considering entry level FS 29er
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Paducah KY
Posts: 754
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
considering entry level FS 29er
i've been looking at the:
2011 spec. camber 29er elite for $1500
2011 trek hifi plus for $1700
and the 2012 scott spark 29 comp for $???
are there any other really good bikes that fit in this short travel, cross country type niche i should consider. money being of the essence, i need the best bang for the buck. i will not be upgrading this bike, so i need the best for the money in stock form. we dont have any mountains within about an 800 mile radius but we do have some pretty nice trails i would love to hit with my buds. i will not be racing this bike. i'm a roadie and this will be my first real mountain bike. what are your thoughts?
2011 spec. camber 29er elite for $1500
2011 trek hifi plus for $1700
and the 2012 scott spark 29 comp for $???
are there any other really good bikes that fit in this short travel, cross country type niche i should consider. money being of the essence, i need the best bang for the buck. i will not be upgrading this bike, so i need the best for the money in stock form. we dont have any mountains within about an 800 mile radius but we do have some pretty nice trails i would love to hit with my buds. i will not be racing this bike. i'm a roadie and this will be my first real mountain bike. what are your thoughts?
Last edited by c_mack9; 11-08-11 at 01:52 PM.
#2
Señor Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 173
Bikes: '86 Voyageur, '82 Voyageur SP FOR SALE, '88 Le Tour fixed Townie, 2011 Diamondback Overdrive 29er
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Why are you calling it "entry level" when you have a $1500 budget? "Entry Level" doesn't mean "the level at which I want to enter".
#3
Senior Member
^ Roadies are nuts like that? Their bikes do start at that price and go on up to $5,000 for a lot of them. Not talking the exception like in MTBing. Many of them have $5000 bikes it seems.
But yeah, OP, entry level MTBs start at, like, $500. You're looking for a nice bike and in that price range you don't really need to worry about much. Anything you get is going to be a sweet bike. Based on what you said, I would consider whether you need full suspension, though. Do you have lots of choppy, rocky trails around there? Drops? If it's mostly singletrack or smoother trails, especially on a 29er, you may well not need, or even want, a FS bike. You'd get more for your money on a hardtail and depending on how much uphill you plan to do versus how rough the terrain is, a hardtail may be better suited to your riding. A hardtail will climb a lot better and be lighter.
But yeah, OP, entry level MTBs start at, like, $500. You're looking for a nice bike and in that price range you don't really need to worry about much. Anything you get is going to be a sweet bike. Based on what you said, I would consider whether you need full suspension, though. Do you have lots of choppy, rocky trails around there? Drops? If it's mostly singletrack or smoother trails, especially on a 29er, you may well not need, or even want, a FS bike. You'd get more for your money on a hardtail and depending on how much uphill you plan to do versus how rough the terrain is, a hardtail may be better suited to your riding. A hardtail will climb a lot better and be lighter.
Last edited by 3speed; 11-07-11 at 04:18 PM.
#4
pedal pusher
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: dirty jersey
Posts: 65
Bikes: a whole lot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thats entry level for that type of bike. also check out the 2012 superfly aluminum, thats replacing the hifi line up
#5
Senior Member
Meh. It's entry level in a sense. But that's kind of like saying you want an entry level sports car and are thinking of getting a Porche Boxter. Yeah, it's entry level for a Porche, but still not really an "entry level" sports car.
Last edited by 3speed; 11-07-11 at 04:42 PM.
#6
pedal pusher
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: dirty jersey
Posts: 65
Bikes: a whole lot
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
no need to argue the definition of entry level, you have to spend at least 1500 to get a FS bike. that makes it entry level. sure he could go hardtail and save some coin for the same component spec, but you'd be hard pressed to find a more cost effective FS 29er that didn't simply fall apart.
