Ok, I haven't ridden since my bike was stolen around three years ago or so. I used to ride a hardtail, no shock Specialized Rockhopper Comp. It was a great little bike, but I was never a hardcore rider, mostly single or double track, no real nasty hills, just weekend fun stuff.
So I'm thinking I want to get back into it. And I'm also thinking of trying to get pretty seriously back into it (It helps that a cute lady friend of mine is an avid biker, and pretty hardcore). But I recognize my skills are rusty (and beginner/intermediate at best), I'm a bit older now (31 this year), and have a dodgy back at times. My price range is around $1500 Canadian (about $1100 U.S. or so).
Enter the Kikapu. I was at a small bike shop today (Toronto, Canada), and talking to a guy who worked there was a while. Told him the spiel, and he recommended the Kikapu (over fischers and marins also offered in the shop). He said the bang for the buck was amazing ($1300 can.) I've been reading some reviews, and they sound good. The riding position sounds like it might be a bit easier on the back as well. I was surprised that he even seemed to think the kikapu was a better choice than the dawg.
I guess my question is this: anyone out there, what do you think? I guess Kona riders might be a natural choice, but anyone feel free to chime in. The base Kikapu is actually less than I was prepared to pay, but the jump up to the next Kikipu puts it a bit outside of my price range (plus $2000, which is around what the dawg is as well I think).
It this enough of a bike to buy with assurances it will last, or least be strong enough to keep and upgrade if I ever reach a point where I'm a remotely decent rider again.
The type of riding I would be doing is probably a mix of everything - trail, single track, some downhill (I'm in Ontario though, so nothing too big - though I go to the Maritimes a lot which has some hills). I don't forsee me doing massive 10 foot drops, but 3-4 feet from time to time I'm sure. A huge amount of bob would suck, as I have a hard enough time with hills as it is. This would be a complete jump into the world of suspensions for me. I guess I want a bike that will grow with me, but will do everything and come panting back for more. Any other suggestions? Or should I bite the bullet and bankrupt my self and get something like the dawg? I was also considering a devinci chilipepper. A friend has one and quite likes it.
Sorry for the rambling post. Thanks in advance to any who read and respond.
So I'm thinking I want to get back into it. And I'm also thinking of trying to get pretty seriously back into it (It helps that a cute lady friend of mine is an avid biker, and pretty hardcore). But I recognize my skills are rusty (and beginner/intermediate at best), I'm a bit older now (31 this year), and have a dodgy back at times. My price range is around $1500 Canadian (about $1100 U.S. or so).
Enter the Kikapu. I was at a small bike shop today (Toronto, Canada), and talking to a guy who worked there was a while. Told him the spiel, and he recommended the Kikapu (over fischers and marins also offered in the shop). He said the bang for the buck was amazing ($1300 can.) I've been reading some reviews, and they sound good. The riding position sounds like it might be a bit easier on the back as well. I was surprised that he even seemed to think the kikapu was a better choice than the dawg.
I guess my question is this: anyone out there, what do you think? I guess Kona riders might be a natural choice, but anyone feel free to chime in. The base Kikapu is actually less than I was prepared to pay, but the jump up to the next Kikipu puts it a bit outside of my price range (plus $2000, which is around what the dawg is as well I think).
It this enough of a bike to buy with assurances it will last, or least be strong enough to keep and upgrade if I ever reach a point where I'm a remotely decent rider again.
The type of riding I would be doing is probably a mix of everything - trail, single track, some downhill (I'm in Ontario though, so nothing too big - though I go to the Maritimes a lot which has some hills). I don't forsee me doing massive 10 foot drops, but 3-4 feet from time to time I'm sure. A huge amount of bob would suck, as I have a hard enough time with hills as it is. This would be a complete jump into the world of suspensions for me. I guess I want a bike that will grow with me, but will do everything and come panting back for more. Any other suggestions? Or should I bite the bullet and bankrupt my self and get something like the dawg? I was also considering a devinci chilipepper. A friend has one and quite likes it.
Sorry for the rambling post. Thanks in advance to any who read and respond.
