What bike to get?

[SweetSVT99]

looked at a few bikes this weekend and I'm more confused than ever on what to get, hardtail vs FS. Just from riding in the parking lot FS was really cool. I saw 3 FS bikes that were slightly over my limit but would be willing to purchase. Just wondering what you guys thought of these bikes. 09 Trek Fuel 5.5, 08 GF HiFi. or a '09 Giant Trance X4.

I was in your position two years ago. I had no idea what to buy, kept hearing "compare components groups", couldn't decide on Hard Tail, Disc Brakes, blah blah blah.

First and foremost, I wish someone would have told me how worthless Full Suspension is around here. Sure, when I'm feeling lazy I like taking out my FS, but there is no reason to have one in the QC other than to impress chicks on the bike path. Yeah that's right, I rode my FS on the bike path. :banana:

If you have a grand to spend, you can get a pretty nice HT (and this is where most people will say compare "component groups"). Most of your mainstream bike manufacturers are priced similar to one another. One might have a slightly cheaper brake so they can put a slightly better rear derailleur and vice versa, but the fact is they are almost the same bike.

The bottom line is: Stick with a HT SLED and go ride every one that each LBS has. Don't worry about making the perfect purchase, because there isn't one. You will get yourself a good bike that you can build your skill set, learn what the term "component group" really means and HAVE FUN with.

[AG]

I was in your position two years ago. I had no idea what to buy, kept hearing "compare components groups", couldn't decide on Hard Tail, Disc Brakes, blah blah blah.

First and foremost, I wish someone would have told me how worthless Full Suspension is around here. Sure, when I'm feeling lazy I like taking out my FS, but there is no reason to have one in the QC other than to impress chicks on the bike path. Yeah that's right, I rode my FS on the bike path. :banana:

If you have a grand to spend, you can get a pretty nice HT (and this is where most people will say compare "component groups"). Most of your mainstream bike manufacturers are priced similar to one another. One might have a slightly cheaper brake so they can put a slightly better rear derailleur and vice versa, but the fact is they are almost the same bike.

The bottom line is: Stick with a HT SLED and go ride every one that each LBS has. Don't worry about making the perfect purchase, because there isn't one. You will get yourself a good bike that you can build your skill set, learn what the term "component group" really means and HAVE FUN with.

Well put my knobby friend, well put.

[gfarb]

Thanks for all the input it really has helped. I went out yesterday and looked at bikes again. I have decided to just go with a HT, but now have to pick between a 26 or 29er. Took a 08 GF Cobia at Trek for a spin and it felt really good but left me wondering with the bigger dia tires how would the maneuverability be like on the trails. What are your thoughts? I know a few of you have offered to go out with me and let me try one of your bikes and would like to take you up on that. This would give me a change to try some different bikes out on the trails and meet some fellow bikers. PM me with a date and time that will work for you and I will see if I can coordinate that time away from the family.

Thanks, Greg

[Bexter]

I agree with SVT. HT is the way to go for our area.

I have found that on my 29er, I roll over stuff more easily and the big wheels mask some roughness that you might feel on a 26er. I feel like I am faster on my 29er, but that might be because it is a singlespeed. The maneuverabiliy isn't as good on the 29er and I have found the bit heavier wheels make a difference when pulling the front end up (could be my womanly wimpy upper body strength). The 26er is more lithe and agile. The 26er is more responsive when turning and cornering. It seems to take slightly more energy to get the 29er rolling as compared to the 26er, but the 29er momentum when rolling is beautiful. Test ride both sizes, see how they fit and feel. That's your best guide.

[SweetSVT99]

Thanks for all the input it really has helped. I went out yesterday and looked at bikes again. I have decided to just go with a HT, but now have to pick between a 26 or 29er. Took a 08 GF Cobia at Trek for a spin and it felt really good but left me wondering with the bigger dia tires how would the maneuverability be like on the trails. What are your thoughts? I know a few of you have offered to go out with me and let me try one of your bikes and would like to take you up on that. This would give me a change to try some different bikes out on the trails and meet some fellow bikers. PM me with a date and time that will work for you and I will see if I can coordinate that time away from the family.

Thanks, Greg

You're right, maneuverability is sacrificed slightly on the 29er. I do stress, SLIGHTLY. Like Bexter said, I feel smoother on my 29er, which equates to more confidence. As others have offered, you are welcome to ride any of my bikes as well. If you want to ride every different bike known to man though, get with AG! I suggest you bribe him with a 6-pack of something dark

[AG]

Greg, Come on over put the 6er in the fridge.

[Bexter]

Greg, to be ultra cool, you'e going to need to add riding the lime geren Redline Monocog 29er to the list.... if you're Ok test riding a chick's bike.

[noyzsource]

I just got a Cobia 29 and love it. I was surprised at how agile it is. I feel that I can do everything on it that I could do on my 26" GF. It also has just the right amount of component upgrade vs cost. I only have 6 hours on it and 3 of those were at Fleck's but it really does feel good.

You won't regret the 29er.