Anyone know anything about mountain bikes? (and bored enough to answer some questions?)

I am looking into getting one- hopefully soon. I really like the Specialized line. I had one before and it was pretty nice.

I like these two:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkM...sid=06Hardrock

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=13297

The second one is a woman's bike. What is the difference? Does anyone have any suggestions? Or ride something they really like?

I want a good bike that I can add on to if needed later on. I cannot justify over $900.- at this point and that's even pushing it.

The women's specific will have a frame gemotry that is specific to a womens torso and not a mans torso as will the general and mens bikes.

Specialized make pretty good bikes. It all comes down to your budget and what you like and how it fits.

You might be able to ride a mans bike and get a comfortable fit, then again the womens specific might give you a greater comfort and or riding position.

Now as far as brand preference goes, my wife and 2 daughters all ride specialized. As for me I have 2 Giants, 2 Treks, and a Intense M1.

Find a reputible local bike shop and go do some test rides. PM me what you find and what you like and I will let you know my opinion. Your budget of 900 dollars should get you something pretty decent, unless you plan on racing...then we need to talk thousands!

Thanks DD - I will prolly try some if I get a chance this weekend or early next week. I might take you up on pming some questions if that's okay.

If I think about it, Men prolly do have to have a different position than Gurls.

Kona makes fun stuff. Pretty good value.
www.konaworld.com

Kona, Hawaii also has a great brewery. Therefor, their bikes have to be great as well.

The hardrock one looks cool - especially if it had some spinnas!

another Kona rider here. solid!

in your price range: (they go $6k plus)

Kona- Lisa HT

Kona- Caldera

Kona- Hoss

Kona- Blast

Kona- Cinder Cone

$999 bad ass Full Susp bike- Kikapu

any one of these Kona's would do great at scraping up your knuckles and knees

never been a Specialized fan, so I can't help you out there.

I googled Co-pilot and bicycle and wouldn't ya know.....There it was......The perfect bicycle. It's even named Co-Pilot!

Here are the spec's!

The Co-Pilot includes:

20" Rear Wheel
Quick folding hinge for easy assembly & storage
Heavy duty frame that fits most mountain bikes
New design also fits 27" & 700c wheels
Quick adjustment seat post and attachment hinge
Co-Pilot can coast or pedal independently
Includes safety flag
Assembly required


Going with this bike would really be an ego boost for Ken cuz he would always be in front.... He would never feel threatened... And you would never beat him to the top of the hill....

Anyways, Here's a Pic.....

How about a Christini "two wheel drive" mountain bike. http://www.christini.com/index2.php

Do any of them come with coffee holders?

Oh yeah, and a Pea-Pie basket?

CP,
If you go specialized, get something from the STUMPJUMPER line. It's a step up from the Hard Rock, but definitely worth it.

CP,
You can't justify over $900? The Stumpjumper would be over $900. The Hardrock is a decent bike, like the Honda Accord is a decent car. I wouldn't want to take the Hardrock on hard core trails.

If you really want some fun, go for a Yeti ASR-SL or 575. You can even custom order one in pink! I just got one of those, but they're a weeeee bit over $900.

I have no preference for either.

Be careful around them. They can easily get stuck under the Hummers frame. If they get into the wheel well - good luck getting it back out easily.

I am going to check them out today maybe. Thank you so much for the suggestions and links. I really appreciate it. Kona looks good too. I have a bicycling magazine that has a consumer guide- I just saw that the Specialized Hardcomp was a good starter- then I saw the wominz section and all these other choices online. I got cun-fus-id.

Motherf<span class="ev_code_BLACK">u</span>cker (), I like the Kikapu a lot. It has "mooseknuckle" grips- must be made for wimin.

I have a bag like that for Pea-Pie that goes in the car. I straps around the headrest and back- so she will be safe and can see out. I will have to look into a Pea Pie basket for my bike. I don't like that one "mounts in seconds" scary. I don't want to lose my lil' Peepers.

