REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Newcomer to board looking for advice on used full suspension bike

885 Views 18 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Godzilla, Dec 30, 2005

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · Dec 28, 2005

I haven't ridden earnestly in the past two years. The last bike I purchased was back in 1997 (Pro-Flex), and I rode it into the ground, even after numerous rebuilds. I also ride motocross (Yamaha YZ-426). I'm a grinder (slower crank speeds), but back when I rode, I had pretty good speed (Mount Falcon in 27 minutes). I rode a friend's Stinkee Dee-Lux. He had some aftermarket stuff on it (don't know exactly what). We rode Apex...and that thing was a BLAST.

Soo...now that you have some background info...I'm looking for a strong frame bike, full suspension (6"--oil/coil), likely disc brakes. It doesn't have to be extremely light, I don't mind the uphill workout. It doesn't have to be showroom new; I do want it well maintained (scratches I don't care about). I'd like to spend under $1200...so I'd obviously buy used. I'm going to hammer it hard downhill, and I want to keep it for awhile. I'm 5'-10" and 195. I won't lose much of the weight since I train more for TKD/strength/etc.

Any inputs?

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

drum714

· #2 · Dec 28, 2005

Welcome!

I picked up an new 04 Kona coiler this time last year for $1000. You could probobly do the same being that a lot of bike shops still have a few 05 models in their shops and they want to make way for new merch. There are also a lot of quality bikes in the classified section here on MTBR

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 29, 2005 (Edited)

Hey Captain Drum (cool pic), thanks for the info. Is it your primary bike? How tough is it? I also need some suggestions on other bikes to look at. I likely can't test ride everything (or much of anything), so I'll have to rely on opinions of other riders. Any suggestions on which shops to look at? I'll start calling around today...oh, I'm down in the Littleton area, so anything north of Wheatridge probably isn't feasible. Thanks again for your info!

.thumper.

· #4 · Dec 29, 2005 (Edited)

If you are in Littleton and looking for a bike shop - try out Mojo Wheels. You can get their website and address from my signature below. They are by far the best shop for gravity riding in the area (which it sounds is the type of bike you are looking for). They mainly only stock new bikes, but if you talk with Bob, the sales manager, he might be able to help you find something that works for what you are looking for.

As for bikes - there really are too many that fit what you may be looking to do, that is probably why you haven't received many responses.

Fat Elvis

· #5 · Dec 29, 2005

Go up to Boulder on a on a weekday morning. Hang around the Pearl st. mall outside of a coffee shop. Wait for someone to ride up on their Maverick in sandals and sunglasses. When they park their bike and go stand in line for a Latte, steal their bike.

Godzilla

· #6 · Dec 29, 2005 (Edited)

I live in Littleton, am also 5'10" / 190# and happen to have a bike for sale right now for $1k - here's a pic, let me know if you're interested and I can give you the exact specs / etc...

The bike's got 4.5" - 6.5" rear, and 5" front (the fork shown has been replaced with a single crown), it's in good shape and has no mechanical issues.

It's an '03, bought new in Nov. '04 and it literally has 11 months worth of use on it. Most the people on this board have seen it at one point or another, and can vouch for the fact that is has never been crashed, jumped, dropped, or ridden swiftly over curbs.

In all seriousness, it's a great bike in good shape, and it sounds like the type of ride you are looking for. I am only selling it because I've got too many bikes right now.

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FrontRanger

· #7 · Dec 29, 2005

Godzilla said:
........ I am only selling it because I've got too many bikes right now.

Man knock this kind of talk off. My wife might read this post.

Godzilla

· #8 · Dec 29, 2005

FrontRanger said:
Man knock this kind of talk off. My wife might read this post.

You'll have to tell her that I meant too many of the same type bikes. I've got the AC and the Gemini, and the Foes, and the Endless, and the Anvil, and the '49 Schwinn, and the BMX bike, and the son's BMX, and the Royal Enfield 3 speed cruiser, and the chick's cruiser, and the Torker Uni, and the cracked Schwinn, and.... don't get me started on forks, busted derailluers, chain fragments, wheels, kayaks / gear or any of the other junk that makes my garage my favorite / most crowded place in the house.

I'm never sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing that Rachel doesn't bat an eye when I tell her I just bought a new bike.

Pretty sure it's good though...

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 29, 2005

Godzilla said:
I live in Littleton, am also 5'10" / 190# and happen to have a bike for sale right now for $1k - here's a pic, let me know if you're interested and I can give you the exact specs / etc...

What fork's on it now? Why'd ya dump the triple clamp style fork?

