Best Bike for me?

[vandeec5]

Hello everyone! I have been riding the streets and some few trails with my trek 3900 and I am ready for an upgrade! I am looking for a bike with a budget of 1300. I was recommended two bikes from a friend.

Trek Fuel EX 6
http://treksandiego.com/itemdetails....iceasc&id=1101

Specialized FSR XC
http://incycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?c...iceasc&id=4142

Here is some personal information about me that may help in choosing a bike.

I ride my bikes on trail mainly for a workout and the rush.
I dont race
I dont do crazy jumps

I always go to Peters Canyon, Aliso and El Morro but would like to hit up new trails.

If you know any other bikes please let me know, Thanks!!

[CPATCRASH]

If you live close to Peters Canyon then go to The Path and tell them what you are looking for. They know there shti and will get you into the right bike.

[ChariotsOfTires]

Well, considering the sale price on the Trek is half the price of the Specy, that might be the kicker for me. In order to get the disc brakes and other components from the Trek you'd have to upgrade the Specy with even more money...
I can't believe I am saying this. I hope my Rockhopper can't see me typing this. he may send OTB next time I ride.
I say the Trek. See what other sales they have on trek. If your willing to spend $1400 for the Specy, you might be able to get more bike on the Trek.
Like: http://treksandiego.com/itemdetails....iceasc&id=1777
Its $1800, but if your willing to pay $1400, the $400 more would be worth it for this gem.

[Pain Freak]

I had a FSR and I loved that bike. Never had a TREK, so being somewhat biased I have to say Specialized

[el_d00der1n0]

I have that FSRxc, and I immediately got upgradeitis. But that Trek, look at that price??? You can't beat that for an entry level FS bike. The fork is better, and you can carry that to another build if you like.

Now, I never thought I'd be saying this, but you would be better off buying a hardtail for the same money. You'll get a very nice bike that you can enjoy and learn on. The lower end FS bikes are so low end, that, in retrospect, I don't think it's worth it. If I get another FS, I'm saving my $$$ and building a Heckler or something. Something with some real travel to it that doesn't weight so much. I rode my FSRxc today, and I feel more comfy on my Zion SS. Can you believe that? I have to set the compression on the shock so high because it's crap. I've all but turned that bike into a HT. Steel is nice too. Ok, beer working, must concentrate concentrate concentrate...

echo echo echo...

now batting batting...

[Taco Jack]

I'm hoping this is not against forum rules. PM me I have in my garage what your looking for. A Trek Fuel EX6 in need of a new owner.

[vandeec5]

Thanks everyone for the input.

Well my situation is that I know nothing of bikes, I just need one that gives me a smooth ride and easy on the hills. Like I said this is mainly for me getting into shape and I dont feel as i need to spend tons of money for a bike.

I tried out the santa cruz bike (not sure which model) and i really like those but they are expensive. I tried the Kona Dawg supreme and fell in love with it until i found out the price.

I am still lost on which bike to get....

I went to performance bike and the guy recommended me this
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

[g-dub]

Performance is only useful for emergency tube purchases on weekends after the real shops close. Fortunately, you have the Switchback/Path/Adrenaline trifecta in close proximity.

Pick a nice slow time of the business day (i.e. not 30 minutes before closing), walk in and start chatting. Talk about not just how you ride now, but how you want to ride in 2 years. These folks are trained professionals, you know...

If you're riding at least once a week right now, and intend to keep doing so, use the whole budget, maybe minus the price of some shorts. Then start saving for the next bike, which will require about 3 times your current budget, because you're gonna get hooked. I figure It's gonna be cheaper in the long run than a gym membership, heart surgery, or anger management therapy. At least that's what I tell my wife.

[Big Guy]

Originally Posted by vandeec5

Thanks everyone for the input.


I am still lost on which bike to get....

I went to performance bike and the guy recommended me this
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=3050

Go to The Path in Tustin, give them your budget, they will equip you with the bike you need. You need a bike with a good frame and components you can live with until you need to upgrade. The Performance bike is just one step above WallMart, you will have to change everything and still be with an entry level bike.

If you like the Kona Dawg, look for a slightly used or a new bike one from last years model, you can find them on Ebay at a decent price.

Look at this one, it's a great bike:
07 Kona Kikapu (yeah, that one)

[schleppp]

Originally Posted by Taco Jack

I'm hoping this is not against forum rules. PM me I have in my garage what your looking for. A Trek Fuel EX6 in need of a new owner.

Jack! This is the forum police speaking! PUT DOWN THE KEYBOARD AND NOBODY GETS HURT!!!

[Liquid55]

Just test ride them and pick out the one you like. I ride a Trek and enjoy it.

[vandeec5]

Thanks everyone! I will check out Switchback/Path after I go to El Morro tomorrow morning I want to make sure I am buying the correct bike that will last me a long time so i rather take my time and spend the money. Thanks all.

[OldDogDan]

There's some good advice given here. I agree with going to local bike shops (LBS) with a good reputation. You can find good deals on last year's models (like that Trek which was a 2007). Ride them. Ask a lot of questions. Pick your favorite 2, maybe 3 bikes/shops. Make a list with features (pay close attention to components) and prices, then go back to the same guys and get serious. Show them the list. Get best price and what they'll throw in (helmet, accessory $$, lifetime tuneups?). Then buy your choice, ride it a lot, and keep going back to them.

[new2mtb]

from these two bikes, the best bang for the buck is the trek. but i would go to the store and haggle the prices. They usually lower it down especially if its last year's model. if you are planning to ride a lot more i would suggest buying the next level up. So you won't outgrow it after a year. just my 2 cents.

[intensworks]

Would anybody recommend Iron Horse bikes? I see some that could hit the price target.

[mfoga]

I test rode a higher model of the Azure and liked it but wanted something that would be more all mtn then XC. But this would be a good comparison to the Trek.

http://www.rscycle.com/s.nl/it.A/id....&category=4959