Who knows their mountain bikes?

[sil3nt]

I just hit the local MTB track on my no suspension bike. I will kill it if i keep riding it like i do so i would like something more appropriate. Can anyone recommend a good bike for less than $1000? There are so many out there and and salesman in a cycle shop is just going to sell me anything they can.

Have been doing a bit of research but again so many different bikes hard to tell whats going to be crap and what isnt.

[Bald Eagle]

GN250 oughta do it

[neels]

I just hit the local MTB track on my no suspension bike. I will kill it if i keep riding it like i do so i would like something more appropriate. Can anyone recommend a good bike for less than $1000? There are so many out there and and salesman in a cycle shop is just going to sell me anything they can.
You should be able to get something decidedly reasonable for up to $1k if you're only after front suspension.

Not all sales people at bikes shops are crap, when I bought my last bike they had a chat to find out what I was after, then put together a custom build for less than a lower spec bike they had on the shop floor.

Just do the rounds of the shops and you'll soon get an idea of who's looking after you and who's ripping you off, and the sales pitch will probably educate you a bit on what's good and what's not.

[MisterD]

Can anyone recommend a good bike for less than $1000? There are so many out there and and salesman in a cycle shop is just going to sell me anything they can.

Just like buying a bike with an engine, look at everything and don't buy anything you haven't ridden.

I've just been through the process and added an Avanti Aggressor 29'er to the fleet basically because it's running better componentry than the other brands I looked at (I've got 100mm travel Rockshox air forks versus the 80mm Rockshox spring jobs that the equivalent Specialized had as an example) plus I only have to suffer Shimano hubs, everything else is SRAM :clap:

If you end up with an Avanti, Scott, Specialized, Giant, Marin, Kona... at a just sub $1k price point you'll have a decent bike that'll last a long time.

[Headbanger]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Dirt-bikes/auction-357639182.htm

[avgas]

When buying a mountain bike is it s good idea to buy reasonable quality frame. It is also a good idea to put good quality fuel in the engine.

I think Avanti is the best "middle-of-the-road" brand. And being a NZ product have a guess where they test it.

[Okey Dokey]

I am stoked with my Avanti mtb- great quality and shimano components. Plus there are shops eveywhere if you need help/service.

[scissorhands]

Doesn't really matter what you get from the top 5 makers as most components are interchangeable and the frames prolly come from the same factory.

I like jump bikes, strong frames that are a little heavy and grunty forks. Or trials I have always liked but never had a proper trials bike.

You'll get heaps second hand for $1000, reading online reviews for a model will reveal weak and good points of any bikes you consider

from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10712245

Cycling: Kiwi BMX stars shine at international pro event

New Zealand BMX cycling stars Sarah Walker and Marc Willers made it a double-double celebration when they took out the finals of the international meet at Pukekohe yesterday.

After winning the finals of the UCI Oceania continental championship on Saturday, the pair completed a successful weekend in winning yesterday's professional event involving leading riders from Australia and the United States at the Supercross track in Puni, near Pukekohe.

The 22-year-old Walker won all three motos and the final to complete an unbeaten weekend in her first competitive racing for five months.

"I tried to be aggressive and really concentrate on my own race and on my own game plan," Walker said. "While I have practised hard on and off the bike, you don't know how you will go until you get out and race.

"Now I am looking forward to the first World Cup Supercross in South Africa. This weekend has been a good boost for my confidence."

The 25-year-old Willers, rated among the top five riders in theworld this year, also showed hisclass.

After winning all three motos, Willers was drawn between leading Americans Nic Long and Dave Herman and New Zealander Kurt Pickard, who beat the Cambridge rider at the nationals on the same track last year.

"I am happy to come home and get the two wins. It's been a good start to the season and now I head back tonight to prepare for the next round of the American championship and then on to South Africa," said Willers, who is based in Southern California.

Pickard, who has been added to the squad to compete in South Africa, finished second ahead of American Corben Sharrah.

