Possible Mtnbike purchase

[mungeclimber]

Need some input...  is it a no brainer to get a new bike?

I have an REI Ponderosa with Deore DX rerails and hubs, a Ritchey Forcelite handle bar and the standard hard fronk (hard), that comes with Novara bikes.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3256/2353890366_ef48ef797f_m.jpg
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Now I'm wondering whether it is worth it to get another bike.  I guess I ride single track and fireroads only, no serious downhill, and really no serious uphill either   But it looks like I'll gain some control, if I got the new Ponderosa, rather than try and swap out parts. See, i'm no wrench when it comes to bikes.  Trying to dial in a derail for me is like trying program mainframes when you've been selling furniture you're whole life. It ain't going to happen.

So there's labor.

new Pondo's have Dart 2 shocks, disc brakes, and a 20% off coupon if I buy it this week.

full write up from their site...


AN6 construction, high-end SRAM drivetrain and aggressive geometry make our Novara Ponderosa the first choice for no-holds-barred XC performance!
AN6 aluminum frame is double-butted (thick at the ends, narrow toward the middle) for a significant savings in weight without a reduction in strength
Double-butting also improves ride quality and comfort by reducing high-frequency vibrations traveling up the frame
Hydoformed downtube is lightweight yet strong, providing critical vertical strength at headset and horizontal strength at bottom bracket
Pondo's long top tube reduces the likelihood of wheelies during aggressive ascents; the long wheelbase adds stability and confidence to descents
RockShox Dart 2 fork meets changing needs; run it plush (100mm travel) to buffer unyielding single track or lock it down for a stiff, efficient ride
SRAM drivetrain is all performance, featuring the deluxe X-9 rear derailleur and snappy X-7 shifters and front derailleur
Twenty-seven speeds let you handle any terrain as you want, whether you're romping hills, cruising easy or making serious speed across the flats
Two-piece Truvativ Firex 3.1 crankset is strong, lightweight and easily maintained
Avid BB7 disc brakes and Speed Dial 7 levers provide sure stopping power and controlled deceleration no matter the terrain or weather conditions
Lightweight WTB SpeedDisc rims feature I-beam double-wall construction for strength and durability; WTB Raijin tires provide tenacious traction
Truvativ XR Riserbar and stem provide excellent steering control and comfortable positioning for off-road terrain
Anatomically designed, the lightweight WTB Pure V Comp saddle offers exceptional comfort and support from a streamlined platform
Just get on and ride, no fancy shoes required—alloy platform pedals accommodate a variety of casual shoes





I figure I'll ride more if my elbows don't hurt. Mostly I just want to run the Rock Creek ride from like Mammoth ski resort down to Rovana.  I like shuttle rides.  It's like kayaking for your bike.

[F'ueco]

It would probably do wonders for your comfort on the bike. And with that no holds barred XC performance, you should be able to kick some serious ass!

 I'm also considering a bike purchase, but mine would be a track racer... 

 So much fun!

[mynameismud]

Just about any new bike will be better than what you have.

how about this
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/611636215.html

[mynameismud]

Dude buy this. No questions asked.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/611705920.html

this isn't bad.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/bik/613840536.html

[F4?]

Munge, all I have to say is make sure you get FULL suspension. And don't go cheap.

[Uncle Stinky]

Munge, I agree with F4 go full and do not go cheap.  I think the most important thing is to try a bike before you buy it.  See what works for you and what doesn't.  Take your time and get one that feels right.  Some good shuttle runs at Bear-come up for a weekend this summer and ride and climb.  U.S..

[F4?]

I used to scoff at full suspension, until I found out that it's a much better ride for places like Moab. Even the Feral Rat rides one, but we know that's cuz he's getting old.

Me, I still ride a hard tail Specialized.

[mungeclimber]

so on full suspensions, back in the day that used to be all squishy on the flats. can you lock out all forks/suspensions if you want to ride on the flats?

[mynameismud]

Almost all shocks lock out.  Did you call on that Quasi?  Dam good hand welded bike with good components.  Ride that one for 20 years.

I scoffed at Full Suspension for years.  Now that I am riding  FS I will never go back.  It may be a bit squishy on the road but that is just fine.  I find that I hop off more curbs and have more fun.  Out in the dirt it is worth every penny and a couple of extra.  If I ever enter my 20's again maybe I will go with a hard tail until then I will be on a bike with 4 to 5 "  of comfort.

