|   5 Spot at JensonsUSA is $2350 for complete bike...ummmm..> | Tim L.
Sep 18, 2003 5:56 AM | | yup, boys and girls...whats wrong here..i mean great of them to do that...its got XT kit, granted average avid brakes...but for christs sake..holy cannoli..2350 for a new turner 5 spot, complete...ummm, has anyone else seen this and thought, was someone just mistyping..but nope..i called them, very nice over there btw, good guys, answered my questions..i would buy it from them if i was in the 5 spot hunt, as it were im happy with my ellsworth ID..but once again..someone please shed some light here..to buy one of the best all around mt bikes for 2400.00 is insane...or am i for noticing...be well and keep riding... |
| Yes but what's the fork, wheels,... | Mario
Sep 18, 2003 6:29 AM | | You have the list of parts in the kit? If you do the math of the parts in the kit it probably works out to the price you list. What's the fork included, most people build the 5-spot with a Fox Vanilla, Talas, Z1, expensive forks. Most people also build it with expensive and light wheels, this build kit probably has a very basic fork and wheelset and those are two expensive items. Basic parts are extremely cheap with ok performance. It's really difficult to justify the dollar delta to performance between XT parts and XTR, however a lot of people are willing to pay this difference. Same applies to the frame, an Ells ID or Turner 5-spot frame is much more money for a little performance upgrade over let's say a Azonic Saber, Spec Enduro,...however, some people are willing to pay this difference in price to get the small upgrade in performance. I'm probably one of them even though I don't always admit it to myself!!! |
| So, you a Jenson employee, or just simply a hired shill? | esquire
Sep 18, 2003 6:36 AM | | LOL!! I'm just kidding with ya, no biggie.
I tried to find that price on their website, because if its true, I think we can save money, and buy from them instead of directly from Turner....
No, seriously, I think this came up sometime before, and there were some deficiencies in the build, specifically wheels and fork, if memory serves. Its a great price, for sure, but when you get down to the upgrades that people WANT for that bike, you are pretty close to where most smaller shops sell them for anyway. Basically, we would tell people who would like to put, say a Manitou Black Sport fork, on a Turner 5-spot, with Deore wheels, and a Dia-comp headset, to save their money, and build it up right. We just won't do it, and here's why: When the bike breaks down, because of components that are no-where near as rugged as the frame, and people ask the owner, "How do you like your 5-Spot?" unfortunately, most people judge the bike as a whole, and would say they've had bad luck. I wouldn't want to do that to a customer, and I wouldn't want to take the chance on sullying the Turner rep, by doing that either.
Therefore, we try to match components with frames, within reason, of course, because there is a range of quality components that should go on certain frames. Its the same thing with lower-end frames. I wouldn't go putting a Chris King ISO disc wheelset on a Giant Rainier frame, because it doesn't belong there. I'd "seriously" advise against it.
Esq.
www.boutiquebikes.com |
| "components that are no-where near as rugged as the frame" | Spiff
Sep 18, 2003 3:38 PM | | I really dont think a Black Sport fork and Deore wheels would have any problem in keeping up with this frame in terms of durability. Deore hubs are indeed heavy, but they do last.
The diference is more in terms of performance for the fork and lightweight for the wheels. Although most of people spending that much money in a frame are also willing to pay more for lighter and better performing components, the use of a fork with a simpler damper and heavier wheels will not handicap the bike durability (but you already know that).
Gui |
| You see, here's where I disagree.............. | esquire
Sep 18, 2003 4:49 PM | | I think a Manitou black sport fork is NOT as rugged as the 5-spot frame, and will fail faster and more often, when the bike is used for what the 5-spot is designed to be used for. Same with the basic Dia Comp headsets. I will, however, grant you that deore hubs are certainly tough, but again, as you illuded to in your post, its definately a performance difference, that makes items like this not really belong on a 5-spot frame.