Pukekohe rider Trent Woodcock-Takarua topped the qualifiers and won the final to win the junior men's division from Saturday's winner Daniel Franks, of Christchurch.

- NZPA

[steve_t]

If you're looking to buy new, go see Dave at Cycletime, Kahikatea Drive. He's a good guy and has given me fairly sizeable discounts

[sil3nt]

Went into RR sport. Dude there was very helpful. Pointed me towards the Giant Talon and Boulder. Didn't ride them but it gives me a few models to research. Told him i liked the GT Avalanche 2.0 (after doing a bit of reading about them) but they have none in my size.

Went off to cycology where the salesman threw me on a Scott Something (Aspect maybe?). Didnt really like it.

Then he got me on an Avanti Montari (dont remember which one). This felt better than the scott and they told me it had a few better components. Asked what the next level was from these bikes (they were around $750) and he showed me the Aggressor (don't remember which number). This was $1599 but he said he could take $500 off.

Will check out other stores this week. Got no money so will have to start selling stuff to afford a new bike.

[MisterD]

Scott Aspect and Avanti Montari are pretty comparable bikes - designed to be a bit crusier and more comfortable. Aggressors and the Scott Scale family are more XC race oriented geometry - a bit more stretched out and carrying a bit more weight on your hands.

I'd sort that area of thinking out first - what type of bike are you after?

[steve_t]

Cool. There are a few different Montari models. The base model doesn't have hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic brakes are WAY better than mechanic ones.

The Aggressor looks like a nice step up. Does it have the Rockshox Poploc handlebar mounted lockout switch? It must do, but thought I'd better ask.

Spec-wise, the Talon and the Aggressor seem very similar so it'd be interesting to hear how far apart they are re price.

Sweet. Good luck with selling your stuff. Pukete Farm Park is convenient and close and they regularly change the track so you don't get too bored too quickly

[sil3nt]

I'd sort that area of thinking out first - what type of bike are you after?Not really sure. I don't need a bike for commuting as my current bike fits that purpose well (and i have 2 more back home if anything breaks).

So i guess i am after something that is really focused for offroad. Plan is to use the Pukete park mtb track and head off to the redwoods in rotovegas when i can (and maybe even woodhill).

I really don't know anything about bikes. Anything i do know is from research on the internet.

So the different types there are and how they perform and feel are complete unknowns to me.

[sil3nt]

Pukete Farm Park is convenient and close and they regularly change the track so you don't get too bored too quicklyI have been meaning to go there for years just never got around to it. Yesterday i decided to go ride the river walks so set off from the Uni down to Ham East and rode across cobham drive until the walk ended. Then i thought the pukete farm park isn't too far from here so rode down the road around the waste water treatment plant and came in the front. Rode the inner loop and loved it. Then went back and rode the full thing. Took what seemed like hours! Then i realised i could get in a back way by waste water plant and didn't have to ride around like i did :facepalm:

Then i had to ride back to the uni. Took about 3 hours total. Loved it all except the brutal ride thanks to no suspension.

[scissorhands]

........So the different types there are and how they perform and feel are complete unknowns to me.

Downhill, freeride, cross country, dirt jump, trials and all the combinations/hybrid designs of these 5 basic types of MTB

Keep your commuters for the road, they wont get stolen. Try riding some friends bikes first if you can. I always try different surfboards and it really improves the relationship with your steed

[Blackshear]

I've got a 2002 specialized bighit FSRIII, full suspension jobby and an ally frame (Still weighs in at 22kg). Paid $1400 for it 4 years ago and have since spent a few more $$$ (Most notably 2x bottom bearings, one was old, the replacement got lime shit and grit in it somehow, latest going 3 years strong) and urgent attention needed on the fork seals and rear bushing ($$$$$).

I would like to think that a Giant STP1 would be a great entry into the jack-of-all-trades race. Just bring a clued up mate should you most likely go second hand.

