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New bike: GF Cobia vs Motobecane

1108 Views 9 Replies 8 Participants Last post by DFYFZX, Feb 18, 2011

gaveup

Discussion Starter · Feb 17, 2011

Well, even though I have only had my redline monocog 29er for a short period of time, I decided that I need a different type of bike to tackle the trails we have down here. I'm sure some one the problems I had with short steep climbs was because I suck, but SS isn't really helping me much.

So my question is, which bike should I get? The trek would be purchased through a LBS and will bring whatever perks buying from an LBS will bring, but it seems the outcast has been components and seems to be a better "deal". The max I am looking to spend is $1000, so any recommendations will be appreciated (also for any 26 bikes as well...im open to anything).

Trek GF Cobia:
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/gary_fisher_collection/29er_hardtails/cobia/

Motobecanes:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29pro_08.htm

and the 1 26 that I have been eyeing up:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_elite09.htm

This isn't meant be a argument starter on why people hate/like bikes direct, but I am looking for opinions. Thanks peoples!

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p nut

· #2 · Feb 17, 2011

I'd go for the Trek simply due to being able to ride the bike physically, and dealing with warranty issues. Last time I shipped a bike, it was $75 (which is considered to be on the low end). This could end up costing you quite a bit if the internet company decides your bike cannot be warranteed.

How did you like the rigid fork? You should look at the Redline D440 if you prefer rigid. They can be had for $600, IIRC.

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max5480

· #3 · Feb 18, 2011

Dude, those bikes are soooooo boring. Get something original with some character, don't just buy some prebuilt mass produced bike. You'll love it more and cherish it longer.

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eminefes

· #4 · Feb 18, 2011

max5480 said:
Dude, those bikes are soooooo boring. Get something original with some character, don't just buy some prebuilt mass produced bike. You'll love it more and cherish it longer.

Funny, I love my pre-built mass-produced Rig.

And not everyone can afford a custom bike.

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jeffj

· #5 · Feb 18, 2011

Apparently, they (BD) do have a store in Florida, where the OP is from, although it's a bit of a drive from Miami to Jacksonville.

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max5480

· #6 · Feb 18, 2011

I'm not talking about a custom made bike, I'm talking about a used bike from craigslist or another classifieds sites. You'd be surprised what you find. I just saw an old bianchi Sok on my local classifieds for 700, and one of those sweet old purple GF rigs for 400. I realize those are singlespeeds, but that's what i'm into so that's all i remember, haha. Don't mean to look down my nose at anyone, just saying that out of the bikes I've had, then ones I've built up, found used, or restored always are more fun and enjoyable than buying new mass produced stuff.

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gaveup

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 18, 2011

i.a.n. said:
I think you mean this Moto:
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_pro_xi.htm

In which case, Motobecane hands down. I bought this model last year, rode the snot out of it and was never disappointed. The brakes, drive train and front fork are far better than the parts on the Cobia. I can't comment on the handling characteristics of the Cobia, but the Moto handles really well in even the rockiest of conditions.

The phantom is all sold out. Which is why I mentioned the other one

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wyatt79m

· #8 · Feb 18, 2011

Buy something you can ride first....

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theextremist04

· #9 · Feb 18, 2011

I'd go for the Cobia. It's definitely worth the money. The parts may not be amazing but it's not going to break on you any time soon, and you could upgrade parts without worrying about the value of the bike.

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DFYFZX

· #10 · Feb 18, 2011

I know you said you max is $1000, but if you could sell off some old crap or save a few weeks, I'd recommend the Giant XTC2 29er. Tapered steerer and thru axle fork are both future standards and it's the cheapest bike on the market that has both

I saw one locally at a Giant dealer for under $1200 so ignore the MSRP price.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/xtc.29er.2/7366/44092/

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