As an aside, I called today, and they took my name and number, and said that someone would, "Get back to me" on whether that build is available. This is a sales gimmick, and if I'm wrong, I'd love to see someone's picture of a 5-spot, in that exact configuration. |
| You see, here's where I disagree.............. | Quattro
Sep 19, 2003 6:33 AM | | If I was in the market for a bike, I would certainly would jump on it. You are basiclly getting a frame with most likely a Fox shock(rear) and you are paying $350-$450(depending on wholesale Romic cost difference) for an older not top notch fork and a collection of sale parts. Just because it isn't equipped with super hubs doesn't matter. Those wheels will last for years. As for the rest of the build, those are durable parts that will last for years. If you bought a bike like this, you would most like keep it for a while.
Upgrading the fork would be a priority, but other than that, the rest is a great ride that could be upgraded when parts wear out. As far as durability, the Romic has had some trouble also. I would upgrade the fork and headset right off the bat. Some of us can't afford or can't justify spending $3600-$4000 on a bike every 2 years for high end parts that might not last longer than the cheaper sale parts. I'm not talking about Chris King headset and hubs as they are very durable. |
| I agree.... | esquire
Sep 19, 2003 8:51 AM | | but I think the point I was making, as well as others, is you can probably do just as well at an LBS, or at least close to as well, and get the local service and support you need, when making those changes in fork, etc.
BTW, I still haven't gotten my return call yet, that I need to see if this build is available......So my biggest question is, is it true? |
| You see, here's where I disagree.............. | Dougal
Sep 21, 2003 1:26 AM | | I don't agree about the durability, but that fork wouldn't be a good match performance wise for a 5-spot.
I'll be building up my turner with a whole lot of 3 year old well used parts. How does that sit with your durabilty views?
Dougal.co.nz |
| One of the best deals I have ever seen on a high-end bike! | Jaybo
Sep 18, 2003 7:47 AM | | The told me they would switch the fork out for a Duke insteed of the Manitou Sport. My thought was to switch out the parts on my old bike and sell it. Then, switch out parts. This deal has Thomson stem & post, Avid, XT, etc. It is really a killer deal even if you have to pay a bit more for a Fox Vanilla (perfect 5 Spot fork).
Jaybo |
| No doubt, I just can't seem to find it.......... | esquire
Sep 18, 2003 7:52 AM | | on their website....
Duke is better, true, but by no means will offer the equal plushness of the rear shock. Vanilla or Talas are both good options, with a good wheelset, headset, etc. |
| You have to call...the kit is layed out in MBA among other mags. | Jaybo
Sep 18, 2003 8:03 AM | | However, that said, I bought my Switchblade locally because I want to be able to haul my bike in and find some service. I get concerned about buying a complete bike from one of the mega bike retailers. I don't need a ton of service help, but one never knows when you would have problems. I think Jenson is a good retailer.
Here is the kit to the best of me recollection:
Thomson stem and post
Sella Italia Octavia
Cane Creek headset (can't remember model.)
Hutchinson Python tires
XT crank, BB, shifters, hubs, chain, cassette, and derailleurs
Mavic 317 rim
Maintou Sport fork (I would upgrade here if I was riding full bike and not switching out parts).
Easton riser
Oury grips
Avid Mechanical brakes (no problem here! Great brakes).
Jenson told me they would send me this bike for $2330 plus shipping. I really don't see any weak parts except the fork. The XT wheelset is a touch heavy, but very high-end in quality. I have no problem with that.
Jaybo |
| I agree with going to the LBS for a whole build | Bikezilla
Sep 18, 2003 9:11 PM | | I don't think a loss-leader build is the way to go for a high end frame either. But I can't speak for another person's budget.
As far as going local, I have to say for a whole bike that's the way to go.(for me) What with shiping, possible loss, damage, incorrect parts, defects...who'd want to risk all that and have to ship various things back and forth.
For me, the LBS was very close in price to the online retailers for a similar build.
I also received the service you can't get online. Switching stems week after week, switching shock spring, special adjustments, tweaking, advice and discounts on everything else.