[sil3nt]

Forgot i had been looking at the GT Chucker a few months ago. Can't find a whole lot of info about it though. I understand its a jump bike but not sure how this is different from a XC bike?

http://www.gtbicycles.com/nzl/chucker-1-0

[sil3nt]

Alright went off to cycle time but the GT Chuckers were all gone. No biggie was more curious than anything. Guy there suggested the Giant Talon or he said he could bring a full suspension Haro (must have been shift R1) down to around $1000.

Now the question is whether i need full suspension or just a hardtail.

So the bike list so far is

Giant Talon
Haro Shift R1
Avanti Montari
Avanti Aggressor
and a GT Avalanche 2.0 if i can find one.

All bikes within a hundred dollars or so of a grand.

[steve_t]

FS can be a pain in the butt if you're riding up hill a lot. As much as they say it won't bounce, it will and it'll sap your energy quickly. I wish my rear susp had a lockout too!!
The Haro Shift R1 looks like good value apart from the mechanical disc brakes.
If you can get the Talon for $1000, I'd say that's the best of the bunch cos it's got the Rockshox forks and hydraulic discs

[sil3nt]

Yeah FS does not really appeal to me. Now to find some money.

[MisterD]

If you can get the Talon for $1000, I'd say that's the best of the bunch cos it's got the Rockshox forks and hydraulic discs

As do all the Aggressor family...

Another thing to consider - ask your LBS about swapping the tyres to something decent. Most bikes at this level come with multipurpose kind of things which are no real use offroad - I swapped out the standard Kenda Karma on my Aggressor 29 for Nevegals otherwise I'd have been going straight on at every corner around Woodhill. Dunno what your tracks in the Tron are like but Woodhill gets real slippy sandy when it's dry.

I'd highly recommend running a fatter tyre in the front (I go 2.2 up front and 1.9 or 2.0 at the rear)

[Drunken Monkey]

Forgot i had been looking at the GT Chucker a few months ago. Can't find a whole lot of info about it though. I understand its a jump bike but not sure how this is different from a XC bike?

http://www.gtbicycles.com/nzl/chucker-1-0

The frame will be a lot stronger on a jump bike than XC.

[MisterD]

The frame will be a lot stronger on a jump bike than XC.

Geometry will be different as well - the jump bike will be shorter and slacker angles. The Chucker has a head angle of 68 deg versus 70.5 for the Avanti Aggressor. Comparing @ similar seat tube lengths (383mm for the GT, 380 for the Avanti) the Avanti has an extra 10mm in the effective top tube length and then a 90mm stem versus the GT's 60mm.

Basically means you can get bigger air for fun and stand a chance of riding away with an intact bike but on a twisty singletrack trail you'll struggle to carry anywhere near as much speed through corners or climb as efficiently.

In my book DJ = for kids, XC = for grown ups :dodge:

[sil3nt]

In my book DJ = for kids, XC = for grown ups :dodge:I'm somewhere in the middle :bleh:

A few years ago i read about a possible track going to be made in Pirongia. I see they are now making said track. Would give quite a few options close to home for riding.

[Drunken Monkey]

In my book DJ = for kids, XC = for grown ups :dodge:

You're just saying that cos you can't get big air. :P

That's my excuse for having a XC, anyway...

[MisterD]

You're just saying that cos you can't get big air. :P

That's my excuse for having a XC, anyway...

Not so much "can't" as "too scared to":baby:

Plus I'm an old school "no right to enjoy the downhill, if you haven't ridden up the hill in the first place" MTB'er.

***Edit***

Did I say how much I love the 29er? I think I need to singlespeed it though....

[k14]

For 1k I would be careful in buying a FS bike. For that price they will usually be crap. To get a decent FS you need to spend closer to 2k for something that won't be a step backwards compared to a 1k hardtail.

