GT I-drive

[taco-bike]

So since I decided to get back into mountain biking, I haven't shut up about getting a bike, just ask my fiance. Apparently she told her parents about my new interest and the 3 of them decided to get me a giftcard to performance bike, from what I have read and been told, it isn't the best place to buy a bike but, it is kind of my only choice now. I went over and looked at what they have and came out with a couple choices, can you guys let me know what you think. I liked the gt more then the other ones but am not still sure at all.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

[mfoga]

I guess first question is what kind of riding you plan to do. Thats going to be a factor, and $1000 a hard limit? The thing is as many of us can tell you sometimes its better to spend a little more then you want to get a better build instead of shortly getting the I want to upgrade bug.

[taco-bike]

I plan on doing a little bit of everything, downhill, climbing, some small jumping and would like something that can handle a lot of different things if possible. As for the budget, the card is 300 bucks and my cash budget is allowing about 800 bucks.

[mfoga]

I would say the Teocali or the GT would be the best all around bikes. It looks like the GT has a little better components but they don't list a fork or shock. I looked at the Teocali at first back in Dec since all I wanted to spend was about what you have. I ended up spending more and getting the MKIII Comp but they sized me wrong. If you think you will have more money in six months to add to the cost of getting a bike you can pay what you have now and the do the 6 months no interest. That can bridge the gap from what you have now to what you may have in a few months.



Which ever you get get the team performance membership. Don't buy any other accessories that day wait and use the points you get a few days later. You can spend $25 for the membership and you will get 10% back so basicly $100 you can use a few days later to get helmet, etc..

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by mfoga

I would say the Teocali or the GT would be the best all around bikes. It looks like the GT has a little better components but they don't list a fork or shock. I looked at the Teocali at first back in Dec since all I wanted to spend was about what you have. I ended up spending more and getting the MKIII Comp but they sized me wrong. If you think you will have more money in six months to add to the cost of getting a bike you can pay what you have now and the do the 6 months no interest. That can bridge the gap from what you have now to what you may have in a few months.

What he said.... I rode the Teocali and I must say it was not a bad ride for the $$$ go ride the Teocali and the GT and see which you like....

[Rockinthecasbah]

i second the mongoose is a good bike, danny will back me up on that (Bighit he loves his, the gt seems to get bad reviews , well the whole I drive system

[bobzrag]

my suggestion would be to get them to get you a gift certificate at the path or adrenaline. Then you can go to a good bike shop that will help you pick the right bike and make sure it's ready to go!

[taco-bike]

Thanks guys, I rode the GT and liked it a lot, at least for what I could ride in a parking lot. I remember the front fork was a rock shox dart 3 and the rear shock was a rock shox 2.1 air adjust. I will ride the teacali next and see how that feels.
I plan on getting the performance membership for accessories down the road, thanks for the recommendation on that...financing isn't out of the question for me, it is just a matter of convincing the fiance that I need to spend this much money to ride a bike down the side of a mountain...
thanks again

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by taco-bike

Thanks guys, I rode the GT and liked it a lot, at least for what I could ride in a parking lot. I remember the front fork was a rock shox dart 3 and the rear shock was a rock shox 2.1 air adjust. I will ride the teacali next and see how that feels.
I plan on getting the performance membership for accessories down the road, thanks for the recommendation on that...financing isn't out of the question for me, it is just a matter of convincing the fiance that I need to spend this much money to ride a bike down the side of a mountain...
thanks again

Yeah my other half had a hard time understanding as well ... Ya know I miss her once in a while then I go Riding...

[taco-bike]

Originally Posted by J_Sims

Yeah my other half had a hard time understanding as well ... Ya know I miss her once in a while then I go Riding...

That is awesome right there...
Mine is pretty understanding, it is just the money part of it. But I have to say this she actually asked me the other day "can you promise me that you won't get hurt" yes, those were her exact words...i told her that when/if i get hurt, i won't be a total pain for her and she said ok, that works then

[mfoga]

Originally Posted by taco-bike

Thanks guys, I rode the GT and liked it a lot, at least for what I could ride in a parking lot. I remember the front fork was a rock shox dart 3 and the rear shock was a rock shox 2.1 air adjust. I will ride the teacali next and see how that feels.
I plan on getting the performance membership for accessories down the road, thanks for the recommendation on that...financing isn't out of the question for me, it is just a matter of convincing the fiance that I need to spend this much money to ride a bike down the side of a mountain...
thanks again

Well if thats the case I would say the GT is better spec'ed bike but whats important is which feels better. .