#7
Senior Member
I am in sort of a similar situation, trying to choose between a Kona Kahuna Deluxe HT and a Kona Hei Hei FS. Both seem to be decent bikes, but the Kahuna is a couple hundred bucks less and has a better fork and component group. I guess that is the trade off for the FS. While I wouldn't call either bike entry level, is it better to get the better spec'ed HT? My riding terrain is similar to the OP.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Paducah KY
Posts: 754
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the kona hei hei was on chainlove hte other day for $1500, that was awfully tempting but everyone tells me to go 29er for sure. i guess by "entry level" i was refering to the lower cost options with full suspension and 29er. our trails are not smooth flowy around here. lots of tree roots and such. all my buds that ride suggest full suspension around here so i'll take their advice. any other suggestions other than the 3 i listed?
#10
Pedals, Paddles and Poles
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Vegas Valley, NV
Posts: 5,495
Bikes: Santa Cruz Tallboy, Ridley Noah, Scott Spark 20
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1233 Post(s)
Liked 69 Times
in
58 Posts
Scott Spark is a winner. That frame is sleek and "FAROUT DUDE!" But I am a Scott homer. Good rims and Fork.
__________________
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
#11
Senior Member
But is an "entry level" FS still a decent choice or do you need to spend over $2000 to get anything worthwhile? The Hei Hei, or any of the bikes the OP listed, seem like a decent bike, but I don't know much about the type of rear shocks they use.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Paducah KY
Posts: 754
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
but how about the trek for $200 more? they are both great deals no doubt whats the best bang for the buck? the hifi has better components and fork (from my understanding? could be wrong)
#14
Pizza
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dentron, TX
Posts: 109
Bikes: Paramount Series 3 PDG-'91; Specialized Stumpjumper-'06; Trek 400-'92; Peugeot hybrid fixed gear conversion-late 80's?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I'm looking at the right bikes, the Camber is a standout.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...hifi_plus_2011
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...hifi_plus_2011
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MidWest USA
Posts: 451
Bikes: 2013 Stumpjumper HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
OP, I don't know what trails you are planning on riding, but I've been down there a couple of times and ridden LBL's canal loop which is pretty close to you, and a 29er FS would pretty much fit that trail perfectly from what I remember (it's been quite a few years since I've ridden there). However, I wouldn't hesitate to ride those trails on a 26" rigid either. I currently own a 26" HT and plan on going back down next spring and camping and riding the trails on it. Is this your first time MTBing or are you looking to upgrade? You might also wanna consider an older used CL bike just to test the waters if this is your first time MTBing.
Also, just wanted to add, LBL's canal loop was the first 'real' mtb single track trail that I ever road and was what got me hooked back when I was like 15. It is a really great trail, just gotta keep your eye out for sticks, they will take our your RD in an instant (specially on that trail).
Also, just wanted to add, LBL's canal loop was the first 'real' mtb single track trail that I ever road and was what got me hooked back when I was like 15. It is a really great trail, just gotta keep your eye out for sticks, they will take our your RD in an instant (specially on that trail).
#16
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you can get the Camber Comp 29er for $1500, that's awesome. But at least ride it first, just in case. Someone could offer me a S-Works Safire for $1000 and it would do me no good (other than to sell it), just because that bike fits me like crap.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: South Yorkshire, England.
Posts: 247
Bikes: Colnago CX-1 Record 11sp. Carbon Epic expert 29er, Claud Butler Dalesman. Proflex X-px Works, Cougar 653. KHS Montana Pro, Hercules Alassio. Ammoco Monte Carlo F/SS. Corratec Superbow Fun 29er. Claud Butler Midas. Kenisis T2. Peugeot Perthus.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1 for the Spesh.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Paducah KY
Posts: 754
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If I'm looking at the right bikes, the Camber is a standout.
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...hifi_plus_2011
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...cname=Mountain
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes...hifi_plus_2011
OP, I don't know what trails you are planning on riding, but I've been down there a couple of times and ridden LBL's canal loop which is pretty close to you, and a 29er FS would pretty much fit that trail perfectly from what I remember (it's been quite a few years since I've ridden there). However, I wouldn't hesitate to ride those trails on a 26" rigid either. I currently own a 26" HT and plan on going back down next spring and camping and riding the trails on it. Is this your first time MTBing or are you looking to upgrade? You might also wanna consider an older used CL bike just to test the waters if this is your first time MTBing.
