To you mountain bikers

[blefevre]

So in a brief search of bike prices/options it looks like around 1200-1000 or so is about where we want to be. Fisher Cobia, Specialized RH Expert and the such. We will be taking a trip to wheat ridge cyclery because they seem to have a good selection.

[bernzpeed]

Ebay is a good source when you already know what you want. I bought a 2007 Trek Top Fuel 9.8 (carbon frame) for only $1501.00. The best $1500 I've ever spent. I've gone 38mph going downhill on it. You might find good deals there. Sizing is important aside from the group components. Good luck on your hunt.

We are going to buy mountain bikes before spring. We really don't know much about them. We know a fair amount about road bikes, good brands, components, etc. We have never really looked at mountain bikes though.

We are looking for recommendations. If anyone has a good website that will provide us with information on what features are good or a waste of money that would be great. Of course the biggest questions is between hard tail vs soft tail. We would probably want to spend around $800-$900 per bike.

[Bimmerman325i]

How tall are you guys? I would recommend going the 29er route with tubeless tires (I can set them up for you easy). The bigger tires run at lower pressure (like 20psi if you are lightweight), will give you a surprising amount of compliance which will feel similar to suspension. There are plenty of entry level 29er hardtails out there to choose between.

How expensive is an entry level decent 29er? I was impressed with Clark's.

[blefevre]

The 29'ers we have been looking at around around 1000-1300. There are a few models below those and a lot of models above those.

[blefevre]

This is the one I am looking at.

http://ridewrc.com/product/10-gary-fisher-x-caliber-60946-1.htm

Or

http://ridewrc.com/product/11-specialized-rockhopper-expert-29er-74804-1.htm

[Bimmerman325i]

Talk to Clark, he has a 29er hardtail and a full suspension bike too. Or I mixed that up, and the 29er is the full suspension.

[clarkkey594]

Talk to Clark, he has a 29er hardtail and a full suspension bike too. Or I mixed that up, and the 29er is the full suspension.

You had it right the first time around.

[blefevre]

How do you like the 29er hardtail?

[clarkkey594]

How do you like the 29er hardtail?

One this is for sure: I will never be buying another 26in tire bike. The HT is awesome because it is super light and very very responsive/puts power down best but can be a bit harsh on longer rides depending on your cockpit setup/seat and seatpost setup.

[Cloudbase]

If you go the 29er route I would recommend 10 and older Gary Fisher (In 2011 Trek consolidated Gary Fisher into the Trek Fisher Collection), Specialized, and Niner. Geometry is important on a 29er, if it isn't right they have a tendency to dive in turns making steering less agile. Fox redesigned it's 29er fork for Gary Fisher changing the offset slightly. I believe Specialized followed suit. Niner's have a similar geometry. The other important thing is to get sized right. People have a tendency to get a smaller bike in a 29er than a 26er, but then have to run a longer stem to compensate. A longer stem will reduce steering response similar to early 29er geometry. Wheel size has nothing to do with bike fit. Get fit by a competent shop (Wheat Ridge, U Bikes) and don't run a stem longer than 105mm max. The Trek Store in Boulder was blowing out 10 models, you might look at their website. Still won't be as cheap as Craigs.

[blefevre]

I am pretty convinced on the 29er hardtail, but I will look at others when I go to the stores.

Here are the ones I am going to look at.

1. Specialized Rockhopper Pro 29er
2. Specialized Rockhopper Expert 29er
3. Gary Fisher/Trek X-caliber
4. GF Cobia

I will look at Niner tonight.

Any thoughts on those bikes? Having a non-salesperson's opinion is always good to have before looking at them in-store. I am sure it is easy for them to see a new person and have recommend the most expensive bike.

I need to look into the warranty, if any. I would like to buy new if possible.

thanks for all the help, I am learning a lot!

[benjamin]

sometimes it can be nice to go new, but as others have said i highly recommend taking your time on craigslist. bicycles depreicate ridiculously quickly, and you can find some real gems at a fraction of msrp without exerting too much effort. i feel like there are a lot of people in the boulder/golden area with phat wallets who get into mountain biking with high hopes and lose interest rather quickly. and being winter, id imagine people would be willing to take less right now than when the season starts.

case in point, i bought a super clean 2007 santa cruz nomad from some kid in highlands ranch on craigslist last summer for $2,000. they are fuggin $$$ new.

as far as hard/soft/26/29 goes, you and your wife just need to get some time in the saddle. i love the comfort of soft tails on long rides, and the strength of 26 inch wheels because im a big boy (6' 4'' 204lbs). i ride a lot in moab (porcupine specifically) which is known for being hard on equipment, which had a lot to do with my decision.

you are more than welcome to come to fort collins and take my nomad for a spin, but it more than likely wont be your style. :up:

[clarkkey594]

I am pretty convinced on the 29er hardtail, but I will look at others when I go to the stores.

Here are the ones I am going to look at.

1. Specialized Rockhopper Pro 29er
2. Specialized Rockhopper Expert 29er
3. Gary Fisher/Trek X-caliber
4. GF Cobia

I will look at Niner tonight.

Any thoughts on those bikes? Having a non-salesperson's opinion is always good to have before looking at them in-store. I am sure it is easy for them to see a new person and have recommend the most expensive bike.

I need to look into the warranty, if any. I would like to buy new if possible.

thanks for all the help, I am learning a lot!

option 1 and 2 are very similar just different components. I personally like Specialized and Niner frames but GF's are awesome as well. You really have to just ride a few of them and see how they fit you.

[monkeytaco]

i recommend this.

[Cloudbase]

Ha. I love that bike. I rode one at 24 Hours of Moab a couple years ago. I felt like Batman on this truck tire motorcycle in The Dark Night.

I've got a Gary Fisher Superfly, it's got the same geometry as the X-Caliber. It's an XL. There's a 20 mile loop through the Marshall Trail network we could do from my house. If you want a real test ride you are welcome to ride it and I'll ride my cross bike. That would give more than just a ride around the block to get a feel for it. But if you're not over 6' it probably won't fit you.