XC Bike on a bit of a budget...

[tkblazer]

damn Carl, you are really trying to share the kool aid now eh

[Pho'dUp]

Originally Posted by tkblazer

damn Carl, you are really trying to share the kool aid now eh

Don't worry Nam. You're next. Aren't you already half way there already with your 69er?

[maxwell]

I'm not sure what size you're looking for, but at The Path today I saw a 2006 Kona Kikapu size 19 or 20" and I believe the price is under $900. They also had a couple of The Kings, and I believe a King Delux, all "06-"07 they would probably let go at a great price. You should swing by there on Monday.

[mtnbikej]

My L '08 Fisher Paragon 29er was 26 lbs outta the box. Retail $1699.

[KonaDupee]

Are you only looking to buy a complete bike?

If you have the time & patience, buying a frame and adding the components you want may be a way to go.

I have an '06 Kona Kikapu that I built up for around $1600. The frame was ridiculously on-sale from WheelWorld (thanks for the heads up, Waldo) and the components are a mix of things from my old KHS hardtail and others that I have upgraded along the way.

An out-the-door Kikapu (like the one at the Path) is around $900 with reasonable, but not great, components. I'm actually pretty proud of the deal-hunting I did to build up the perfect bike for me. Comparably equipped bikes to mine would easily run over $2200. I just waited for good deals on things like Avid mechanicals, SRAM derailleurs, Truvativ Stylo cranks, etc. Plus (and I have mentioned this many times before), the bike feels like its mine--it's my baby that I pieced together (though it has seen a lot less trails since I got the SS 29er).

Granted, it took 6 months of hunting. If you have the time & inclination, I would HIGHLY recommend going the build-it-yourself route.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by KonaDupee

Are you only looking to buy a complete bike?

If you have the time & patience, buying a frame and adding the components you want may be a way to go.

I have an '06 Kona Kikapu that I built up for around $1600. The frame was ridiculously on-sale from WheelWorld (thanks for the heads up, Waldo) and the components are a mix of things from my old KHS hardtail and others that I have upgraded along the way.

An out-the-door Kikapu (like the one at the Path) is around $900 with reasonable, but not great, components. I'm actually pretty proud of the deal-hunting I did to build up the perfect bike for me. Comparably equipped bikes to mine would easily run over $2200. I just waited for good deals on things like Avid mechanicals, SRAM derailleurs, Truvativ Stylo cranks, etc. Plus (and I have mentioned this many times before), the bike feels like its mine--it's my baby that I pieced together (though it has seen a lot less trails since I got the SS 29er).

Granted, it took 6 months of hunting. If you have the time & inclination, I would HIGHLY recommend going the build-it-yourself route.

makes nice stuff.

Originally Posted by Jman

Wow bikes are expensive. After much soul searching and bit of reality check I've pretty much settled on looking into an XC bike to compliment the Heckler. I've spent mucho time on-line checking out the various manufacturers. I've been to Specialized (man they're expensive), Gary Fisher, Trek, Cannondale, Turner (even more expensive), Santa Cruz, and Intense. They all have great bikes but I'm wondering what else is out there. I know I haven't looked at Haro but it seems like many of the bike makers are looking strictly at the AM or FR of the industry. It's a little frustrating when looking for something else.

Ultimately what I'm looking at is a bike that will ride much faster than the heckler, and wouldn't be totally out of place on the street as I transition from dirt road to dirt road. I'm thinking that this summer I'll probably try to commute to work a couple of days out the week as well. A HT isn't out of the question but it seems odd to buy a second HT (my other one is built up with mostly DH parts). I'm trying to find some of the power and speed that I have on the road bike in a mtn bike.

I'm looking at around $1500. Bikes at this level have mostly deore parts and I'm wondering just how good they are. I know XT are decent but have no experience with the lower deore kit.

I know that this is long winded and that I've been bakc and forth on bikes lately but any suggestions, directions or other ideas would be much appreciated. Also any companies I've forgotten. I'm really willing to drive anywhere as the LBS are Specialized dealers and not much else. Cannondale and SC have local dealers and the Superlight is obviously a good option but I've had an SC for a long time and don't wanna pass up other options just due to brand loyalty. Thanks for any help I appreciate your experiences and knowledge.

go used. Lot's of great used light bikes out there at the price range

[BrewMaster]

Lot of good options. Here's another one: IBEX Asta Expert X9 for $1400. I bought my IBEX online and I have been happy with it. I can't say I would buy another bike online sight unseen, but this allowed we to extend my budget and get a pretty standard single pivot full suspension design at a good price with a good spec. Not the lightest XC build, but that's the balance of price vs performance.

I have a medium 2007 Asta if you ever want to size it up or take it for a spin. I'm right here in Chino Hills, so only 45 minutes away from you.

There's also the HT Trophy Pro for $1300. It's a great build, All XT, Shadow RD, Juicy 7s for fair price, and 24.5 lbs.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Lot of good options. Here's another one: IBEX Asta Expert X9 for $1400. I bought my IBEX online and I have been happy with it. I can't say I would buy another bike online sight unseen, but this allowed we to extend my budget and get a pretty standard single pivot full suspension design at a good price with a good spec. Not the lightest XC build, but that's the balance of price vs performance.