Go with Giant, I'm biased having a Trance X1 for a few years now. Love it to bits and even though it cost me $3k I would happily spend it again. You have different terrain up there though, down here a FS is nearly compulsory. Up there you will be fine with a hardtail.

[sil3nt]

The FS bike that was offered to me for close to a grand had a normal retail price of $1800.

What is the advantage of a single speed? I can only think of weight saving.

[k14]

The FS bike that was offered to me for close to a grand had a normal retail price of $1800.

What is the advantage of a single speed? I can only think of weight saving.
There is virtually no advantage of a single speed. People do them more for the challenge involved in riding one, they have special races just for people on single speeds. Anyone riding one is a nutter in my books :clap:

[sil3nt]

Awhile ago my bike wouldn't change gears (and i have zero idea on how to fix them even though people say its easy) so i set it on the hardest gear and rode everywhere like that. Good way to get fit. And probably break the bike faster.

Can't say i fully understand why a MTB needs 27 speeds.

[steve_t]

Big gear riding is part of the training regime recommended for the round taupo ride. It develops power/strength.
While there is reasonable overlap of gear ratios, riding some MTB parks will soon show you why you need the spread of gearing

[Blackshear]

Big gear riding is part of the training regime recommended for the round taupo ride. It develops power/strength.
While there is reasonable overlap of gear ratios, riding some MTB parks will soon show you why you need the spread of gearing

I love my 9 speed downhill fully 26" front 24" rear :P

[steve_t]

I love my 9 speed downhill fully 26" front 24" rear :P

Do you go to Woodhill and get the shuttle to the top?

[k14]

Can't say i fully understand why a MTB needs 27 speeds.
Well I raced the motatapu on Saturday and probably used at least 23-24 of the gears. There is a bit of overlap so you actually only have about 15 or so different ratios, overlap stops you having to change front chain ring often if you are on some rolling terrain. The amount of gears you need depends on the type of riding you do. Here in Central Otago I do everything from flat riding on rail trail to 1300m ascents (and decents) to rolling XC type. I would be lost with anything less than 27.

[sil3nt]

Girlfriend just rang me up to say bikebarn has 50% off MTBs. Forgot about that store. Wonder which bikes though. Had a look on their website and two bikes appeal to me (after yet more research ie googling).

The Marin Northside
http://www.bikebarn.co.nz/Product/E11252/Marin_2011_Northside_HT_Trail_Series
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/northside-trail-8536

And the Marin Bolinas Ridge
http://www.bikebarn.co.nz/Product/E11288/Marin_2011_Bolinas_Ridge_Disc_Mountain_Bike
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/bolinas-ridge-10096


So off to yet another bike store tomorrow. Then there is that place called rocketbikes which has always seemed a little cheap so might avoid it.

[Latte]

I love my 9 speed downhill fully 26" front 24" rear :P

Sounds like a bighit!

And shuttling at woodhill? really?

[Blackshear]

Do you go to Woodhill and get the shuttle to the top?

Only been to woodhill a handful.
Didn't know there were shuttles there, you takin the piss? :banana:

[steve_t]

Only been to woodhill a handful.
Didn't know there were shuttles there, you takin the piss? :banana:

I've only been there a few times myself but remember seeing vans with bikes headed up the hill. A mate suggested it could be a shuttle but a second thought is it was probably for a downhill competition. I have some mates that helicopter to the top of mountains to snowboard down so figured it might be the same, but I can't see anything on the Woodhill or Redwoods website about it. I reckon it could be a good money maker :drinkup:

[MisterD]

There is virtually no advantage of a single speed. People do them more for the challenge involved in riding one, they have special races just for people on single speeds. Anyone riding one is a nutter in my books :clap:


:Oi: I resemble that remark!

It's a zen thing dude...there's just something about the simplicity of a singlespeed bike, you get none of that chain clatter and chatter from the gears and whatnot, shed a heap of weight and it makes riding a bike fun like it used to be when you were a kid - you just get on and pedal.