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 29, 2005

.thumper. said:
If you are in Littleton and looking for a bike shop - try out Mojo Wheels.

Thanks! What's "gravity riding"? I've seen the term "freeriding", and I'm not sure what that is, either. In MX, that'd be the aerial junk the FMX guys do.

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #11 · Dec 29, 2005

Fat Elvis said:
Go up to Boulder on a on a weekday morning. Hang around the Pearl st. mall outside of a coffee shop. Wait for someone to ride up on their Maverick in sandals and sunglasses. When they park their bike and go stand in line for a Latte, steal their bike.

I would, if I were a Christian. But, I'm not, and I'd never be able to forgive myself for stealing someone's ride.

(yep, Elvis is dead)

Godzilla

· #12 · Dec 29, 2005

jtomasik said:
What fork's on it now? Why'd ya dump the triple clamp style fork?

It's got an '04 Sherman Flick on it. I swapped the fork out because the extra inch in travel I gained using the Slider (shown) was not worth the extra weight and decrease in maneuverability. The Flick is plenty stiff and has a nice ride to it.

drum714

· #13 · Dec 30, 2005

jtomasik said:
Thanks! What's "gravity riding"? I've seen the term "freeriding", and I'm not sure what that is, either. In MX, that'd be the aerial junk the FMX guys do.

Gravity ridding just sums up a bunch of different styles of riding Downhill, Freeride, Dirt Jumping and Urban are all a few of those styles.

That Giant AC would be a perfect bike for you, and that price is pretty fair. The AC is a very versitile bike and can be used for most any kind of ridding from DH to FR to agressive XC. You probobly won't find a much better deal, plus you'll meet a new riding partner.

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 30, 2005

drum714 said:
Gravity ridding just sums up a bunch of different styles of riding Downhill, Freeride, Dirt Jumping and Urban are all a few of those styles.

That Giant AC would be a perfect bike for you, and that price is pretty fair. The AC is a very versitile bike and can be used for most any kind of ridding from DH to FR to agressive XC. You probobly won't find a much better deal, plus you'll meet a new riding partner.

Thanks, drum. I don't have what he's asking...I can only spend $1200. My dirtbike wants to eat the rest of my play account...and it gets priority. I found a line on a Mountain Cycle Shockwave with extra parts for $1300 (which I could probably squeek out for that bike...it looks SWEET). Whaddya think of that bike? It was an '02. Is it too much for that year bike? How are the Shockwaves? I read some reviews that said they were really good...but they were rider reviews.

I want to ride a few bikes before I buy. I already rode the Stinkee Deelux. I'll see if I can try a Giant AC. I'd like to buy one within a month.

Thanks for your help.

Godzilla

· #15 · Dec 30, 2005

jtomasik said:
Thanks, drum. I don't have what he's asking...I can only spend $1200.

Just wanted to make sure this wasn't in reference to my AC - I'm only asking $1000. Please excuse me if I've assumed incorrectly.

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 30, 2005

Godzilla said:
It's got an '04 Sherman Flick on it. I swapped the fork out because the extra inch in travel I gained using the Slider (shown) was not worth the extra weight and decrease in maneuverability. The Flick is plenty stiff and has a nice ride to it.

Godzilla, I'd like to take a look at it. How should I get ahold of you?

Godzilla

· #17 · Dec 30, 2005 (Edited)

jtomasik said:
Godzilla, I'd like to take a look at it. How should I get ahold of you?

My number is - feel free to call me tomorrow if you want (getting ready to go to bed now). That or you can PM me - or contact me at s1ngletrack<at>comcast.net, for that matter.

Josh

Drum was right about the AC being a great all around bike, that's the main reason I picked it up to begin with, set up right, the Swinger makes the bike pedal much nicer than any of my bikes except for the hardtails - and the bike is plenty plush enough to ride the resorts all day.

jtomasik

Discussion Starter · #18 · Dec 30, 2005

Godzilla said:
Drum was right about the AC being a great all around bike, that's the main reason I picked it up to begin with, set up right, the Swinger makes the bike pedal much nicer than any of my bikes except for the hardtails - and the bike is plenty plush enough to ride the resorts all day.

Josh, I'll call you later today. I'm off from work (been that way all week), so I could check it out during the day, if you're around.

Godzilla

· #19 · Dec 30, 2005

jtomasik said:
Josh, I'll call you later today. I'm off from work (been that way all week), so I could check it out during the day, if you're around.

Unfortunately, I won't be around my house today. I will be hanging around the dad's place all day tomorrow though (late Christmas type deal) and he lives near Morrison, so if that works for you I could plan to take the bike along with me.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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