|   MTB in the range of US$600-700 | sunpazed
Jan 9, 2002 4:40 AM | | Hey guys, hopefully someone can help me out!!
I'm looking at a MTB in the range of US$600-700 basing my selection purely on parts (frames are the same), and I've finally narrowed down a selection of bikes to the two you see below:
Avanti Barracuda US$700 (NZ based - avanti.co.nz)
Frame: 7005 Series Aluminium w/ Butted 3 Main Tubes
Forks: Rock Shox Judy TT 80mm travel
Brakes: Shimano V-Brakes
Full Shimano Deore Groupset
Rims: Weinmann Zac-19 Alloy, Machined Walls
Raceline Enduro US$650 (Aussie based - racelinebikes.com)
Frame: 7005 Aluminium, integ. headtube
Forks: RST Gila TL, w/ Preload 89mm travel
Brakes: Avid Speed 5 Levers, Promax Mechanical Discs, Formula DC22 Disc
Full Shimano Deore Groupset
Rims: Weinmann Zac-19 Alloy
Firstly, are Judy TT forks better than the RST Gila TL? and if so, significantly better? I've heard RST's floor out easier than RockShox.
Also the Raceline has Promax Mech Discs (DSK 3.0 I think) - I haven't seen these before, are they any good? They "look" fairly cheap in comparison to Shimano or Avid setups. Should I go for a better high-end V-Brake setup than a low-end Disc setup?
I've been slowly learning more and more - but any advice will help, cos I really want to pick up my bike before this weekend :)
Thanks
sunpazed (sunpazed@hotmail.com) |
| one of the best values | JimC
Jan 9, 2002 12:17 PM | | this year is the Giant Ranier. LX spec and Avid disc brakes, and a really good Marzocchi fork. The ones on your two bikes are both decidedly entry level, and the Promax/Avid/formula brake spec is, IMO, not a good idea.
I assume you're in one of the colonies down under, but check out the Giant...it should be around $750 USD. I can get it for $1149 CAD. Jim (Canadian colonial)
http://www.giantbicycles.com/us/bikes/030.000.000.asp?bikes=cataloguestep4&bikeid=10477 |
| re: MTB in the range of US$600-700 | Pete
Jan 9, 2002 12:42 PM | | Hey
Sounds like you may be from aus like me
As the previous reply said check out the Giant rainier the fork is shitloads better than both your other options and the brakes are Hayes cable disks which are well known and proven to work well.
I just bought the Giant SE2 which doesnt have disks but has a better frame and is pretty light for the price at about 25 pound
If you think there may be any racing in you future the SE2 would be the better option as the frame is about as light as they come the Duke fork is great and the bike is worthy of upgrades as required.
Check out www.phantom.com.au to check on the prices for these bikes and I've heard of prices as good as $1600 aus for the SE2 which retails for $2000
Email me if you want some more info or bikestore contacts
Catch ya
Pete |
| US Giants vs Australian Giants | makalu
Jan 9, 2002 1:51 PM | | Hi Guys,
I am 2002 Giant Rainier rig rider, and it puzzles me as to why United States Rainiers get Avid Mechanical disks, while Autralian Rainiers get Hayes disks.
Anyone know why??? |
| US Giants vs Australian Giants | makalu
Jan 9, 2002 1:57 PM | | Damn!
The Austrailian Rainier also get a SHimano crank and cassette. |
| It's a Commie plot | JimC
Jan 9, 2002 2:45 PM | | I see lots of US specs in mags as we all do, but what is offered in Canada is occasionally different.
Product managers spec parts globally, and since we are all cheap b@st@rds, and becuase of trade laws and tarrifs, parts specs differ.
that's my best guess, anyhow. Jim ;P |
| It's due to the Coriolis Effect in the Southern Hemispere... | Metroid
Jan 14, 2002 12:05 PM | | Just like the toilet fushing in the opposite direction. |
| re: MTB in the range of US$600-700 | Simon.r
Jan 9, 2002 6:45 PM | | Hi,
I live in Perth, WA and was looking at mountain bikes in that exact budget. Last week I bought a new 2001 model Gary Fisher Tassajara (www.fisherbikes.com). Great bike, full Deore groupset with Hayes mechanical disc brakes front and rear. Don't know where in Oz you are, but Bike Force in South Perth still have two more '01 Tassajaras with V brakes (med frame) and one '01 Trek 4900 (large frame - also a great bike - www.trekbikes.com) at good prices.
A friend of mine bought a Barraucda a couple of months ago which I've ridden a few times. It's also a great bike. I prefer the geometry of the Tassajara (more comfortable for ME, easier to climb hills, better acceleration) but you won't go wrong with the Avanti either IMHO. I would take the Avanti, Fisher or Trek in preference to the Giant - lighter frames, better spec equipment.
Cheers,
Simon |
| re: MTB in the range of US$600-700 | sunpazed
Jan 10, 2002 2:21 AM | | Hey guys thanks for the advice!
I've been looking for shops in Melbourne that stock Gary Fisher bikes to no avail, although some of the places I've rang in Sydney/Brisbane have the 2002 model going for about AUS$1999 - which is out of my price range. :(
For some reason the Barracuda doesn't feel as light or responsive as the Raceline - and the Giant Iguana is just too damn heavy.
I might get the Raceline Enduro and upgrade the Discs from the Promax setup to full Avid Mechanical.
Cheers guys! |
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