|   Which bike? | JennIjen
Mar 28, 2003 2:43 PM | | I am in search of a new mountain Bike. I have been researching my options now for a few weeks. I bought the "Buyers Guide" to Mountain Bikes along with some other books. I went to a local bike store and was looking at the GT iDrive 2.0. It is a full suspension bike. Then while at another store, the sales person said that GT went bankrupt and their product has deteriorated and he recommended a Specialized bike. My price range is around $1000. I haven't done much biking but have high hopes that i will love it and become an enthusist. I have been gathering other's opinions of FS vs hardtail etc. I need some more advice. I am 5'3 and about 115lbs. Which is the best for me? What brand? Pros and Cons? Any advice would be greatly appreciative.
Thank you
Jenn |
| whew...here goes... | JimC.
Mar 28, 2003 3:01 PM | | OK. 1st ...FIT IS KEY. You know those shoes you bought that didn't quite fit? Yep, you don't wear them because they hurt. Same with a bike. Dust-collector in garage..you've seen 'em.
1) find a bike store (LBS) that you like and trust. You're looking for the best combo of **performace, value, and service**. The shop should...
2) fit you correctly. They may swap the seat, stem and handlebars to get you on a bike with that "ah, THIS feels right" comment. Check http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/, it's a bit long but worth it.
3) your'e smaller, so many suspension systems will be too hard-sprung for you. Ask the LBS what they will do, and recommend, for your weight. Likely an air shock (in the back) and air fork in front will be best. Just my best guess.
4) GT is OK, but more importantly, what kind of trails would you like to ride? Then we can help a bit better.
Brand name bikes are good, like Specialized and GT and TREK and so on.
Some companies make WSD (women-specific design) bikes because they know you might have longer legs and a shorter torso than we men. check out TREK, Gary Fisher for ideas.
Hope that helps a bit, let us know what and how you want to ride so we can steer you a bit better?
Good luck, Jim |
| Agreed, find a LBS you like & trust, plus... | Scott_in_Jersey
Mar 28, 2003 3:35 PM | | consider the women specific designs, for example the Santa Cruz Juliana or a active, light full suspsension design (since your light). The Weyles dualie at Supergo (yes, a mamouth mail order demon) is basically a clone of the Santa Cruz Superlight, but "way less" expensive. The debate over full or front suspension is one of personal preference, but keep in mind the terrain & type of riding you'll be doing most frequently. You might also like some of the Cannondale dulies, the V shape frame offers lots of standover clearance for short legs. Just some food for thought. Good luck. Scott (in NJ) |
| Another thing to consider.... | FreeRangeChicken
Mar 28, 2003 3:45 PM | | ...for your $1000 target price you'll be able to get a pretty nicely equipped hardtail. Probably mostly XT level components and a nice fork. You won't be able to touch a full suspension bike with the same level of components for the same price.
I do own a full suspension bike now also, but I'm really glad I started on a hardtail. My personal view is (and I kow others differ on this) that starting on a hardtail makes you a better technical rider.
JimC offered good advice. Fit is of paramount importance. When you're comparing bikes compare components on those bikes.
Here's the different levels of Shimano components:
XTR - really expensive, light, not much performace/durability gain over XT
XT (or Deore XT) - Great performance, great durability
LX - good performance, okay durability
Deore - modest performance, lower durability
Good luck on your purchase |
| go dual. life is good on a dual. | fff
Mar 28, 2003 3:56 PM | | look for year end models.
the sugar is a nice design. |
| |
