[Drazhar]

ok, thanks to the info i have been getting here i have narrowed my options down to just a few bikes.

for the trails i posted in this link. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=687086

the choices are...

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/18...--/Sette-Ace-Bike-W_Rock-Shox-Monarch-2.1.htm

or this
http://kozy.com/product/10-specializ...28-59558-1.htm

or
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/yukon.fx/7326/44104/

or...
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/rh_25.htm

OR! if i really can afford to blow 1500 on a bike...
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_full_suspension/fuel_ex/fuelex5/

(rather not spend that much tho!)

well if any of you have personal experience with any of these.. or any bikes from bikes direct, please share your info... i assume by the end of next week ill be getting one of these bikes.

 

[mtnbiker72]

The Specialized and the Trek are hands down the best suspension configurations of the group. They will remain active under breaking when you need it most (fast, steep, rocky descents). The Sette represents an enormous value for the dollar but is not in the same class as far as the suspension (same Faux Bar Link as the Giant and Motobecane). This design with the rear pivot above the dropout on the seat stays will tend to lock out and squat under braking, thus causing a loss of traction. It's not a bad design per say, just not in the same league as the FSR and ABP designs. Parts wise the Giant is lower than the first three and the Motobecane isn't even close (though it's quite cheap).

Honestly the Specialized would be my first choice based on design and value, followed by the Sette based on the value, and then the Trek based on the design.

 

[TwoHeadsBrewing]

I second the Specialized and the Trek. The Sette is a good bike, but I see they're not producing 2011 models (not yet at least). If they're discontinuing that line, you're going to have a tough time finding replacement/warranty parts. I'd stay away from the Dawes as it looks like a tank. I've bought two bikesdirect bikes and been happy with both, but if you're going with a FS from them choose the Motobecane Fantom DS Comp in that price range. Lots of people like the Fantom FS bikes, although I have never personally ridden one.

If you can ride the Specialized and Trek, do so and see which feels better. Both bikes are virtually the same as the more expensive higher end models just with lower end components. That's a good thing for upgrading, as there should be lots of parts available should you want/need to upgrade or replace items. Good luck!

 

[Drazhar]

Well, Cozy just phoned me and said that they cant ship the specialized to me after all..

at first he thought he might be able to as its a slightly older model, but his boss got back to me and said they cant as its still to new

 

[Drazhar]

If you can ride the Specialized and Trek, do so and see which feels better. Both bikes are virtually the same as the more expensive higher end models just with lower end components. That's a good thing for upgrading, as there should be lots of parts available should you want/need to upgrade or replace items. Good luck!

i have rode this years Specialized Camber Comp and the EX 5, i think the rear end feels better on the FSR for for peddling, but the EX5 seemed better overall for handling.. and actual fuction of the rear shock..

PS, i cant believe the Sette is 3lbs lighter than the EX 5 and the FSR..

 

[mtnbiker72]

Well, Cozy just phoned me and said that they cant ship the specialized to me after all..

at first he thought he might be able to as its a slightly older model, but his boss got back to me and said they cant as its still to new

They shouldn't be able to ship a Trek or a Specialized...neither allows internet sales on new product.

 

[Drazhar]

They shouldn't be able to ship a Trek or a Specialized...neither allows internet sales on new product.

they can on OLD models that are no longer available.. on very few instances.

so i asked just to see, but it was a no go

 

[Drazhar]

ended up getting a 2011 trek fuel EX 5..