[ontherun]

Hey Everyone!

I'm Mike from Colorado Springs.

Anyway I have been biking seriously since last February, when I bought an Iron Horse Warrior.

It's hard because I ride X-country, but I also use my bike to get to school and ride on asphalt a lot. I also downhill at ski resorts, and jump the bike, too. All this probably puts a ton of stress on my bike, and I have had a lot of trouble with components going south. Had to replace front brake because it exploded on a jump, Back brake is bent and something always jars the bolts loose that hold the rotor on. Middle ring in the front is bent, can't ride it at all.

Anyway, my dilemma is to keep frustrating with this bike and replacing stuff constantly, or to fix it up and sell it to buy something of better quality. And the question of what bike will fit my hybrid riding style best has me puzzled. I'm sick of paying $600 for a bike, then over the first year I have it paying $600 in parts and repairs. So what bike will have good durability for jumps, being ridden everyday, and DH, but still have climbing power for XC, and function as somewhat as a commuter?

Thanks in Advance,
Mike

 

[ontherun]

Bump.

 

[Squash]

The answer to your question is....

None! There isn't a bike built that will handle DH and Jumps without breaking that would be suitable or even comfortable for daily use and XC! Your riding both ends of the spectrum of mountain biking. Anything light enough to do XC well, climb, etc., isn't going to be stout enough to handle the stress and beating that jumping and DH is going to put on the bike and components. And nothing in the $600 price range that I can think of. You don't say what model Warrior you have, there are several. But most of them are oriented toward agressive XC and Trail riding styles. There is no bike built that can do it all. Some come close, but don't quite get there. Any bike that can handle the DH and Jumps well, is going to be a big compromise on pavement and for XC riding. I would say probably something in the range of a Trek Remedy, or Specialized Pitch or Enduro, or something similar would be a good compromise. But you won't like the price tag! And even then, if you ride it hard enough you're going to break stuff. But you won't break em on XC rides. The bottom line is, different riding styles require different tools. When it comes to your warrior and DH runs, it's like like trying to bust up an old side walk with a 16 oz. claw hammer, when you should be using a 9 lb sledge. Anyway a good stout AM bike would probably work better than your Warrior. Another option would be to put heavier duty components on the warrior. At least you wouldn't be replacing parts as often.

Good Dirt

 

[bad mechanic]

Sounds like it's time to add a second bike to the stable.

 

[AndrwSwitch]

More expensive trail/AM bikes ought to handle your off-road needs. Get a $100 road bike to go to school and you won't have to leave your expensive mountain bike locked outside or keep the higher gear ratios on it. You'll also stop burning through tires and drivetrains so quickly.

Try using loc-tite on the rotor bolts. If you don't have a torque wrench, they can be a good idea - guesstimating torque if you don't have some experience of correct torque can be very inaccurate. Off-road riding, especially when you like to catch air, is pretty hard on any bike, but if you make intelligent choices, you can chip away at the build and get something sturdier. For example, you now know that you'd do better with a 2-ring + bash configuration on your crankset. (At least, if you're happy with your frame.)

You can also go in the opposite direction - get an inexpensive, sturdy dirt jump bike and ride the hell out of it.

 

[ontherun]

Thanks guys, just getting an additional bike is a good idea. I was just kind of pissed off when I wrote this thread (F'ed up another rotor).

If I were to buy a bike for DH and freeride, what would be a cheaper one that maintains quality?

And on the other hand, I have never touched a road bike, what should I look for, good brand names, etc..

 

[davidcs_23]

IMO I would get a decent 8 or 9 speed DJ or atleast hardtail, and the road bike.
As far as the road bike goes go to your nearest sporting goods store and ride a few $100 bikes till you find one you like. OR checkout Craigslist and pick up a really cheap bike. My buddie picked up a $10 old ass ironhorse (not sure what model) and uses it just for riding to and from school and work. Its amazing the deals you can get on that site.

 

[hardwarz]

Sounds like it's time to add a second bike to the stable.

+1

I have 4 in my stable.

Trail bike: 2007GT iDrive 4 4.0
XC bike: 2010 Access 29er 9.5
Road/Commuter: 2010 Diamondback Insight RS (700c)
Spare/backup bike (XC/Commuter): 2002 Mongoose Sommet

 

[CrimsonFox]

Here are a couple on craigslist that might suit your needs if you were to add another bike:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/bik/1844494863.html - Specialized P.1 dirt Jumper

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/bik/1843801770.html - K2 Tirade All mountain

Check in Denver too since they tend to have some DH/Free ride bikes.

Use the one you have for commuting and xc riding, get something burlier for the jumping and DH stuff.

 

[AndrwSwitch]

I wouldn't buy a road bike that retailed for $100 for the same reason that I wouldn't buy a mountain bike that cheap. When I say "$100 road bike" I mean one from Craig's List or a LBS carrying used bikes. The bonus is if you ever decide you want a better road bike, you'll be much more able to pick one you'll like in the long term if you've already been riding one.

 

[larlev]

I agree...buy a good AM bike, and also buy a cheap cruiser bike for school...one with a basket. Seriously, who gives a damn.

Enduro, pitch...etc. Would suit you nice

 

[ontherun]

Thanks you guys, ton of help.

 

[Mount Dora Cycles]

A Tomac Snyper 140 might be a suitable solution.