as soon as you ride those a trip or two, you'll never want the platforms again. those are big heavy ass pedals. I even had crank bros candies once w/ this logic, but soon went to straight eggbeaters. i'd recommend normal Shimano SPD M520s or M540s.

5/30/2010 2:36:23 PM

I used Shimano PD-M324 pedals when I went out with Toyota4x4. They are awesome pedals. I really liked them.


However, I need help finding another Hardtail MTB because some asshat stole mine. If you find a 19" Gary Fisher Marlin for sale (black), please let me know...

Okay so, here's what I'm considering...

Disk Brakes are a must. As for whether they are mechanical or hydraulic, I'm not picky.
29er would be nice, but so would a very light bike (ie: CF frame). My goal is to get best bang for buck, while trying to be in the $1,500 ballpark. I know there's some that are a bit more, but again, I'm just feeling this out and would like your opinion(s) regarding each of the bikes. Suggestions welcome.

Here's my list of bikes I've looked at in no particular order.

Zaskar 9r Expert
Msrp $1999.99
On sale: $1099.00

Zaskar Carbon Expert
Msrp $2699.99

Gary Fisher Tassjara
Msrp: $1149.99

Gary Fisher X-Caliber
Msrp: $1589.99

Trek Elite 9.7
Msrp: $2619.99

Trek 6700
Msrp: $1369.99

There's a few more, but I'm going to go to a couple bike shops now to browse.

5/30/2010 3:14:54 PM

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_TeamTI_29_2010.htm

-29er
-Disc brakes
-Titanium
-$1999

There you go.

Here's a carbon 26er for $1499:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_9357_x.htm


[Edited on May 30, 2010 at 3:34 PM. Reason : ]

5/30/2010 3:32:19 PM

likely my new form of cardio for the rest of my life, i may not be able to run anymore

5/30/2010 4:09:46 PM

Quote :

"Here's a carbon 26er for $1499: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fly_9357_x.htm"

FRAME: Kinesis Butted 6061 Aluminum. It's not Carbon...

Hmm.. Titanium... Doesn't corrode... Light weight... Strong... I'll consider that...

I just rode on a Fuji Pro that was CF. The weight was maybe 3lbs lighter than my previous bike, which I weighed in at 29lbs. I guess I expected more weight reduction, but I understand the right fork makes a difference too as those are quite heavy. Maybe I'm making a bigger deal out of the CF. I didn't like the head angle, it was a bit too steep, thus making it "twitchy"

I'm starting to like that 2010 Motobecane FLY Team 29. Great price, and WAY more bike than I'll ever need. I wouldn't have to ever buy another bike... Unless this gets stolen too ( )

5/30/2010 4:55:57 PM

Bikesdirect is a great deal, you just have to worry about putting it together (or paying someone to put it together).

5/30/2010 8:36:22 PM

Yeah. That seems to be the biggest complaint. That and contacting them for support... They seem to run a thin staff for maximum profit margins... Anyways. I'm considering it... But then again, $2k is a lot of money... Too bad I'm not a millionaire

5/30/2010 9:33:40 PM

Well you can get a bike equivalent to those Trek/Fisher bikes you listed for like $900

5/30/2010 9:37:57 PM

True... I think I'm reanalyzing what I want to spend for my next one... I may very well wait and look for a used one for $RI

5/30/2010 10:47:46 PM

My strong advice is to try before you buy. fit is EVERYTHING. i once bought a good-deal internet bike and it almost killed mountain biking for me. It took me months to realize i just didn't enjoy riding it.

In that pricerange you should consider a Stumpjumper as well.

Gary Fishers use "genesis" geometry which means a long top tube. I'd test ride other bikes to make sure thats the fit you want.

5/31/2010 2:24:15 PM

Well, yeah. I think BD.com is for people who can fit themselves, that's the prerequisite to being able to save $1000.

5/31/2010 4:08:22 PM

not quite mountain biking...but theres some bmx tricks on the ncsu campus in there

http://www.vitalbmx.com/videos/features/Josh-Perry-Video-Interview,15853/terrellgordy,732

5/31/2010 5:47:26 PM

not quite mountain biking...but theres some bmx tricks on the ncsu campus in there

http://www.vitalbmx.com/videos/features/Josh-Perry-Video-Interview,15853/terrellgordy,732

5/31/2010 5:47:26 PM

Test rode a Gary Fisher Superfly. Felt freakin' awesome... But I can't justify the hefty price tag. But it is a beast of a bike... I think there's a authorized Motobecane dealer in Wilmington (so I've been told), but google has not been successful in finding one...

5/31/2010 10:35:37 PM

...and that's because there are only 2 authorized dealers and they are both online...

5/31/2010 11:26:29 PM

Definitely don't go with a Trek...you pay too much for the name. Fisher's seem to be a pretty good bang for buck bike. Haven't heard too much about the motobecane, but when I was looking I did notice that they seemed to be inexpensive.

If you go with bikesdirect and need someone to build it for you, Cary Cycle Surgeon did a good job for me. The proprietor, Matt Lodder, use to work for a shop in Cary that closed down. He now operates a shop out of his house. Has all the tools and really knows his stuff. Was cheaper than other shops too. Also, he didn't have that pompous attitude.

[Edited on June 1, 2010 at 8:56 PM. Reason : .]

6/1/2010 8:55:59 PM

^ damnit. I really enjoyed that ride with you too. I was looking forward to another. :/ I don't have the $$ to be tossing around on another bike right now (ie: motobecane). I'm going to keep my eye's peeled for a great deal on a GF Hardtail in the local area. I've ridden a few treks, and to be honest, I'm not comfortable with their Geometry. I like the GT Zaskars and I like the Gary Fishers... Other bikes seem to use a more aggresive head angle and/or shorter headtube which doesn't fit my ride style.

I appreciate the contact toyota4x4. I'll let you know if I require his service.

6/1/2010 9:51:00 PM

anyone here have a roof rack?

i was gonna get one, but it sounds like they can get pretty noisy and potentially reduce MPG. Whats been your experience on those two issues.

6/2/2010 8:45:40 AM

yea, you're gonna have noise, you're gonna have mpg issues

your bikes are also gonna get covered in bugs/road grit....might not seem like a big deal at first, but sure as fuck started to bother me after a while

6/2/2010 9:26:15 AM

I'm going to look at a Cannondale 2000 F2000 SL this Friday.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2000&Brand=Cannondale&Model=F2000%20SL&Type=bike

So... what's it worth? Like $100? Maybe $150? It comes with clipless pedals and "upgraded" brakes, though he hasn't stated what kind... I'm going to test ride it, and think on it (get the names of the components on the bike and do some research).

6/2/2010 4:56:07 PM

^ i don't know much about bikes...but if the mrsp was over 2k i would think it would be worth more than $100....

reviews: http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-hardtail/cannondale/f2000-sl/PRD_363504_1527crx.aspx

6/2/2010 5:42:38 PM

It's an old bike. (2000 Model Year) Nothing is fancy about it, really, or am I missing something here?

Ebay has ONE right now for $200. Shipping is another 50, but he's including some aftermarket components (bars, computer, etc). Components are old, even if they are XT. Maybe $300 then? I don't know... This is why I asked

6/2/2010 6:14:00 PM

if the bike is in PERFECT condition, i might pay $300

serious

6/2/2010 6:50:07 PM

Gary Fisher is owned by Trek. same company, two geometries.

6/2/2010 10:28:10 PM

^ This I am aware of.

6/2/2010 10:57:15 PM

anyone heard of First Friday? a friend recently told me about this and I'm thinking of checking it tomorrow night

6/3/2010 1:56:21 PM

Yeah... I went twice... A lot of pretentious people out there... However, the free orderves/wine make it really interesting

6/3/2010 7:46:23 PM

It was a good time last night...chill people. However, there were two bike casualties. I guess that's the foreseeable risk you take when riding a bike on the crowded streets of downtown Raleigh on Friday night.

