[Ouch!]

Ok boys and girls I have added a bike to my list of possibilities, and the following three have made the final cut.

Iron Horse Hollowpoint Sport $2070 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/trail/sport.shtml

Norco Fireball disc $1880 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2004bikes/fireball.htm

Stumpjumper FSR Elite disc $2340 (CAD taxes in)

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6785

I strictly ride XC, and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice based on specs and word of mouth (ride comfort is so subjective, so lets leave that for another time).

Price is obviously a consideration, and the Norco sure looks hard to beat. I have read some really positive things about the DW Link suspension used in the Hollowpoint, do any of you have any experience?

My first thinking was that I really need a bike with front and rear lockout, but my views on that have slightly changed.

I am basically looking for a bike that will get me through the rough stuff (basic rock and root, no crazy downhill stuff), handle well on tight singletrack, and won't kill me on the short (approximately 150-200 ft) steep climbs.

Any help would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Ouch!]

Does anyone have experience with the 04 Hollowpoint Sport?

 

[006_007]

Ok boys and girls I have added a bike to my list of possibilities, and the following three have made the final cut.

Iron Horse Hollowpoint Sport $2070 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/trail/sport.shtml

Norco Fireball disc $1880 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2004bikes/fireball.htm

Stumpjumper FSR Elite disc $2340 (CAD taxes in)

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6785

I strictly ride XC, and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice based on specs and word of mouth (ride comfort is so subjective, so lets leave that for another time).

Price is obviously a consideration, and the Norco sure looks hard to beat. I have read some really positive things about the DW Link suspension used in the Hollowpoint, do any of you have any experience?

My first thinking was that I really need a bike with front and rear lockout, but my views on that have slightly changed.

I am basically looking for a bike that will get me through the rough stuff (basic rock and root, no crazy downhill stuff), handle well on tight singletrack, and won't kill me on the short (approximately 150-200 ft) steep climbs.

Any help would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

All 3 are reasonable dual suspension bikes. 2 of them use the proven 4 bar linkage (Norco licenses it from Specialized). The Ironhorse is essentially a VPP design that everyone is raving about on the SC Blur.

From what I can see your price if 1800 for the norco is way low, as MSRP is $3200 on that particular model.

All 3 have good middle of the road parts, with not a lot of upgrades necesary until things start to wear out. Have you had an opportunity to ride any of them? Looking at the spec sheets all 3 of these bikes should be able to do what you want them to do.

TJ

 

[Poser]

A few thoughts ...

I have not ridden any of these bikes recently. I am basing my opinions on specs alone.

The Norco - upgrade the fork to a Marathon or other. If the LBS won't trade, then take it off new, sell and buy another. Upgrade wheels now or in the future.

The Specialized - is a safe bet and possibly the best machine. The frame warranty is outstanding. You will love the propedal with your concerns. Receives high ratings from MBA. (whatever that means) Probably the best resell of the three.

The Hollowpoint - if I were to buy the bike I would consider starting at the Expert. Much better spv package etc.

Stating the obvious, ride the bikes and pick one that fits.

Good luck in your purchase.

Ok boys and girls I have added a bike to my list of possibilities, and the following three have made the final cut.

Iron Horse Hollowpoint Sport $2070 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.ironhorsebikes.com/products/trail/sport.shtml

Norco Fireball disc $1880 (CAD Taxes in)

http://www.norco.com/bikes/2004bikes/fireball.htm

Stumpjumper FSR Elite disc $2340 (CAD taxes in)

http://www.specialized.com/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=6785

I strictly ride XC, and I was hoping you guys could give me some advice based on specs and word of mouth (ride comfort is so subjective, so lets leave that for another time).

Price is obviously a consideration, and the Norco sure looks hard to beat. I have read some really positive things about the DW Link suspension used in the Hollowpoint, do any of you have any experience?

My first thinking was that I really need a bike with front and rear lockout, but my views on that have slightly changed.

I am basically looking for a bike that will get me through the rough stuff (basic rock and root, no crazy downhill stuff), handle well on tight singletrack, and won't kill me on the short (approximately 150-200 ft) steep climbs.

Any help would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks
Mike