[rubarb]

First off, looking to replace a stolen bike from college. It's flat around here so I've never truly ridden trails but I've biked a lot since I was little... Previous two bikes were a redline rl340 and then a generic mountain bike for college. I'm looking for something I can just bomb around town on, not looking for tricks or road bike speed either, just something sturdy and fun to ride. I'm into skiing, wakeboarding etc so if the opportunity presents itself after graduation I'm sure I'd be using the bike more for its intended purpose.

Which sounds better for me? LBS doesn;t stock either (will have to order), have never ridden them, but I remember looking at the escape last time my bike was stolen before there was even a flightline. Struck me as a big kids bmx bike, though I see haro now has a whole line devoted to that. The escape is 2lb heavier, is that gonna feel significant? Just general input welcome, I know these posts get old but I'm trying to feel this out.

 

[ewbee]

escape v flightline

HEY RU,
Welcome aboard. Can't go wrong with either choice although the Flightline has a future and
the escape will not return for 2010. No this does not get old. The Flightline series bikes provide a super comfy cockpit and nice balance. Great bike to upgrade as you ride more.
Where are you located? The Haro bikes are worth the effort to find.

 

[dogonfr]

I'd say Escape because if your as active as you say then FR/DH will be flowing through your veins after a few rides. :thumbsup:

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Side2Side.aspx?BikeIDs=18140b+17628b

 

[tacdad5x]

I'd have to agree with dogonfr on this. The Escape is a bit more heavy duty, and will handle anything you throw at it. Now, and later. Also, you really will not notice the 2lb difference.

 

[anavrinIV]

the escape is a nicer bike and will do you better on trails when you get to riding them. if you're looking at a comparable flightline I would at least look at the sport model.

 

[Keifer2013]

I bought a escape s about a month ago and so far its been an awsome bike. My brother has a flightline sport and its been great to him, he has had it for about a year.We do a little bit of jumping and trail riding like that, but we do mostly XC/AM.The biggest down fall to either of these bikes is the forks other than that they have been great bikes so far.:thumbsup:

 

[rubarb]

Thanks for the input, I was leaning toward the escape. Keifer do you have pictures of the bike? I'm debating between white and the green - green would be better but the color looks a little weird on the site. Also if you wouldnt mind my asking, what did you pay before tax?

 

[rubarb]

Also... I'm 5'11, any recommendation on frame size?

 

[dogonfr]

Also... I'm 5'11, any recommendation on frame size?

18" if your going to be aggressive, 20" if you want better climbing.

 

[rubarb]

Ordered in sage green, 18". Will post pics. Was unsure on the color, may end up ordering in white depending on how it looks when it comes in.

 

[rubarb]

While posting, go a call back from the shop saying the Escape is out of stock from the supplier they were going to order from. Supposedly so are some of the flightlines because of the upcoming '10 models coming out. Can I even wait on an escape or was that the last of them? Damn, was looking forward to the escape after debating a few days.

 

[downhilljill]

Escapes are all sold out and have been discontinued. We don't have much in Flightline 1 DX bikes at the moment except for small sizes. We do have decent inventory of Flightline 2 DX bikes.

 

[dogonfr]

Here is a sweet comparison of the Escape S and Flightline 2DX. Seems to kinda be a wash in components the 2DX gets better disc brakes but the Escape has longer travel. Escape 7005 VS 2DX 6061 aluminum.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Side2Side.aspx?BikeIDs=18140b+17626b

The geometry is different between the two bikes but you could easily replace the fork on the 2DX with a 100mm as a first up grade. If you dont want to wait on a fork upgrade you can ask the LBS if they would exchange the fork for a 100mm and pay the difference in price. :rockon:

 

[Keifer2013]

Here are some pics of the Escape S, sorry it took so long to post them.

 

[rubarb]

Looks awesome, better than on the site. We'll see if I end up with one of the last ones

 

[dogonfr]

Dang that looks awesome!!!! Ride on :rockon:

Sounds like we may have more porn from rubarb :drumroll:

 

[downhilljill]

Sweet!:thumbsup: