MockTurtle Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 hehe went through the same process last month. also my first full suspension bike. had my heart set on a fuel ex 8 (cons: cost... specs). ...then santa cruz blur lt (cons: availability, support, cost). ...then anthem x1 (almost bought this actually...). ...but in the end i bought a trance x1. i'm not really a 'racer', and i'd rather have the extra inch of travel. yeah am still getting to know her. for sure its definitely more bike than i am a rider at this stage... http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs007.snc1/2844_70981628558_620453558_1586395_4826836_n.jpg
Daxiet Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 Can't say I am a fan of GT's , but I have seen a number of well spec'd versions out there at reasonable prices. What you should look at is weight, spec, price and how the bike suites your ride profile. Brand really doesn't matter.
splat Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 Nice bike MockTurtle - Is that yours?I dunno if its the camera angle or what, but that seat looks really low compared to the bars...
Iwan Kemp Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 Not very impressed with the ride profile' date=' it should be awesome for descending serious declines, but I think it must be a pain to climb with. Best described it feels like I would imagine a Harley Chopper would. Very steep angle on the front fork, with your weight very far back.[/quote'] Don't agree. Trance doesn't have lax angles. Not even close. Maybe if you're used to a super steep angles XC racer. Trance is a lot closer to a long travel XC bike than what it is to a trail bike. Depending on year model the Fuel could be a bit heavy and have some rear flex. But you have to power it through corners to realise that. Both are great bikes. If possible demo both (on a trail, not in the parking lot) and go with the one you like best. Not much in it.
PappaBear Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 This discussion always involves Specialised, Trek, Giant, etc..... How come people completely disregard the "better value for money bikes", like mongoose and GT? Just wondering.....
MockTurtle Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 This discussion always involves Specialised' date=' Trek, Giant, etc..... How come people completely disregard the "better value for money bikes", like mongoose and GT? Just wondering..... [/quote']...I've always thought Giant was also 'value' brand (taiwanese mass produced)?but yeah those Mongoose Teocalis are also good value! Nice bike MockTurtle - Is that yours?I dunno if its the camera angle or what' date=' but that seat looks really low compared to the bars...[/quote'] yep, that's my new baby... thanks! sheeez you've a sharp eye! seat was at lowest point when photo wastaken - i have to lower it to fit the other bikes on the bike rack
Iwan Kemp Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 Those guys need to work on their brand awareness.
Daxiet Posted April 14, 2009 Posted April 14, 2009 This discussion always involves Specialised' date=' Trek, Giant, etc..... How come people completely disregard the "better value for money bikes", like mongoose and GT? Just wondering..... [/quote'] refer to Page 2 GT has been mentioned. I blame Mongoose for not being on peoples to consider list. After all you walk into Sportmans Warehouse and you'll be greated by a host of low end Mongooses. So you first impression of Mongoose is that they are a low end entry level bike manufacturer. It is hard to change that perception. I have however seen some very good Mongooses, but in the back of my mind the doubts created by my first introduction to them arise. So it comes down to some mistakes in marketing.
L.T.G Posted April 15, 2009 Author Posted April 15, 2009 i can get a new, not used, '08 EX9 for 27K.....what you guys think?
Daxiet Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 How much does it weigh? Long travel front shock does add weight. Other than the weight concern, it is an awesome looking bike, with very good spec components. So if it weighs around 11.5 or less kgs, take it!
Daxiet Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 That's a tad too heavy for that price. My vote is look into the Anthem X1, claimed weight of 11.5kgs but you'll need to confirm that. Get the shop to plonk the bike on their scale. Trust me when you're doing a 100km MTB race and you're climbing hills coming out of your ears, you want as little weight as is possible while still having the comfort of a DS. Worst is when there is a portage and you need to push or carry that extra weight.
splat Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 My Medium X1 weighs in at about 12.5kg. Those claimed weights are a lie - usually no pedals, tubes or oil in shocks etc.You may have to spend quite a bit to get down to the low 11's
Daxiet Posted April 15, 2009 Posted April 15, 2009 My Medium X1 weighs in at about 12.5kg. Those claimed weights are a lie - usually no pedals' date=' tubes or oil in shocks etc.You may have to spend quite a bit to get down to the low 11's[/quote'] Thus get them to weigh the bikes in front of you, regardless if it is Trek, Giant, GT or similar. A lighter DS that can at least handle a water bottle (not behind the seat) is of greater importance.
splat Posted April 17, 2009 Posted April 17, 2009 That sounds more like it!Show us a pic when you get it.
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