[mudworm]

Even the Feral Rat rides one, but we know that's cuz he's getting old.

Me, I still ride a hard tail Specialized.

F4, you still ride 






(That's for calling on Mud.  )

[mungeclimber]

Almost all shocks lock out.  Did you call on that Quasi?  Dam good hand welded bike with good components.  Ride that one for 20 years.

I scoffed at Full Suspension for years.  Now that I am riding  FS I will never go back.  It may be a bit squishy on the road but that is just fine.  I find that I hop off more curbs and have more fun.  Out in the dirt it is worth every penny and a couple of extra.  If I ever enter my 20's again maybe I will go with a hard tail until then I will be on a bike with 4 to 5 "  of comfort.

no, sounds to good to be true.  I think US is right. I should try and ride some other bikes to see what I like.  But getting 20% off a brand new full suspension bike could be really good too.  REI has a couple full suspensions.
Any opinions?

[mynameismud]

Ok, I will state my opinion one more time.  Call and try and test ride this bike.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/611705920.html

Either that or see if you can find a used Heckler.
like this
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/611705920.html

You will pay a bit more but if you actually start riding even casually in the dirt you will really appreciate the extra bike.  The end result is you will ride more and have more fun.  The REI bikes are ok but if you are careful you can get more for a little more.

I will give you a call tomorrow.

[squiddo]

Munge,

Did I hear you right......you want this just for Lower Rock Creek? If you really want a ride, ride (or shuttle :-) up Lower Rock Creek Road 9 miles and take the Sand Canyon. With that you get over 6000 feet of singletrack in 20 miles. If so and you want this as a shuttle bike then get the biggest baddest full suspension you can. Santa Cruz or Yeti's are really nice.

F4, I spend equal time between my FS XC bike and my hardtail Singlespeed. I love 'em both but they are different weapons for different battles. Both have been down Lower Rock Creek and survived. I still believe there is a time and a place for hardtaail bike.

Munge, best advice given is to go check them out/demo them in person. Choose wisely and carefully and spend as much as you can afford to. Used in a great way to save 50% off MSRP and you can get some screaming deals if you take your time.

Then, call me and lets ride!

[F4?]

At the time I got my hard tail hill climbing was my thing and the technology then was not as good as it is now for a full suspension.

[mungeclimber]

Munge,

Did I hear you right......you want this just for Lower Rock Creek? If you really want a ride, ride (or shuttle :-) up Lower Rock Creek Road 9 miles and take the Sand Canyon. With that you get over 6000 feet of singletrack in 20 miles. If so and you want this as a shuttle bike then get the biggest baddest full suspension you can. Santa Cruz or Yeti's are really nice.

F4, I spend equal time between my FS XC bike and my hardtail Singlespeed. I love 'em both but they are different weapons for different battles. Both have been down Lower Rock Creek and survived. I still believe there is a time and a place for hardtaail bike.

Munge, best advice given is to go check them out/demo them in person. Choose wisely and carefully and spend as much as you can afford to. Used in a great way to save 50% off MSRP and you can get some screaming deals if you take your time.

Then, call me and lets ride!

let me clarify a bit, I don't plan to make mtn biking my primary hobby.  Climbing is.  But for training i want to be able to ride around in the evenings on asphalt, dirt roads, dikes by the creek, and when the mood or a classic single track downhill strikes, I want to be able to enjoy them without hurting.

So if i can get 4" of travel, and able to lock it out too, I can get an REI Novara or a K2 at 20% off with the coupon. 

This is bank...

http://www.rei.com/product/760861

This is less...

http://www.rei.com/product/744760

[mynameismud]

those do not look to bad.  I was looking at some other bikes.
I did a double take on some of the ones I posted earlier and they are not what you wanted.  I did not realize the Quasi wasn't complete. 

If this is a large it is a good deal.  A bit light for someone your size but for 1300 someone will get a very good deal.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/613282602.html

[F'ueco]

those do not look to bad.  I was looking at some other bikes.
I did a double take on some of the ones I posted earlier and they are not what you wanted.  I did not realize the Quasi wasn't complete. 

If this is a large it is a good deal.  A bit light for someone your size but for 1300 someone will get a very good deal.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/bik/613282602.html

 Wow, what a vindictive bitch...