buying full suspension in the spring.

stb222

Love Drunk
Jerk Squad
Where are you riding? My initial thought is you can save some money and get a nicer ride for a bit less money or about the same if you went with a hard tail.

NO! We aren't turning this into a 29er, HT or rigid thread. Although everyone should ride a HT for awhile to build skill, FS is just fun and lazy.
 

Norm

Mayor McCheese
Team MTBNJ Halter's
NO! We aren't turning this into a 29er, HT or rigid thread. Although everyone should ride a HT for awhile to build skill, FS is just fun and lazy.

If the majority of your rides are at Six Mile and Allaire, it's a perfectly valid question. Given the cash constraints it's an even better question.
 

ArmyOfNone

Well-Known Member
NO! We aren't turning this into a 29er, HT or rigid thread. Although everyone should ride a HT for awhile to build skill, FS is just fun and lazy.

Umm, everyone should ride a 29er period. But I dont want to influence anyone seeking answers. :D

If the majority of your rides are at Six Mile and Allaire, it's a perfectly valid question. Given the cash constraints it's an even better question.

Yea, Im just trying to save the man some cash OR get some more bang for his buck. You feel me Norm!
 

TonyC

Active Member
If the majority of your rides are at Six Mile and Allaire, it's a perfectly valid question. Given the cash constraints it's an even better question.

I was thinking the same thing.

I'd search for a nice used frame then build up to your specs. Check out the classified forum. Not sure what size frame you need, but there a Sm '08 Heckler for a great price. Had one loved it. Way overkill for anything lower then exit 117 though.

If you must go new than use your budget on the frame and nice wheels. Pick up a used fork and brakes then swap over other parts from current bike and you're in business.

How about a 29er SS? had to say it ;)
 

MEAN IRISH GUY

Horse-faced space dog
well im looking for full suspension becasue i would like to ride places OTHER than allaire and 6 mile, lol. i rode at chimney rock and allamuchy and hated my life on the hardtail im on, hahah.
 

TommyCrash

Member
MIG, I'm biased because I have one, but bike for the buck would be the Giant TranceX2. Under $2000 and run the parts to the ground and upgrade from there. Drop me a PM if you want to give it a try. I think we're trying to get to 6Mile Thursday evening 10/16.
 

mattybfat

The Opinion Police
Team MTBNJ Halter's
I'll throw in my vote for santa cruz heckler, I own a first generation heckler"97" and still my first bike to go to, also have nomad. I origanally bought it for dh, back then it won me 1st at the nationals at mt. snow and my wife got her 1st win on her heckler. what i'm tring to say the versatillity of a single pivot worked for this home. my wife and i still love our hecklers. go to mtbr and click fourms and then click santa cruz. Heckler porn up the wazu. you also may look at the superlight for a more xc bike.
 

Glancing Aft

Active Member
I'll add in the Jamis Dakar Expert or Comp. http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/08_bikes/08dakarxcrexpert.html. The Comp's MSRP is below your price point, and my girlfriend was able to find an Expert on clearance at this time last year for about $1800. They aren't too popular in Jersey but out this way they are the bike to have. Great handling and a good climber with a rather aggressive xc geometry. I think it's a great bike that's a really good bang for your buck.

That is of course if you dont want to get a 29er HT ;)
 

Steve Vai

Endurance Guy: Tolerates most of us.
i rode at chimney rock and allamuchy and hated my life on the hardtail im on, hahah.

That's where the 29er comes into it's own. You can't escape it, you're next bike will have big wheels:D

Albeit I agree with Freddy, you could buy a 'cross bike;)

-Jim.
 

tim.stevens

New Member
+1 for 29er over FS at chimney rock

I have to agree with jimvreeland and armyofnone. Tommyjay and I ride chimney rock regularly, one of our favorite rides. I sold my Rush and bought a Cannondale 29er and couldn’t believe how much faster I could ride at chimney rock. Climbing almost became easy because I can now power up the climbs, keep my speed up and not spin out.

I’m not sure if it’s the bigger wheels or if the bike fits me better or both, but for me the hardtail 29er rocks chimney rock.

Go to Halters, test ride Jay’s single speed 29er at chimney rock. That’s what I did because I didn’t even believe you could ride a single speed at chimney rock. I came back and was sold. Literally, I sold everything 26” and FS related and never looked back.

PS: It’s not because I’m young and can take a beating either. I’m over 40.

Tim
 

stb222

Love Drunk
Jerk Squad
If the majority of your rides are at Six Mile and Allaire, it's a perfectly valid question. Given the cash constraints it's an even better question.

yes, it is a valid questions but someone has to fight for the little wheels. Also, how tall is MIG, for the smaller guys I think 29er's aren't as good of an option (fire away boys)

OR...
You could just have one of everything like our crazy gang does...:D

This is why a fs is good for MIG. At this time it doesn't look like he can drop mucho cash for a ton of bikes. IMO is you are going to have one mtb bike, a FS is a good option and you can ride technical stuff and be sloppy and not pay dearly for it.
 