6/5/2010 5:16:49 PM

heading out for a few laps at raccoon around 5 if anyone is interested

6/6/2010 3:29:04 PM

Finally got around to reconditioning an old diamondback that I had laying around. Got everything working yesterday and took it out to the Smith Lake trails (near Fayetteville). Pretty decent single track there, but it is sandy as hell so I bit it hard a few times. My shin is beat to hell right now. Had a great time, though.

6/7/2010 9:03:03 AM

Taking a weekend trip to the mtns, gonna try to get some riding in.

6/8/2010 9:00:08 AM

ok tww-mtb'ers.....riding in GBO tomorrow morning....quite likely in the triangle on fri early afternoon

any takers?

6/9/2010 11:39:38 PM

^ I would, but like I said, I'm taking a weekend trip to the mtns.

6/10/2010 8:32:17 AM

I have a friend asking for resources on where to mtb in NC. i know about http://www.trianglemtb.com/ for around Raleigh, but what are some good sources for info for rising on the Western and Eastern parts of the state?

Speaking of Triangle MTB, that site only lists like 30% of the trails around here. For the Triangle area, are there any sites which have a more comprehensive listing?


Also I put some new pedals on my bike last night...if anyone's looking for some non-clipless pedals with TONS of grip check these out.
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/PE707A11-Sunringle+Zu-Zu+Pedals.aspx?sc=FRGL

Lastly the new Performance Bike in Raleigh has a bunch of promotions going on this weekend. I know I'll be taking advantage of the 3 old tubes for $15 thing...that's like trading in trash for cash!
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_401001_-1_600000__

6/11/2010 4:38:33 PM

My GT Peace is still for sale.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/1708151359.html

6/11/2010 4:40:38 PM

Quote :

"Recycle your used bike tubes, get a FREE $5 money card - Up to three tubes. Get up to $15 in money cards! "

I've got punctured tubes, I wonder if those are eligible

6/11/2010 7:20:19 PM

doesn't matter...sounds like they're getting melted down anyway

6/11/2010 7:50:14 PM

Quote :

"I have a friend asking for resources on where to mtb in NC. i know about http://www.trianglemtb.com/ for around Raleigh, but what are some good sources for info for rising on the Western and Eastern parts of the state"

pretty please

as far as out west goes, i've heard about pisgh and solly(sully?) but i'm not sure what else is out there.


speaking of out west, someone mentioned this site to me today...pretty good reads: http://www.hickhucksters.com/

6/12/2010 9:12:53 PM

you mean tsali? (pronounced: sah lee)

6/13/2010 4:53:31 PM

Hooked up a old STX shifter/lever combo to a vBrake and it doesn't work for shit. Even if I adjust the barrel adjuster to the point that both pads are touching the rim it doesn't grab very hard when I squeeze the brake. I'm thinking this is because I'm trying to use a lever for cantilever brakes on a vBrake. Can anyone confirm before I buy a vBrake lever and individual shifter?

6/17/2010 12:55:01 AM

so a couple months back I bought a new townhouse off Ebenezer Church rd probably about 3/4 mile from the graylyn dr entrance to umstead park. I haven't ridden a mtn bike at all since the trek 800 I had back when I was in middle school, but I would like to take up riding again for excersize and fun. Since the umstead trails are so close i feel like i should be able to make it out a couple afternoons/evenings a week.

So I am looking for a good bike to start out with, but I also want something that will be able to handle the intermediate trails/downhills hopefully in the near future as I get more confortable. Most likely a hardtail? So far I have checked out a Cannondale F5, Gary Fisher Marlin and a Specialized ?, all in the ~less than $900 range.

Then today I went to the new performance bike store on falls of neuse and was looking at a 2009 Fuji that was $1500, but seemed to be a really good deal (CF frame, Shimano SLX components, remote lockout, clipless pedals, etc), the original msrp was like $2300. I liked the fit and the basic test ride that I took, but they don't really have anywhere to take the bike offroad for a test, so I couldn't get a really good feel. Does anyone have any knowledge of Fuji in general compared to the other major manufacturers? I am listing the specs below...looking for any input i can get.

2009 Fuji Mt Fuji Pro Mountain Bike
BOTTOM BRACKET: Shimano Exterior Bearing System
BRAKES: NEW Shimano SLX Hydraulic Disc, 180/160mm Centerlock rotor
CASSETTE: Shimano CS-HG50, 11-34T 9-speed
CHAIN: KMC HG-73
CRANKSET: NEW Shimano SLX, 22/32/44T alloy outer ring
FORK: Rock Shox Recon SL Air, 80mm travel w/ PopLoc remote
FRAME: Monocoque C-4 carbon frame with custom uni-directional carbon strands, integrated aluminum cupped head tube, double water bottle mounts.
FRONT DERAILLEUR: NEW Shimano SLX, 34.9mm
GRIPS/TAPE: Fuji Lock-On Kraton rubber
HANDLEBAR: Fuji Pro Riser 15mm double butted aluminum 31.8mm
HEADSET: Ritchey Logic Zero Comp 1 1/8" press fit integrated, 30mm spacers
LEVERS: NEW Shimano SLX
PEDALS: Xpedo MF-3 Clipless
REAR DERAILLEUR: NEW Shimano SLX Shadow
REAR SHOCK: NA
SADDLE: WTB Custom Rocket V Comp
SEATPOST: Fuji Pro forged Alloy micro adjust, 350mm
SHIFTERS: NEW Shimano SLX Rapid Fire, 27-speed
STEM: Fuji Pro alloy oversize, 1 1/8"
TIRES: Continental SpeedKing 26 X 2.1" foldable
WHEELSET: Rims: Mavic XM-317 Disc, 32H Hubs: NEW Shimano SLX Sealed Bearing Centerlock Disc, 32H
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1074360_-1___

[Edited on June 19, 2010 at 2:28 AM. Reason : moar]

6/19/2010 2:26:50 AM

^ have you considered a used bike at all?

6/19/2010 2:57:00 PM

^^ Buy my bike

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/1708151359.html

6/19/2010 3:06:59 PM

What stores around raleigh would have a decent selection of used hard tails?

6/19/2010 5:06:43 PM

None?

6/19/2010 5:22:41 PM

so where i can find a decent used hardtail then? Craigslist doesn't have anything good...

6/19/2010 8:41:22 PM

http://www.trianglemtb.com/

6/20/2010 2:17:56 PM

Anyone see this vid yet?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5449Fi_PCc

Confession: I broke that "bridge" at that bump sign once...

[Edited on June 29, 2010 at 4:30 AM. Reason : .]

6/29/2010 4:29:20 AM

Im thinking about upgrading the brakes on my Mountain Bike.

Currently i have a set of combo shifters/v-brake levers. I installed some cheapy tektro disc brakes but honestly the v brakes were better at stopping the bike.

Im going to try swapping them for another set of brakes, however, im afraid it may have something to do with the lever pull.

Is there any thing i cna do to ensure that the lever pull is enough?

Any way to retain the shifter part of the combo and use the new brake levers?

7/13/2010 1:37:09 PM

^ if its the shimano lever/combo shifter (as I imagine it is). You'd have to buy both new levers and pod shifters.

I doubt that its the levers though. It's probably the "cheapy tektro" disc brakes that you got. Plus, I'm betting that they are mechanical disc brakes. If you want the best stopping power I would upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes.

On a related note, does anyone else have problems with their rotors getting slightly bent and squeaking? This just recently happened to me after I had a little spill. Is there anything that can be done? Or are the only options to deal with it or get new rotors?

On an unrelated note, I just noticed that JensonUSA is advertising on TWW. They have cheap prices and good customer service. I definitely recommend them.

7/15/2010 2:52:59 PM