Also, just wanted to add, LBL's canal loop was the first 'real' mtb single track trail that I ever road and was what got me hooked back when I was like 15. It is a really great trail, just gotta keep your eye out for sticks, they will take our your RD in an instant (specially on that trail).
Also, just wanted to add, LBL's canal loop was the first 'real' mtb single track trail that I ever road and was what got me hooked back when I was like 15. It is a really great trail, just gotta keep your eye out for sticks, they will take our your RD in an instant (specially on that trail).
why? i'm a lot more familiar with road bike comparisons. what are the benefits of the camber over teh trek? isnt the fork and components better on the trek? is the trek not worth the extra $200? can anyone weight in on the scott spark? how are those components and suspension compared to the other 2 bikes i'm looking at? i need knowledge folks!
#19
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I would think that if you're just starting out MTN biking that a hardtail would be a good start, just to get your skill-level up. After you've outgrown your hardtail and feel as though you still want to be into MTN biking ( I'm certain that you will), then your next move up would be the FS.
Personally, I feel that it's a progression in terms of skill-level development:
Rigid Hardtail ---> Hardtail ---> FS
Starting with a Hardtail is good, but I personally wouldn't suggest starting with a FS.
But I digress..
These would be my personal suggestions:
Jamis Dakar XC Comp (26) ~ $1700 *(FS)
Jamis Dragon 29 Sport ~ $1350
Jamis Exile 29 Comp ~ $1100
- Slim
PS.
IDK...I just think you'll better appreciate a FS after first, riding a HT. You'll know better what to do with it!
Personally, I feel that it's a progression in terms of skill-level development:
Rigid Hardtail ---> Hardtail ---> FS
Starting with a Hardtail is good, but I personally wouldn't suggest starting with a FS.
But I digress..
These would be my personal suggestions:
Jamis Dakar XC Comp (26) ~ $1700 *(FS)
Jamis Dragon 29 Sport ~ $1350
Jamis Exile 29 Comp ~ $1100
- Slim
PS.
IDK...I just think you'll better appreciate a FS after first, riding a HT. You'll know better what to do with it!
Last edited by SlimRider; 11-08-11 at 02:16 PM.
#20
Pizza
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Dentron, TX
Posts: 109
Bikes: Paramount Series 3 PDG-'91; Specialized Stumpjumper-'06; Trek 400-'92; Peugeot hybrid fixed gear conversion-late 80's?
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Paducah KY
Posts: 754
Bikes: 2013 Tarmac Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
whoops, its camber elite 29, yeah you have to google it to find it. here it is: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...Id=0&gold_ses=
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: MidWest USA
Posts: 451
Bikes: 2013 Stumpjumper HT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
whoops, its camber elite 29, yeah you have to google it to find it. here it is: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...Id=0&gold_ses=
#23
Pint-Sized Gnar Shredder
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Somewhere between heaven and hell
Posts: 3,549
Bikes: '09 Jamis Komodo, '09 Mirraco Blend One, '08 Cervelo P2C, '08 Specialized Ruby Elite, '07 Yeti AS-R SL, '07 DMR Drone
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You can still learn to ride on a full-suspension bike.
#25
Banned
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Northern California
Posts: 5,804
Bikes: Raleigh Grand Prix, Giant Innova, Nishiki Sebring, Trek 7.5FX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Zephyr11 says:
Hey there Zephyr!
You know, I hadn't really noticed what Ed said
Yeah! However, I can never quite get used to going uphill..It always feels stranger going uphill with FS than just on a HT...
OTOH-It's always more fun going DH with FS though!
- Slim
Stop sucking up to Ed!
You know, I hadn't really noticed what Ed said
You can still learn to ride on a full-suspension bike.
OTOH-It's always more fun going DH with FS though!
- Slim
Last edited by SlimRider; 11-08-11 at 05:24 PM.