[wscott442]

So I rode alot in high school and college, but havent ridden in 10 years. I am in the MidAtlantic so trails consist mostly of single track with moderate incline/decline and various obstacles (streams, logs, roots, rocks). I started riding again in the spring and broke my old ride out of storage (a Nishiki, circa 1993). After a few rides, I decided it would be smart to pick up a new bike so i purchased a Cannondale 2006 f400. F400 has been ok, but already had to replace the headshock and I am looking to upgrade to a FS bike and was hoping to get input. A LBS has a 2003 SC Blur for sale (owned by a store technician) for ~$1,500, bike has XT components, hayes hydrolic discs, DT swiss rims, RockShox Sid World Cup. I rode it and It appears mecanically sound and the ride was sweet. I could also pick up a Rush 600 for about the same price at another LBS. My question is should i pick up the Blur, the Rush or is there another bike line i should look at? I am 6'0", about 170 lbs with a 33" inseam. I ride 3-4 times a week for ~20-25 miles and will likely be able to ride from April - October. I had forgotten how much i loved the sport and would like to get a solid ride that i can keep around for a few years. Thanks in advance, wscott

 

[NS2000X]

So I rode alot in high school and college, but havent ridden in 10 years. I am in the MidAtlantic so trails consist mostly of single track with moderate incline/decline and various obstacles (streams, logs, roots, rocks). I started riding again in the spring and broke my old ride out of storage (a Nishiki, circa 1993). After a few rides, I decided it would be smart to pick up a new bike so i purchased a Cannondale 2006 f400. F400 has been ok, but already had to replace the headshock and I am looking to upgrade to a FS bike and was hoping to get input. A LBS has a 2003 SC Blur for sale (owned by a store technician) for ~$1,500, bike has XT components, hayes hydrolic discs, DT swiss rims, RockShox Sid World Cup. I rode it and It appears mecanically sound and the ride was sweet. I could also pick up a Rush 600 for about the same price at another LBS. My question is should i pick up the Blur, the Rush or is there another bike line i should look at? I am 6'0", about 170 lbs with a 33" inseam. I ride 3-4 times a week for ~20-25 miles and will likely be able to ride from April - October. I had forgotten how much i loved the sport and would like to get a solid ride that i can keep around for a few years. Thanks in advance, wscott

Hi,
this should be a question about New vs Used.
The XT equipped Blur is the better equipped bike. However not only is it older, but it will have zero warranty. Where as the Rush will have 1 year on the parts and life time on the frame (something of interest to me, especially on a full suspension frame).

The Blur's are an exciting design, and a beautiful ride, however you will also need to factor in that the umpteen bushings and bearings are a standard wear item and need replacement every 18 -> 24 months. (I did a fair amount of Blur research before buying my Rush). As the bike is used and a year+/- old you should budget somewhere in the region of $150++ for a re-build kit for the Blur.

Althouth the Rush 600 doesn't have the highest component group, it does have the excellent rush frame and a Lefty DLR2. As we are in full swing for summer, it will only be a couple of months before the 07 bikes start to hit stores. Perhaps you can find a Cannondale dealer who will price an 06 Rush 800 closer to the MSRP of the Rush 600, later in the summer.

Good luck.

NS2000X

PS: A good friend of mine had a Nishiki ~ 9 years ago, I'm amazed every time someone else mentions that name.

 

[wscott442]

Thanks for the advice, i apreciate it!!!..Scott