[Henny]

I'm shopping bikes right now and am looking for guidance on 2 bikes that are in my cross hairs, and also, any other bikes I have probably overlooked. Quickly: I'm 6'3, 200pds, looking for a bike that will accomodate both crosscountry/trail/freeride type riding. I'm kind of looking at the Spec Enduro (Comp vs. Expert) and Trek Liquid (25 vs. 30), but am open to other ideas. I'd like to keep it under $2200. Like most people, I want a bike that works for me, but is also the best "bang for the buck". Your insight is appreciated -

Thanks

 

[laxguy86]

Ive got a friend that works at a bike shop getting a kona coiler. He says he is looking for a bike for the same purpose as you. Seems to me that it might be a bit much for an xc rig.

-dM

 

[crazyal]

might be too much money but the sant cruz heckler seems to be a great bike out there for what you are looking for, i knew a few guys that ride exactly for what you want it for. they love it and it does xc pretty good, hey you can do a full xt disk heckler for 2900, sorry for giving you an expesive option but with a less agressive package maybe you can do it for less and closer to your price.

 

[ADDICT]

Enduro all the way. By the way being over 200lbs you might consider the Kona Coiler, I've had mine 8 months now ,I ride up and down hard and have no problems. I almost bought the lighter Kona Dawg but it was way more flexy than the Coiler.I only weigh 160lbs. My Coiler weighs 35lbs after upgrades not light put I have no problems going up and often pass riders on much lighter bikes, and when it comes time to go down SEE-YA! It also comes with Pro Pedal which makes it a little friendlier on the down. Is friendlier even a word??? Anyways good luck.

 

[dgangi]

Giant VT

I'm shopping bikes right now and am looking for guidance on 2 bikes that are in my cross hairs, and also, any other bikes I have probably overlooked. Quickly: I'm 6'3, 200pds, looking for a bike that will accomodate both crosscountry/trail/freeride type riding. I'm kind of looking at the Spec Enduro (Comp vs. Expert) and Trek Liquid (25 vs. 30), but am open to other ideas. I'd like to keep it under $2200. Like most people, I want a bike that works for me, but is also the best "bang for the buck". Your insight is appreciated -

Thanks

Between the two bikes, the Specialized is probably a "tougher" bike. I have known a few other people who owned Liquids that broke them (all over 6' and probably 200-225 lbs), although Trek customer support gave them brand new frames with no questions asked.

You might also consider the Giant VT bikes. With the new SPV technology in the rear shock, the bike still climbs well and can accommodate just about anything you can throw at it. For $2000 you can get a pretty decked out VT1. And the Giant can definitely accommodate a 200+ pound rider.

Thx...Doug

 

[dgangi]

Oh, and don't forget about IronHorse Hollowpoint

Between the two bikes, the Specialized is probably a "tougher" bike. I have known a few other people who owned Liquids that broke them (all over 6' and probably 200-225 lbs), although Trek customer support gave them brand new frames with no questions asked.

You might also consider the Giant VT bikes. With the new SPV technology in the rear shock, the bike still climbs well and can accommodate just about anything you can throw at it. For $2000 you can get a pretty decked out VT1. And the Giant can definitely accommodate a 200+ pound rider.

Thx...Doug

Lest I forget, don't overlook the Iron Horse Hollowpoint. The 2003 frames had an issue with breakage, but I've been told that the issues were fixed in the 2004 model year. I demo'd a 2003 and absolutely loved the bike. Best pedaling 5" bike that I tested, and it still handled just about everything I threw at it.

Thx...Doug

 

[mikey42186]

Liquid 25

I'm shopping bikes right now and am looking for guidance on 2 bikes that are in my cross hairs, and also, any other bikes I have probably overlooked. Quickly: I'm 6'3, 200pds, looking for a bike that will accomodate both crosscountry/trail/freeride type riding. I'm kind of looking at the Spec Enduro (Comp vs. Expert) and Trek Liquid (25 vs. 30), but am open to other ideas. I'd like to keep it under $2200. Like most people, I want a bike that works for me, but is also the best "bang for the buck". Your insight is appreciated -

Thanks

Nice job on your pickings. Both options are good ones. I am inclined to go Trek. The Liquid 25 gives you SPV out back, and an excellent fork for what you say you think you want to do. At 200lbs, you would definitely want the stiffer spring option with the Black Elite on the Liquid. It's no biggy. If you don't want to install it, just have the LBS install it. I ride a Black Platinum and love it. It's up to you though. The Enduro is pretty cool too. Good Luck.