Mountain bike recommendantion - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #16 10-11-2002, 11:12 PM

Where else can one get so much advice on just about any subject, including mountain bikes...

JCE-John: Thank you for the offer, but I think that you're taller than me. I need a bike with standover height of 27 to 28 inches. Anything taller than that, and I might be in deep trouble should I fall off the saddle and hit the top tube

Max: I built my own road bike. In the late 80's, when I was really into road riding (and doing a few centuries) I bought a Bottecchia frame and fork and put the bike together from the ground up using Campy and Shimano Dura-Ace componets. That was a lot of fun and it enabled me to get the bike-component combination that I wanted. But I have more obligations now and less time to play at being a bike builder

JoelS: I have heard nothing but good thing about Gary Fisher bikes, especially their Genesis geometry. The Hoo Koo E Koo is a nice bike and has a good mix of components. I am not all that crazy about the color, a silver-candy blue combination. I really like red, loud color bikes

The Kona Caldera, Cinder Cone and Lava Dome look good and have nice components.

The search goes on. My current mountain bike is OK, but I want a better hill climber and better components, including disk brakes. The company that made my current bike went out of business, but the bike still has a loyal following (check them out at www.parkpre.com ).

Thank you for all the suggestions, please keep them coming.

Smalk · #17 10-12-2002, 02:39 PM

I bought a Cannondale Jekyl last year and love it. This is the time of year where you may be able to find a "demo" bike from a local dealer and get a good deal. Also, if they're sitting on some inventory going in to winter they may be willing to look at an offer.

#18 10-12-2002, 02:56 PM

I just got a new mountain bike. A 2003 Honda Rincon 650cc ass kicker.

#19 10-12-2002, 05:33 PM

I ride a mid-range Giant hardtail myself. My roommate has a similar Specialized (Hard Rock hardtail) and SWEARS that it's a superior bike, despite weighing the same, using the same components, costing similarly, etc.

Has anybody had experience with trails on the "North Shore" of British Columbia, near Vancouver? I'm pretty limited around Seattle....tiger mountain, etc. Would like to branch out.

Quote:

I just got a new mountain bike. A 2003 Honda Rincon 650cc ass kicker.

Well, if you don't like pedalling your own weight around....

-Sam

#20 10-13-2002, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mbz380se

Well, if you don't like pedalling your own weight around....

-Sam

Maybe if you had 4 herniated disc's in your neck you would understand why I don't ride up mountains via pedal.

BENZ-LGB · #21 10-15-2002, 09:07 AM

...on a mountain bike.

After reading your recommendations and visiting a number of websites I've decided on a new mountain bike...

(Drum roll please.............)

A new, flaming orange and black (perfect for Halloween) 2003 Cannondale F400.

The price is right (under $800). I really wanted to keep my expenditure under $1k, so this was a good deal for me (at the bike shop I was told that an $800 bike is considered a "budget" bike. Yikes!!!

). There were a lot of other bikes in this same price range, but the F400 has the best mix of components for the price. Plus it is entirely handmade in the USA (go America!

). The joint welds are just beatiful and the flaming orange and black paint is creamy smooth.

The frame material (aluminum) was not my first choice, I personally prefer steel bikes. Steel frame bikes, however, are getting harder to find. Aluminum bikes are very, very light, which should help while climbing hills. The bike has front suspension (no rear suspension bikes for me, they look too weird) with a special lockout feature that allows the rider to lock the front fork (it is like locking out a car's shock absorber to keep the car from going up and down) while climbing. With the lockout feature the rider can avoid the dreaded "bob" and thus spend less energy while climbing. The rest of the component are middle to upper middle level Shimano (or other companies).

I'll pick it up this Thursday and go out for a long ride on Sunday.

Gee, I feel like a little kid!

Thank you for your help, comments, suggestions and specially to you JCE, for your generous offer to lend me your bike...

#22 10-16-2002, 01:16 PM

congrats on the new bike! you can't go wrong with the price you paid and you can always change things you don't like. should be a fun ride for you this weekend!

Lebenz · #23 10-16-2002, 01:36 PM

Way to go on the new toy! Okay, I expect to see you at our cain this weekend for a ride!

BTW what does "Res non semper sunt quae esse videntur" translate to?

BENZ-LGB · #24 10-16-2002, 11:49 PM

...it means:

Things aren't always what they seem to be...

Everyone: Thanks for all the advice...bikes are a lot of fun (to ride and to work on).

Jim Anderson · #25 10-17-2002, 12:34 PM

But aren't sometimes things what they seem to be?

Lebenz · #26 10-17-2002, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BENZ-LGB
...it means:

Things aren't always what they seem to be...

Amen to that!

placo1 · #27 10-17-2002, 06:09 PM

Benz LGB,

If you haven't already purchased the bike I'd gladly put in some input. I used to work for a bike shop for about 3.5 years way back when which dealed, Trek, Cannondale, Kona, Diamond Back, GT, Specialized, Lightspeed, Pro-Flex (Now K2), Giant and a few other specialized frame builders.

The way we sold a bike was first determining budget. You've decided under a $1000 which will get you a great hard tail bike.

Next you need to determine riding style. Yours is on/offroad not excessively agressive. Consider a less agressive tread for your tires and a more upright stem/handlebar angle as an option. If your shop is a good one they will make the changes at not cost to you.

Finally I would go for the bike which feels best to you when you ride them, there is no compensation for a good feeling bike. You'll find you enjoy it much more and you'll ride it more often. You'll also need to decide if you want to spend more on a high end fream (IE Cannondale) and get lesser components or get the better components right off.

That said I live in SoCal and would be glad to answer any other detailed questions regarding components etc. Just email me at placo1@msn.com.