Round somewhere like woodhill with only quite short ups and downs I'm as quick on my 26er ss with all of 65mm fork travel as anyone on a fully - it's quite funny really, they blast past on the downhill, fail to put any distance on you on the flat, then there's this kind of pause and a bunch of clicking while they decide which gear they need and I just stand on the pedals hammer at the hill and byyyeeee!

The 29er will be going round Colville next year, I'm not mad enough to attempt that on one gear...

[ac3_snow]

What is the advantage of a single speed? I can only think of weight saving.

advantages would have to include:
much extra awesomeness!
extra sexiness
and allround simplicity..ness!

[sil3nt]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.

[steve_t]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.

Did u test ride? Make sure you're happy with the brake feel. Read a few mixed reviews on the Juicy 3 brakes

[sil3nt]

Did u test ride? Make sure you're happy with the brake feel. Read a few mixed reviews on the Juicy 3 brakesNot overly worried surely they can't be worse than my rim brakes which squeak so loud im sure i wake the entire neighbourhood every morning.

Brakes are upgradable!

From what i can tell the frame is good and so are the forks and rims.

[MisterD]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.

Good call! I had Konas back in the late 80's / Early 90's...think I even had a Cinder Cone at one point but I went through a spate of thefts in Newcastle...really well sorted and thought out bikes.

An air fork on a $1000 bike is a good deal indeed (same model as on my 29er), and don't worry about the brakes, my Juicy3's are outtasight better than the V brakes on my SS!

[Dave Lobster]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.

That's the best one you've picked so far. My Kona is over ten years old, and it's still awesome.

[neels]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.
If you can do that bike for around $1000, it's a good spec bike for the money.


Can't say i fully understand why a MTB needs 27 speeds.Start doing some return trips up some big hills and you'll figure it out, if you need the lowest to get up you're going to need the highest coming back down.


There is virtually no advantage of a single speed.
I had one of my bikes as a singlespeed for quite a while, nice and simple and gets you in the mindset of keeping speed for the uphills and bashing up, rather than pissing around changing down a bunch of gears and losing all your momentum.

[sil3nt]

So i left my details with bikebarn and they said they would call me once they sort getting the bike from Auckland (no sizes in hamilton). Figured this would not take long. Went in today and he said hes waiting for an email back from head office to see if they can do it :rolleyes:

WTF.

These guys have had an entire day to sort it out and after initially sounding like they could send one down from Auckland it seems like now they have to ask permission from head office. As there are only 2 left i want to know rather quickly.

I went to RR sport last year to get a snowboard. None in the size i needed so they got one sent down from Auckland all organised on the same day and delivered about 2 days later.

Salesman at bikebarn doesn't seem to care. When i walked in yesterday the mechanic came out to help me as the salesman just ignored me. The mechanic was the most helpful of anyone i have talked to. He actually knew what a good bike was and wasn't just giving me any old crap that was in my price range.

Really don't want to go drive to Auckland but it might be the easiest way.

[steve_t]

Man, that sux. Wouldn't have happened at Cycle Time :Pokey: :cool::banana:
I hope head office gives the OK. It'd really suck if they said no :nono::spanking::argue:

[Usarka]

mtbr.com - kona cinder cone review http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-hardtail/kona/cinder-cone/PRD_363358_1527crx.aspx

Just remember that some reviews on the site are from owners looking to justify their purchases, and some having a vent, but if you keep that in mind the sites worth a look.

[sil3nt]

mtbr.com - kona cinder cone review http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-hardtail/kona/cinder-cone/PRD_363358_1527crx.aspx

Just remember that some reviews on the site are from owners looking to justify their purchases, and some having a vent, but if you keep that in mind the sites worth a look.Trust me when i mention a model here i have searched out every review that has ever existed on the bike :bleh:

If i can not get the Kona i might try hunt down this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/hardrock-pro-disc-09-33654/

About $1500 but hopefully a bike store can knock that down.

