buck in terms of the way they are spec'd out. I bet you could get a really nice Dakar FS rig for right around a grand that wouldn't be spec'd out with crap.

If you are close to Benidorm as Snirch suggests, stop in. They were nice to me when I visited them last spring....too bad the Kona's weren't spec'd that great last year (hardtails that is) vs. their competition.

Still I often think I should have gone Kona vs. Marin.

Live and learn I guess.

Please do feel free to get in touch....I've been doing a lot of research on bikes over the last few months.

Right Gungy? ;D

Where did those riding tips go to though Gungy?? I miss them and value your wise and insightful input!!

Good luck on your Bike hunt Deerhunter!!

Cheers,

Mark

[gungywump]

Where did those riding tips go to though Gungy?? I miss them and value your wise and insightful input!!
Mark


As soon as I get my back fixed and return to regular full-time work. Right now I just popping in here and there. When I have 4hours a day to kill when I'm working at my computer at work I promise they will return.

[SloMoJo]

You will find the bike search is a personal quest only you can take.

What style of riding and budget does filter things somewhat.
I'm no expert, but if I was going to do it all overagain and keep it under $1000 it would be this. http://www.harobikes.com/2003/xls20.html But if doing more than 3ft drops then get something else.

This review site has been a good place to start: http://www.mtbreview.com/

Best O luck in your quest.

[johnnyt]

Deerhunter,
Since you are a former mxer, I recommed you stay far away from a hardtail. You will likely hate all the jostling around. Go with a full suspension bike and go used. Just like with mx, most riders take care of their bikes, but like to change their steed every year or two. With mountain bikes you have less mechanically to worry about then the mxers, so finding a bike in good shape is not very hard. This time of year there are plenty of good deals out there!

Check out www.mtbr.com and www.pinkbike.com. While on mtbr check out the reviews to learn what other folks think about their rides.

You can blow a grand just thinking about some of the full suspension bikes out there especially the freeride/downhill bikes, but if you are a bit more patient the Mark, you are likely to find a good deal in your price range.

Have fun! - JT

[MMcG]

JollyTime has a lot of good advice. He's a smart guy.

I think FS would be the way to go for you as well. I think perhaps that I should have gone full suspension instead of purchasing a hardtail last spring.

going to mountain bike review is a good idea. Look at the reviews of bikes, and also perused the What Bike to Buy discussion board. People are usually very helpful there.

I think once you get on the trails you'll be hooked. I know I am! Good luck.

Mark

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

if you want the perfect bike for you go with a rocky mountain ESTX-50. It accelerates like a dirt bike and has awesome full suspension with a zocchi fork, and it is XC light but freeride strong. Also, Hayes are nice too.

[Z]

McAskalot -

I'm blown away! Two full posts with lots of advice! And not a single question (Well, besides asking Gungy about his tips.)

What's the world coming to??? :D

[MMcG]

McAskalot -

I'm blown away! Two full posts with lots of advice! And not a single question (Well, besides asking Gungy about his tips.)

What's the world coming to??? :D


Z!

It's a new year!! And I think I'll be full of surprises this year....even to myself!!

Slainte!!

Mark

[knucklebuste]

this is what you want dude

[SloMoJo]

Sup Knuckles?
Where ya been hiding?
Ready to go out and get some mud on that rig?

Bout a week from Sunday we join Mr Cheeze down the Cape for a ride?

[MMcG]

this is what you want dude


Nice couch Knuckles! ;)

Seriously though....how long have you had the Gemini and how hard have you ridden it?

One fancy sled ya got there dude.

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

you know there is a recall on those bikes, and every other cannondale ever made

[Carsion]

That was the budget that I had and I love the bike that I have. My bike shop got me a little bit of a deal on a last years closeout. You don't hear about or see many Fujis but I love my bike.
http://www.fujibikes.com/2002/usa/html/main/frameset.htm

The only thing that I have changed is the handlebars. It recently put on a Ritchy Rizor pro.

[Carsion]

Ok...So that link didn't work.
2002 Fuji Diamond Lite 2. Check it out.

[deerhunter]

WOW -

That's all I can say and THANKS for the information. If this represents the spirit of this group then where do I send my check to join???

I will be taking the advice to go to Canton and check out what they have ( will let them know who sent me as well).

I also appreciate the comments about size and travel (having "bottomed out" enough times my "boys" can use a break!).

It does seem like I'll be well off to pick up a used front suspension bike as my old ride had none and as an MXer - you kinda get used to a little buffer between the elbows and the knees.

So, please send me your pictures and descriptions so I can join the ride. I'm in the Northwest corner of Connecticut , but don't mind traveling for the right deal!

Happy New Year to all of you.

DH

[gungywump]

you know there is a recall on those bikes, and every other cannondale ever made


That is NOT true!
Only a limited number of the initial production run of Geminis are recalled. There is a problem with the shape of the downtube. Any Cannondale dealer has a guage that can check to see if your Gemini is affected.

Knucklethumpbuster,
How the hell are ya. Ready to come back to the REAL NEW ENGLAND MTB FORUM????

[NEMBA_bkr-dude]

Sorry if all you Cannondale riders took that seriously- I was kidding. ;D