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xcmtb200 said:

For free riding i'm going to buy a biger fork for the bike that i have now. A Schwinn Frontier FS AL.It was a b'day present. I'm thinkind the new Fox 36 fork? Coments

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First of All.. I'm only 15. I got my XTC2 for my 15birthday, my parents gave me about 10% into the bike and I had ot save for about a year ot get it. So it is possible for some 14 year olds to get pricey bikes. I have friends that have been given 3grand+ bikes straight from their parents just cause they wanted a bike(yes it's not fair).
Alright, sencondly, your asking for a death wish by using the swchinn for freeride. Yes you cna use it, yes it will break eventually and no, you should not put any money into it. Getting a Fox 36 would look plain stupid IMO.

Sounds to me like you should possibly get even the New 2005 NRS3(1650 bucks!), yes they are out in shops now! And then buy something like a Giant STP with the money you saved for freeriding and all
Just my opinion. That way if you decided racing sint' for you, then you haven't blown all your money.
If you choose XC is for you! Well then you have a NRS and can upgrade all you like(same frame as above models).
Just curious... any pics of that schwinn of yours? Just want to see what bike you were talking about

This is a Schwinn Frontier FS AL

RST 191 CL, TIG Hi Ten lowers, coil spring w/ friction damping. 76mm travel.
Add Fox 36, WTF? 76mm to 110mm-150mm travel. The headtube junction will explode! ;-)

You need to be one porky 14 year old to need a 36. (no offence, if applicable)

2 1/2 grand for your 1st real MTB!
$2500 can get a lot of bang for buck.
I only manage to get my has on my current ride, 2001 Avanti Ventura with a RockShox Judy XC in total for $1000.

I'm with Aussie'SS' on this one, it's not really worth 2005 stock unless it's a major mechnical upgrade. You can easily save $500 in your price range on 2004 stock because you don't need new stickers.

Let's see, reputable entry level full-susser or pimping hardtail?
So called "freeride" or XC?, what's your gear?.
Turn out at a local race, DH, 4X or XC and ask nicely for a ride. Just bring your helmet/s, shoe/s and gloves and parents for transport.
Full-sus DH/FR, burly FR hardtail, DJ hardtail, XC full-susser, XC hardtail; get a good feel for your riding style.

A few Value-Performance brands: Giant, Jamis, Kona, Specialised, Avanti, Ironhorse, etc...

Don't forget about steel, steel-is-real, don't underrate steel because it's used on most low-end bikes.
People still like making steel XC hardtails.
Jamis Dakota XC: https://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/04_dakotaxc.html

Or maybe singlespeed...
https://www.konaworld.com/kw_index.cfm
Kona Unit, oh so sexy OX Platinium tubing. Ride singlespeeds and hell, you might love it and not go back!

Can't help you out with specs and costs etc on your NRS, however I will just try and offer you some advice. You're really young and $2500 is a hell of a lot of money, even for me now and I'm more than twice your age. I know you want this FS and sure it will be a nice and cool bike - however, I would recommend you get a decent quality HT in the 1000 to 1500 range and put the rest of your money in the bank (or buy some clipless pedals and shoes and nice bike shorts if you don't already have them - then put the rest in the bank).

The reasons I say this are:

- A HT will make you a better rider in the long run, you learn to maneuver your bike much better, and how to handle it over rough ground.
- A HT will retain its re-sale value a bit better than an FS as there are less parts to wear out and it is less likely to be outmoded by the latest greates suspension designs a couple of years down the track.
- It will be faster than an FS. While not wanting to delve into a huge argument over FS V's HT, I think this is true for another reason than actual on course times. MWWH makes a good point that you want to also be able to ride your bike on the road. Nearly all good XC riders do most of their training on the road, and even if you primarily want to ride off road, regular long road rides (>100km) will provide endurance training which it is very difficult to get on the dirt (as you generally ride at a much higher intensity). To do such long rides you would be much better served to be on a hard tail (preferably with a lock-out fork) than an FS. If your (new) bike also has disc brakes, you can get some 700C rimmed wheels built and use proper road tyres. With this and your locked out fork you give up very little to a proper road bike and you could ride with a bunch of roadies - which is great training for XC.
- Another factor to consider is reliability and serviceability. Sure you have $2500 burning a hole in your pocket now, but what do you do when that rear shock blows, or you need pivots and bushings replaced? Firstly, you don't have these sorts of problems with an HT, and if you spend a little less on your bike you will have a little in reserve to cover such unexpected problems.
- Last but not least a question. Who is more respected; the guy on the cheap(er) HT who dusts everyone, or the poser on the high zoot FS who DNFs? Which guy do you want to be?

Sorry this has turned into quite a rant, so I'll stop now, but I hope this gives you cause to reconsider what you're really looking for in such a big new bike purchase.

All the best, and let us know what you decide on.

Sam