[Usarka]

Trust me when i mention a model here i have searched out every review that has ever existed on the bike :bleh:


Lol that's what the interweb is for innit. I like specy's but that's mainly because my old Epic gave me a boner.

[ckai]

Ok just went to bike barn. Very close to getting this http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=cinder_cone

Just sorting funds.

Personally, the way I look for any bike is by it's running gear i.e. shifters and derailiers. The more up-speced they are generally everything else is specced up. I have a 15 year old GT Avalanche I brought for $150 about 5 years ago. I then spent about $700 upgrading everything.

The more and rougher you ride, the more your derailiers get a HAMMERING. Get bottom of the range and you'll be having trouble within a few years and you'll be constantly adjusting them since they won't hold well.

I put Shimano LX on mine and this was when they only had the XT and XTR above them. They've never even needed adjusting since and they've been through knee-high water crossings and hit directly into trees. I do prefer SRAM though only because I feel they have better quality parts for cheaper, but the LX kit is impressive for the abuse it's had. I love my SRAM shifters :)

The SLX are pretty decent but I'm really not a fan of the Alivio. They're certainly built to a price and hard riders always have trouble with them. The big problem is manufacturers use them way too much. At the very least, I would look for a bike with better shifters. But that's my personal opinion and it ain't my money.

I've always had issues with Bike Barn too. If you haven't already, try Evolution Cycles or Rocketbikes (I think). I was impressed with some of there stock last year.

[MisterD]

Trust me when i mention a model here i have searched out every review that has ever existed on the bike :bleh:

If i can not get the Kona i might try hunt down this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/hardrock-pro-disc-09-33654/

About $1500 but hopefully a bike store can knock that down.

Erm, you did notice that that review is from December 2008...

Speccy's are good though, I think you'll probably be looking at something like the Rockhopper Comp as a comparable machine to the Kona.

[sil3nt]

Erm, you did notice that that review is from December 2008...

Speccy's are good though, I think you'll probably be looking at something like the Rockhopper Comp as a comparable machine to the Kona.Sorry linked the wrong one http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/specialized-42295/

Price is the issue. Only going for the Kona because its on sale which puts it in my price range.

[MisterD]

Sorry linked the wrong one http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/specialized-42295/

Price is the issue. Only going for the Kona because its on sale which puts it in my price range.

Fairy snuff. Bear in mind that (along with the fact that every model may not be available in NZ) Speccy have the Hardrock, which is the more comforty setup bike and the Rockhopper which is the XC Racier type o'thing. In my shopping for my 29er I didn't think Specialized gave as much bang for buck, but you're likely to find better specials around on 26ers...

**Edit**

Bike Radar review: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/mountain/product/review-specialized-rockhopper-11-44440

[sil3nt]

Surprise surprise no contact from them. Seriously hopeless. Can't say i care much anymore will probably buy a new snowboard instead.

Next summer for some serious mountain biking i think.

Anyone ride much in the winter?


*update*
Posted that just before i rang them. So just got off the phone and one is on its way. From what i was told earlier they were going to ring me to see if they could get it in. And they would only get it in if it was a confirmed sale (which i took to mean a deposit required). So its all been rather confusing.

[neels]

*update*
Posted that just before i rang them. So just got off the phone and one is on its way. From what i was told earlier they were going to ring me to see if they could get it in. And they would only get it in if it was a confirmed sale (which i took to mean a deposit required). So its all been rather confusing.
Is that the Kona, what price could they do it for in the end?


Anyone ride much in the winter?
Hell yes. Winter is thermals on, stick a light on your head and go night riding time. :yes:

[Okey Dokey]

I ride all through winter here in Otago; I'm sure you could in Hamilton :)

Go for it!

[sil3nt]

Is that the Kona, what price could they do it for in the end?


Hell yes. Winter is thermals on, stick a light on your head and go night riding time. :yes:$1000. Or 40 cents of $1000.



Apparently instead of getting one from Auckland it has come from the supplier.