Judge Smails

New Member
I'd second looking at Jamis. You don't see many of them around, but everyone I know who has ridden one loves them. They are the first bike that comes to mind for me in your price range.

Also, I know you said you want to buy new, but I wouldn't rule out buying used if I were you. You can get a much better value buying used, and can always upgrade or replace components. For the most part "used" in bike speak only means some scratches or scrapes on the cranks.

Good luck
 

kimrey

New Member
piggybacking on this thread, because I hope to be buying two FS bikes (one for me, one for the wife) come Spring. I might go 29, but for the wife it has to be FS because of her height.

Since I've seen a lot of talk about used bikes, could someone post some "what to look for" tips. I know a few people riding Spec Epics with broken suspension, so they have it maxed out. FS bikes seem to have more on them to be broken which makes me nervous about buying used (and also pushes me toward an HT 29er)

So, any suggestions on buying a used bike - or links to advice?
 

idbrian

Crotch Rot
Chimney Rock doesn't require a FS, especially when you get used to the terrain. At your first couple cracks at the place though, not being used to rocks, a FS will be more comfy. But it isn't so much Chimney Rock that requires a FS. He probably wants to explore more of the rockier side of Jersey. Allamuchy, Mahlon Dickerson, Sourlands (eventually), and Ringwood and Wawayanda when he feels like traveling. A FS is definately helpful in those spots. Mahlon was my first many mountain bike rides. I saw a huge difference when i switched to FS there.

A lot of people keep suggesting you buy used, but you clearly state that you don't want to in your original post. Can you explain why you don't want to buy used? Then maybe people would stop suggesting it, including me.
 

clarkenstein

JORBA Board Member/Chapter Leader
JORBA.ORG
lots of good advice coming from all kinds of backgrounds...

IMHO - instead of debating FS versus HT (or 29 vs 26), i think its more of a do you want an all-mtn style bike or a more x/c oriented bike. sounds like you are looking more all mtn - something you could beat on if you are on the right trail for it. i think an FS is a great choice... and to throw another idea in the mix - there are all mtn HT's too - like the on one 456 (burly steel frame, one issue tho - welded derailleur (spelling?) hanger), the jamis komodo, or the evil sovereign. cheaper to maintain, and cheaper up front cash layout.

i ride a 29er HT mainly. I could've bought a great FS for what i paid, but i didn't for two reasons. one - FS bikes are more expensive to maintain (in general). there are more parts to break. i blew out my rear shock on my FS ride once - it weren't cheap to fix'd it. two - i feel quicker on a HT on climbs. i like to stand and mash on most climbs, and even on the best FS platforms you still lose something when climbing out of the saddle, and i need all the help i can get going up, so its HT for me. my next ride might be a FS or HT, but i know it will be more all-mtn oriented vs x/c oriented - i do like the on one 456 (it is burly-ass HT). i take my HT 29er to the sourlands and the like and have a great time, but i would like a ride i can just beat the piss out of, versus having to avoid some lines due to bike choice - for example, there's no way i am dropping off anything on my niner - that'll just be a good way to need new parts (like a fork, wheels, or even worse - frame).

if you are buying used check out the frame with a fine tooth comb. look for any signs of cracks. look at the components - do they look totally beat or do they look somewhat maintained? buying used makes sense (i have bought used myself and have had good luck), but just do your best to see any signs of abuse on the bike versus just normal wear and tear. if you are buying a full suspension - check your rear linkages for play too - could be a sign you might need new bearings/bushings - which wouldn't necessarily be cheap.
 

Takedown

Member
Not sure if anyone recommended them but IBEX prices are just to hard to ignore....amazing specs for nearly half the price of "name" brands

http://www.ibexbikes.com/

and the bike I went with but...I think I would go with IBEX
http://www.fezzari.com/products/index/Alta_Peak/11/17

I know we should support our local BS and I do, i bought my sons bike at the local Marty's, tune ups and a bunch of other gear but how can you ignore a $800 difference in price for the same specs. With the economy being what it is and the bike industry taking us for a ride (most bikes are made in the same factory by the same manufactures) you owe it to yourself to save what money you can.
 

bobkennelly

Member
I have to agree with jimvreeland and armyofnone. Tommyjay and I ride chimney rock regularly, one of our favorite rides. I sold my Rush and bought a Cannondale 29er and couldn’t believe how much faster I could ride at chimney rock. Climbing almost became easy because I can now power up the climbs, keep my speed up and not spin out.

I’m not sure if it’s the bigger wheels or if the bike fits me better or both, but for me the hardtail 29er rocks chimney rock.

Go to Halters, test ride Jay’s single speed 29er at chimney rock. That’s what I did because I didn’t even believe you could ride a single speed at chimney rock. I came back and was sold. Literally, I sold everything 26” and FS related and never looked back.

PS: It’s not because I’m young and can take a beating either. I’m over 40.

Tim

Im 51,and I have a 29R C-dale from J. For a year now.
I Love this bike!!
But, I still hesitate to this day to go to Chimny rck, I am very familiar with it,used to take my Jekyll there all the time. I run a 33x18 and can do Hartshorn comfortably.
What is your gear ratio for the Rock??
 
Top Bottom