I have a medium 2007 Asta if you ever want to size it up or take it for a spin. I'm right here in Chino Hills, so only 45 minutes away from you.

There's also the HT Trophy Pro for $1300. It's a great build, All XT, Shadow RD, Juicy 7s for fair price, and 24.5 lbs.

A riding bud picked up an IBEX and I was impressed with the vaule you get with those bikes

[BrewMaster]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

A riding bud picked up an IBEX and I was impressed with the vaule you get with those bikes

Yeah. I was impressed too but this was my first MTB. Their Section-29 is just not enough bike for me to consider as my HT 29er. BTW, I still need to borrow something from you when this rain stops.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Yeah. I was impressed too but this was my first MTB. Their Section-29 is just not enough bike for me to consider as my HT 29er. BTW, I still need to borrow something from you when this rain stops.

I have a brand new SS in the garage that has not seen dirt yet

Last years Section-29 was a sweet deal. Came with a Reba for under a G. This year they went with the Tora

[dstepper]

I did not see Redline Bikes on your list. Very hard to beat for the price. No the lightest but very solid bikes. Ask Jose and Cid.

Dean

[2wheel_lee]

Be very careful of the 29er Kool-Aide...you may suffer by beign stuck with a non-responsive and dead-feeling bike. It may go over some obstacles better, but that's about it.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Be very careful of the 29er Kool-Aide...you may suffer by beign stuck with a non-responsive and dead-feeling bike. It may go over some obstacles better, but that's about it.

"you may suffer by beign stuck with a non-responsive and dead-feeling bike"

Now that is funny

Got'a use the word "flickable" next time. As in 29'ers are not flickable (I love that one)

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Got'a use the word "flickable" next time. As in 29'ers are not flickable (I love that one)

True. Good point. 29ers are not nearly as flickable as a 26er. But that really only applies to those who ride aggressively. 29ers are good for those who ride a lot more passively.






I knew this would get DeeZee's interest.

[mtnbikej]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

True. Good point. 29ers are not nearly as flickable as a 26er. But that really only applies to those who ride aggressively. 29ers are good for those who ride a lot more passively.






I knew this would get DeeZee's interest.

Not so sure about that.......my 29er w/ 80mm handled Joplin better than my 26" w/ 130mm did.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

True. Good point. 29ers are not nearly as flickable as a 26er. But that really only applies to those who ride aggressively. 29ers are good for those who ride a lot more passively.






I knew this would get DeeZee's interest.

Makes sense since 29'ers are only good for SS'ing and if you are over 7' tall

[Jman]

Ok I know you guys are joking around but seriously are there any limitations to a 29er? I know much of the rumors are fairly exagerated, so set it straight. I'm also wondering if the 29er thang is just a fad and in say 2 years 29er owners will be in the dark with out any fork support or any more wheels being manufacturered.

Thanks for all of the great ideas. I plan on heading out on Tuesday and doing some driving around and testing some stuff out. The Ibex looks interesting but I'm not sure I would be super excited to buy a bike I couldn't at least put my hands on.

Someone suggested doing a build but I'm not the most techinical guy in the world...nor, to be honest, the most patient. I'm thinking though that it may be time for a trip to the OC mecca of THE PATH! If they have those kind of deals than I may just have to swallow the drive and check it out. (It'll suck if I need warranty work or maintenance but a good deal might be worth it).

Now I'm going to go surf a bit and look at the ideas everyone has thrown out. Right now I'm torn between that Giant, the Felt, and a Niner that Rob told me about through PM. Those Kona's are interesting so I'll check them out as well. Thanks again everyone.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by DeeZee

Makes sense since 29'er are only good for SS'ing and if you are over 7' tall

And the best DH pros in the world can basically ride any bike they want, and we're not seeing a huge influx of 29ers there yet. Nor are we seeing anyone racing a 29er in 4X. Both of these disciplines require a bike that is agile (escuse me, flickable ), durable, and that can go over all kinds of objects well. Oh, and they must be "fast." I guess it's because there aren't many 7' tall DH or 4X racers.

I don't really follow XC racing, but are there many 29ers in front of the premier classes? If not, why not?

Originally Posted by Jman

Ok I know you guys are joking around but seriously are there any limitations to a 29er? I know much of the rumors are fairly exagerated, so set it straight. I'm also wondering if the 29er thang is just a fad and in say 2 years 29er owners will be in the dark with out any fork support or any more wheels being manufacturered.

Good points. As it is, 29ers are left out in the cold with very limited quality parts available. On top of that, the whole design is flawed because they use the same hub width as bicycles with considerably smaller wheels. This is why the wheels on 29ers are inherently weaker. That's not even arguable. Until some company changes the standards to offer wider front and rear wheels, the durability aspect of 29ers will always be compromised.

With wider hubs, and therefor heavier, the 29er will still be less flickable than a 26er (moreso than it is now).