Who knows their mountain bikes?

[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

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
I hope head office gives the OK. It'd really suck if they said no

[Usarka]

mtbr.com - kona cinder cone review http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-har...8_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-har...8_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

If i can not get the Kona i might try hunt down this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...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

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

If i can not get the Kona i might try hunt down this: http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...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/catego...ialized-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/catego...ialized-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/catego...opper-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.

[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.

$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.