*edit*
Sorry thats meant to read 40 cents off $100. So $999.60

[Drunken Monkey]

$1000. Or 40 cents of $1000.

Apparently instead of getting one from Auckland it has come from the supplier.

The supplier for Bike Barn is in Auckland anyway.

And yes, Mountain Biking is most definitely an all seasons sport.

[sil3nt]

Well they didn't ring like they said they would. No surprise really. Seriously wondering why i should give these guys my money.

[Drunken Monkey]

That's pretty shitty. I know the supplier, they might be interested to hear about retailers that are doing a shitty job moving their gear.

[sil3nt]

Some cunt just stole my bicycle.

[sil3nt]

Hey look another post in this never ending thread :rolleyes:

So as mentioned above someone stole my bike the other night. So now i don't just wan't a new one i kinda need one!

Still no word from bike barn so they can go suck cock. Went into cycletime and enquired about the specialized rockhopper and hardrock. Can get a hardrock pro in my price range.

Then thought i would go and check out evolution cycles. Gave me a fantastic price on a GT Avalanche 1.0. It appears to have better specs than the Kona i was going to get and its cheaper.

This story might be coming to an end.

[neels]

Bugger, sucks having your bike stolen.

The GT looks to be not bad, tora fork is one step down the range from the recon and tektro brakes possibly not as good as the avids on the kona, otherwise it's about the same. If it fits and it's cheaper than the kona, and you've found a bike shop you like the idea of doing business with, for xc riding it should do the job fine.

[sil3nt]

Bugger, sucks having your bike stolen.

The GT looks to be not bad, tora fork is one step down the range from the recon and tektro brakes possibly not as good as the avids on the kona, otherwise it's about the same. If it fits and it's cheaper than the kona, and you've found a bike shop you like the idea of doing business with, for xc riding it should do the job fine.Yep looks like the salesman feed me some bullshit about the fork being a higher spec!

He said brakes are pretty much the same but it has a better rear derailleur and shifters.

This is why i always come home and research the bikes. I am a sucker for what salesman tell me otherwise.

[marty]

Bike Barn Hlz are pretty average, but if you do your research and take the discount then it's all good. My current single speed is a Kona Shonky which I paid $900 for from them. Last of the green wheeled models

[sil3nt]

Just picked up the GT Avalanche 1.0.

The 12 months interest free finance was what sold it. Ended up being the same price as the Kona but hey i got a helmet and 12 months to pay it and Evolution Cycles weren't complete fucktards.

Oh and guess who called while i was away picking up my new bike :rolleyes:

[MisterD]

Nice. You need a good LBS.

[steve_t]

Just picked up the GT Avalanche 1.0.

The 12 months interest free finance was what sold it. Ended up being the same price as the Kona but hey i got a helmet and 12 months to pay it and Evolution Cycles weren't complete fucktards.

Oh and guess who called while i was away picking up my new bike :rolleyes:

Hahaha... I hope you didn't pull punches with them and told them that their poor communication cost them a sale

[sil3nt]

Hahaha... I hope you didn't pull punches with them and told them that their poor communication cost them a saleHaven't talked to them. Flatmate answered the phone while i was away. Hopefully im never home to answer the phone!

[ac3_snow]

Nice, the GT's generally have pretty strong frames. Hope you'll be happy with it!

[sil3nt]

Handlebars are too wide! On the pukete track there is a part where you go between two trees when going around a corner. Slightly misjudged it and clipped one of trees. Bike went down and i went off into another tree. Rear wheel came off as well :shocked: Seems whoever put the bike together didn't have the rear wheel on too tight.

Also the pedals are bottoming out quite frequently.

So might need new handlebars (will see if i can get used to it) but will most likely need new cranks and pedals.

Other than that the bike is all good.