[J_Sims]

Originally Posted by taco-bike

That is awesome right there...
Mine is pretty understanding, it is just the money part of it. But I have to say this she actually asked me the other day "can you promise me that you won't get hurt" yes, those were her exact words...i told her that when/if i get hurt, i won't be a total pain for her and she said ok, that works then

Broken Ankle Tunnel trail In Santa Barbara Dec 8 2007= Pain in the ass for everyone that I know.....

[slo65]

i have an 06 gt i-drive, i like it, aside from the creak. it's a i-drive 5 4.0, so it has pretty base components, j4 front fork, fox float rear (no lockout), little heavy for climbing, it's pretty fun on the downhill though, i paid 700 for mine when it was a year old, i don't regret it, but you definitely get upgrade-itis after a couple of months

[Revalimage]

I have riden a GT I-drive 5 3.0 for 3 years and love it, yes I wish I had a StumpJumper or a Nomad, but maybe in years to come. DO buy as much bike as you can possibly afford, will save you tons in the long run. Then, in the mean time, ride with others, find things you like (components, etc) that you can change or upgrade.

Where to purchase, I say go to your 'local' store. I love performance - no they are not high end (my husband got the last Rocky Mtn Switch they sold couple of years ago - and on occasion an intense or other frame comes through). There are some people in there who are not very knowledgeable and some who are great (BUT you get that anywhere). They do offer free tune ups for life, I have saved much more than local friends who bought 'cash or good buddy' discounts somewhere else and have their bikes worked on there.

Bottom line...support your local store! Go to several that are close to you, check on their online support (orders sent to the store, etc.), service department, selection and pricing. I know my next bike (could be this year or 6 years from now) won't come from performance because they don't carry the brand I'm looking at - but because they are my 'local' store and I know most of the service staff and managers there, I will continue to 'vote' with my dollars until I move or there is a change in the service.

Enjoy and welcome - don't forget some of us girls LOVE the dirt...

[bikeluvr]

and dont forget performance has the 100% money back guarantee so if you hate the way the bike rides on the trail just bring it back.

[ehansen007]

I think I saw you in the the Laguna Hills Store on Sunday? I hadn't seen that Otero before and I'm a mongoose fan. Personally, I'd get the Teocali Comp they have. That bike has been rated a best buy for a few years now. However, if you are going to finance and can squeeze a little more, take a look at that GT force 3.0. For $1399, it's an amazing deal and that frame is gorgeous. You won't need to upgrade anything really either. I financed both my Teocali Super and it's replacement the Sanction 1.0 and haven't had an issue since.

As far as the $100 you get back on the purchase from the Performance card, camelback, Helmet, flat kit with CO2, etc. Best of luck!

[strobelite]

go with the goose, the epicon shock and fork combo is better than most other entry level suspension. plus, it doesnt really need a platform valving due to the frame design.

[xhuskr]

wait for a sale that gives you up to 20% off.......also...check to see if they have any 'old frames' from the Supergo days hanging around...literally and figuratively (ya never know!) if not...get something you like knowing you can always swap out parts
or
buy all your components/rims there and get a frame elsewhere...just start thinking outside the box!

[Diamondback]

mr. taco bike:

TEOCALI, hands down. Great reviews from magazines
and owners as well.
The Mongoose Otero isnt bad either, it has an adjustable 3.5-4.5 rear travel QR. I've ridden one (rental near June Lake) last year and it tracked well for a sub-$700 bike.

The REAL funny thing is when I owned a $900 Mongoose
when I used to post at mybikesite.com the (Brahma, Joe Truth,CrzyRidr, ZG, Dark helmet, Intenserider, etc ) regulars used to
dis Mongoose and GT and call them Toys R Us bikes.
The Mongoose and GTs (bike shop versions) were never bad they just didn't get any media exposure until the last few years.

[taco-bike]

Thanks for the advice everyone, it is much appreciated. I think I am just going to keep test riding all of the bikes I see until I can afford one.