Plus I support a local business, run by another avid biker who helps keeps the sport alive. And he leads some mean sunday rides.
-Bikezilla (JMO) |
| Huh? | Jaybo
Sep 19, 2003 2:08 PM | | At least in this part of the world. The Jenson deal is great except for the fork. Why pay more?
Jaybo |
| Gotta pay a shop to build it anyway....... | esquire
Sep 19, 2003 4:56 PM | | and use their own housing, etc., unless you want to do it yourself. I think Zilla's point is he'd just as soon pay the extra little bit of money for local service, and I can't blame him. Lets face it, if you are spending $2400 or more, on a bicycle, you probably aren't skimping too much, or at least you shouldn't be, otherwise your priorities might be a little skewed.
JMO |
| True, but Jenson would build it for $75 or I would build it. | Jaybo
Sep 19, 2003 7:38 PM | | If I were to buy it, I would build it myself; although, I don't need a hack at a shop to do it. I hear you, though.
Jaybo |
| True, but Jenson would build it for $75 or I would build it. | Bikezilla
Sep 19, 2003 8:13 PM | | That's cool.
Everyone has their ways. For me, for that kind of frame, and considering it my first FS rig, I wasn't up to building it myself and wondering if a problem occured, if it was my fault, a bad part or an alignment problem with the frame.
I just wanted to hop on and have fun. That way I could take my time learning how to wrench the bike, and still have it to ride.
As for having Jensen build it, well I'd rather be able to see the hack face to face.
Again, for the spec I built up, at the time, the online retailers weren't offering that much a better deal. And a little peace of mind can go a long way on the trail.
-BZ(but that's just me) |
| I hear you...it is not for everyone | Jaybo
Sep 20, 2003 6:22 PM | | If you have someone else build it then you can go back to them if you have problems. The thing about bikes is the work is cheap. I mean you can have a fork put on for $25. I don't blame some people for having work done at a shop. I'm just a cheap bugger. However, I have some stuff done at shops: headset installs, forks steerer cut, and disc brake work-bleeding. I have done all of it, but I don't like bleeding and I don't have the tools for the other.
Take care,
Jaybo |
| I've wrenched almost everything on my Hardtail... | Bikezilla
Sep 21, 2003 10:20 AM | | Removed and replaced the headset, the fork, cut the steerer tube and bars...everything but the crankset and build/true a wheel.
I'm not afraid to mess with the HT as I've had it for a while, and it's less complex.
The FS rig OTOH, I took the chicken $h!t option and decided to baseline it from a experienced wrench (LBS owner).
Props to ya for diving right in!
-Bikezilla |
| Not a total wrench...have limits! | Jaybo
Sep 21, 2003 6:23 PM | | For example, I don't replace sealed bearings on FS frames. I don't have the tools or the know how. I also am less then courageous when it comes to major fork repairs. I'm also not particulary good with disc brakes; I get all kinds of crap from people when I can't get my Marta's to work.
Wrenching can be fun, but it can be frustrating.
Jaybo |
| God help us all if Jaybo decides to build a bike.... | The Squeaky Wheel
Sep 20, 2003 4:09 AM | | No offense Jaybo, but you've already proven yourself to be a bit lacking in the mechanical department.
:o)
Squeak |
| I've built many bikes! | Jaybo
Sep 20, 2003 6:18 PM | | I've built both mountain and road bikes! I have only had problems with those freaking Magura brakes. Oh, yaw, those Maggies are being sent back because they are screwed up. Besides, I could build a mountain bike in my sleep. Are you my personal put down lurker now?
Jaybo |
| Me? | The Squeaky Wheel
Sep 21, 2003 2:28 AM | | I'm not the stalker type. I have much more important things to worry about. Sorry about the cheap shot.
Squeak |
| I'll never work in a shop... | Jaybo
Sep 21, 2003 9:05 AM | | However, I can turn a wrench need be! The mountain bike is not exactly rocket science to work on. That said, I certainly get stuck on stuff, but through effort and this site, I have learned quite a bit.
Jaybo |
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