[MisterD]

Handlebars are too wide! On the pukete track there is a part where you go between two trees when going around a corner. Slightly misjudged it and clipped one of trees. Bike went down and i went off into another tree. Rear wheel came off as well :shocked: Seems whoever put the bike together didn't have the rear wheel on too tight.

Also the pedals are bottoming out quite frequently.

So might need new handlebars (will see if i can get used to it) but will most likely need new cranks and pedals.

Other than that the bike is all good.

Meh. Pipe cutter if you want to be neat and tidy, hacksaw if you don't.

You don't want shorter cranks, you'll just need to get used to when and how to pedal. You get more clearance once you move to SPuDs, but that means you'll need shoes as well...$$...although it improves the efficiency no end.

[neels]

Meh. Pipe cutter if you want to be neat and tidy, hacksaw if you don't.

You don't want shorter cranks, you'll just need to get used to when and how to pedal. You get more clearance once you move to SPuDs, but that means you'll need shoes as well...$$...although it improves the efficiency no end.
What he said.

As long as you have enough straight bar at the ends, all you need is an allen key and a hacksaw, slide everything in a bit and cut the end off.

New cranks are only likely to be 10mm shorter than what you've got now, so not a lot of help if you're hitting the ground with the pedals, more likely a change of technique is required.

[sil3nt]

Could well be technique (read most probably is :lol:). This bike is massively different to ride than my old one.

[Drunken Monkey]

Not that it matters now, but all the BB computers are linked and they can order stock off each other store's floor. If it has to come from the supplier, it occurs a $50 transport fee. There is no reason the guy shouldn't have been able to process an order for you over the counter when you first went in and had the bike delivered the next day.

[sil3nt]

Not that it matters now, but all the BB computers are linked and they can order stock off each other store's floor. If it has to come from the supplier, it occurs a $50 transport fee. There is no reason the guy shouldn't have been able to process an order for you over the counter when you first went in and had the bike delivered the next day.Exactly my thinking. I even had bad service from them when went to buy a helmet the other year. Considering writing a complaint but i really can't be fucked and the big bosses probably will not care.

[steve_t]

How's your bike going? Have u had a ride around Waikato Uni or some of the high schools? Lots of fun to be had in these places too.
Check me out (ok, it's not really me and it's not really a mountain bike:innocent:)

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z19zFlPah-o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[sil3nt]

Dont know if your being serious about riding around the uni? I live across the road so wouldn't be hard.

I head out to pukete park at least once a week. Really need to get down to Rotorua. On study break next week so will probably go down then.

Had a crash yesterday going down the 'hard' part at pukete. Took the wrong line locked the back brake and hit a bank fairly hard.

Still getting used to the bike. Takes a lot more effort to ride than my other one. Easier to wheelie though!


Love watching Danny MacAskills videos. He has a sweet life!

[steve_t]

Dont know if your being serious about riding around the uni? I live across the road so wouldn't be hard.

I head out to pukete park at least once a week. Really need to get down to Rotorua. On study break next week so will probably go down then.

Had a crash yesterday going down the 'hard' part at pukete. Took the wrong line locked the back brake and hit a bank fairly hard.

Still getting used to the bike. Takes a lot more effort to ride than my other one. Easier to wheelie though!


Love watching Danny MacAskills videos. He has a sweet life!

Yeah, defo serious about riding around the uni. There's heaps of ramps and stairs to play on :niceone:
Take it easy. Hope your crash wasn't too bad.

[marty]

my son lives across from the uni and rides his bike all through it all the time - plenty of transfers and stairs and other bike shit places that are perfect for popping tyres...

[marty]

waterworks rd (te miro) is great to ride at the moment

[wysper]

Bike Barn Hlz are pretty average, but if you do your research and take the discount then it's all good. My current single speed is a Kona Shonky which I paid $900 for from them. Last of the green wheeled models

Yeah, I bought a marin road bike off them several years ago. Bike was great, after sales service stank. They never got the gears set up right.

A mate did it for me in the end, after they 'tried' 3 times.

I won't be back.