Not a problem at all CP!

The key to good bikes is the components (derailers, brakes, cranks, etc). These can always be upgraded later and individually so start with a good frame and suspension

In truth, I do own and ride a mountain bike... I only ride it behind the gates though. It is about the only way to get back far enough down the logging roads to where the elk are and it makes packing one out a whole lot easier.

For me it's not about the quality of the bike so much as it is the strength and the durability. I need to be able to ditch it on the bushes and still be able the have it hold the weight of a quartered elk for packing out.

potty mouth! but, yes, I can be one sometimes. I have those grips on my bike too, everybody needs mooseknuckles.

I used to race till i gained alittle weight... I think your best bet if Daddy will let u.


http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2002_Ful...ct_86860.shtml

I think the problem with full suspension bikes are how they're used. they're great downhill but a lot of work on flat ground. all that flexing wears you out faster and is unnecessary for banging around the hood and the local park. but of course they look cooler


agreed?

Yes and No!
Depends on the quality and type of dual suspension bike your riding. Most of the higher end dual suspension bikes use VPP or some form of the Horst linkage of which Specilized hold the patents and rights too, but did not develop it...i.e. Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Intense, etc. You can set them up for a no bob platform. Depends on if your out doing a casual ride or racing. Casual trail or bike path ride cushy is okay, your not hammering....when XC racing everything is pretty much locked down, you only need suspension for the bigger hits and want zero bob on your climbs. If your racing DH well thats a whole different setup and I doubt thats what CP is looking for.

It all comes down to budget and what your going to be doing....

Yes and No!
Depends on the quality and type of dual suspension bike your riding. Most of the higher end dual suspension bikes use VPP or some form of the Horst linkage of which Specilized hold the patents and rights too, but did not develop it...i.e. Specialized, Giant, Santa Cruz, Intense, etc. You can set them up for a no bob platform. Depends on if your out doing a casual ride or racing. Casual trail or bike path ride cushy is okay, your not hammering....when XC racing everything is pretty much locked down, you only need suspension for the bigger hits and want zero bob on your climbs. If your racing DH well thats a whole different setup and I doubt thats what CP is looking for.

It all comes down to budget and what your going to be doing.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I would have to concur with Him. My bikes all have lockouts......It comes down to price.

after riding one a few years ago, I haven't gotten back on one. I'll have to check em out again.

Heres plush and no lockouts! 8" front/10" rear travel with floating disc brake

Here is a pic of my mountain bike - taken this morning, it is a Kona - I like it.

It doesnt handle for crap when you run over a Gator though.

sweet! did you run up and grab that gator by the tail?

love that bike and rack! I need to look into front reciever hitch options for the h3.

Not that one - it was a huge bastard - I did get closer to this one though.

We have some wild off road obstacles down here in Florida.

ANDY! That's NOT real is it?!?!?!


Albie, I like that one and "Daddy" might okay it- depends on how many "favors" I'm willing to give - I just got a new car and -a puppy that cost just as much as that bike.

Sweet bike DD.

You guys are starting to talk nerdy and it is making me block you out. I will not do anything hardcore- maybe try a few jumps on slick rock in Moab or the occasional log or tree root here at home. Mostly just for throwing on my ipod and booking around the neighborhood or light dirt/sand off-road trails in the State park near-by.

I didn't look at them today- I will prolly wait till Kenny gets home. I get nervous talking to sales people by myself. Specially when I will be mounting stuff and asked how things feel- it will freak me out.

Yup it was definately real - here I am having a mental breakdown and touching one.

and looking the wrong way

I have a Gary Fisher Joshua XO - I use it quite a bit, and have been really happy with it.

Specialized Hardrock in the garage for home use, Hummer bike at work to ride during lunch.

J.

I have an Ironhorse for a year or two. I like it. Check out Randall Scott Cycles on the web, some pretty good deals!

2005 Stumpjumper. Love it. Very light. Great ride. Great component package.

CP, Get this NOW!

Yeti ASR-SL: