I posted this in the "general 29er" forum but maybe you guys could help me out.
I currently ride a 2011 Trek Cobia 29er hardtail. I've got the itch for full suspension bad! My budget is considered "tight". I'd like to stay under 2 grand whilst still getting Fox suspension and decent components. I've scoured used ads but my frame size is hard to find (small / 15.5"). And older used bikes can be problematic especially when dealing with full suspension.
So yesterday I stumbled accross the 2014 Diamondback Sortie on REI ? Top-Brand Clothing, Gear, Footwear and Expert Advice for Your All Outdoor Adventures... It has nice fox suspension and OK/Decent components. Then I noticed REI had a 20% off sale which brought the cost of the bike down to $1750... this seemed too good to be true! I jumped on it and placed and order which will arrive for "in store pickup" on thursday. I figured I'd do my research / comparisons before thursday comes around and cancel if I need to. I just wanted to lock that price in.
NOW! I'm a Trek rider at heart, and if finances permitted I would be riding a Trek Fuel EX 7 or EX 8... but finances do not allow so the Sortie 1 is looking mighty tempting.
Who rides one of these 2014 Sortie models? How heavy is it? Are the decals removable or painted in? Will I regret not saving a few extra bucks for a Trek?
I mainly ride singletrack/trail. rocks, roots, small drops, equal amount of climbing and decent. I'm a short and light guy (5'6 and 145 pounds) so I'm not too worried about cracking any frames or a tremendous amount of stress.
I'd just like to hear som success stories... or horror stories. What should I do!
I currently ride a 2011 Trek Cobia 29er hardtail. I've got the itch for full suspension bad! My budget is considered "tight". I'd like to stay under 2 grand whilst still getting Fox suspension and decent components. I've scoured used ads but my frame size is hard to find (small / 15.5"). And older used bikes can be problematic especially when dealing with full suspension.
So yesterday I stumbled accross the 2014 Diamondback Sortie on REI ? Top-Brand Clothing, Gear, Footwear and Expert Advice for Your All Outdoor Adventures... It has nice fox suspension and OK/Decent components. Then I noticed REI had a 20% off sale which brought the cost of the bike down to $1750... this seemed too good to be true! I jumped on it and placed and order which will arrive for "in store pickup" on thursday. I figured I'd do my research / comparisons before thursday comes around and cancel if I need to. I just wanted to lock that price in.
NOW! I'm a Trek rider at heart, and if finances permitted I would be riding a Trek Fuel EX 7 or EX 8... but finances do not allow so the Sortie 1 is looking mighty tempting.
Who rides one of these 2014 Sortie models? How heavy is it? Are the decals removable or painted in? Will I regret not saving a few extra bucks for a Trek?
I mainly ride singletrack/trail. rocks, roots, small drops, equal amount of climbing and decent. I'm a short and light guy (5'6 and 145 pounds) so I'm not too worried about cracking any frames or a tremendous amount of stress.
I'd just like to hear som success stories... or horror stories. What should I do!