Cycling and bicycle racing discussion forums.   View New Forum Topics
Today's Forum Topics

Set as homepage


Go Back   Cycling Forums > Mountain Bikes > General Mountain Bike Chat
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Welcome to CyclingForums.com

You are currently viewing our website as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions. You will have to register before you can post to this thread.

By joining our free online community you will have access to post new topics, communicate privately with other cyclingforums.com members (PM), respond to polls, upload photos and access other special features like product reviews and classifieds.


New hardtail - any suggestions?

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 01-08.-2003, 04:25 AM   #1
mikefrommi
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 19
Default New hardtail - any suggestions?

This will open a 5 gallon bucket of worms I bet.

Decided against putting a suspension fork on my Bridgestone MB-5 and invest the money into a new MTB. Prerequisites are:

1. Suspension fork
2. $600 - $800 budget

Optional upgrade items:

1. Disc brakes
2. Full suspension (if you're gonna dream, dream big is what I say).

As I shop, what are some of the good components (deraillers, forks, etc.) to look for? If you could list them for me from top of the line down to bottom of the line, that would be great.

Looking for some input from all of you experienced MTB'ers out there!
mikefrommi is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 04-08.-2003, 09:54 PM   #2
terrafirma
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1
Default Re: New hardtail - any suggestions?

I just bought a Specialized Hardrock Pro. It is a hardtail with Marzochi Forks (100mm travel) and mechanical disc brakes. MSRP is $610 US bucks
terrafirma is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 05-08.-2003, 08:55 PM   #3
rek
Registered User
 
rek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 1,200
Send a message via ICQ to rek Send a message via MSN to rek
Default Re: New hardtail - any suggestions?

Is it safe to assume US dollars?

Shimano MTB component group sets in decreasing spec are:

XTR
XT
LX
Deore
(I forget the exact order of the lower end, but at this price bracket you shouldn't see them anyway)

For your price level you'd be looking at either Deore or a Deore/LX mix (assuming a hardtail.)

I can't help much with suspension forks, sorry -- though buying a full suspension bike at this price level will likely mean significant compromises in component spec elsewhere (drivetrain/brakes/etc.)

Brakes; stock you are most likely going to be looking at good V-brakes or decent mechanical discs, which at this stage of development are quite good. My last MTB had them, and I had no complaints. (The next level up are hydraulic disc brakes.)

A few points to make is that local bike stores will likely have their prices set somewhat below manufacturer RRP .. and now is a good time to buy in terms of sales and discounts, as manufacturers are bringing out the 2004 models; store owners are keen to sell their 2003 stock to make way for them.
__________________
Peter
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Scalpel Cyclocross Ultra
rek is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 20-08.-2003, 05:04 AM   #4
Alnamvet
Senior Member
 
Alnamvet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 149
Default

Cove Handjob or Salsa CroMo fraame with Deore components should get you within your budget; shop the internet sites for parts...nothing wrong with left over NOS 8 speed stuff from Shimano.
Alnamvet is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old 20-08.-2003, 08:03 AM   #5
ireman_1
Mullet hunter
 
ireman_1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Oregon
Posts: 595
Default

You have gotten some good advice so far. At a pricepoint of $600 to $800 I would stick to hardtails, if you buy new. Just like Rek said, if you go to a full suspension bike the componentry is going to REALLY suffer. The frame and suspension design will be solid and well thought out, but they have to save money somewhere since there are added manufacturing costs and additional components for a full suspension bike. At $700 you could get a good hardtail with mechanical discs that will take you all over the mountains. Try to stay away from Hayes mechanical discs. They make outstanding hydros, but their mechanicals are far behind Avid's performance and a little less desireable than Shimano's mechanicals. Aim for an LX drivetrain with some form of discs. If you are patient you could find a deal with an XT mix of components. You could get SRAM 7.0 at this pricepoint as well. If you like the gripshift idea (some don't like them, I love them); that is just a preferene thing though. Have fun shopping and please check out the online shops for deals. Try to get forks with some form of external damping and adjustments. You should have good luck finding Manitous on several models that would be good for you. Marzocchi is a good brand as well.

K.
__________________
Don't give up, don't ever give up.


Disciples Of Dirt
ireman_1 is offline  
Reply With Quote

Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump



All times are GMT +10. The time now is 01:29 AM.


Powered by: vBulletin Copyright © 2000 - 2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 2001 - 2006 cyclingforums.com

Links to websites we like:
Pezcyclingnews | Cyclingnews.com | Wine Zone | iinet