REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Suggestions on a FS... budget around $1700

1259 Views 18 Replies 14 Participants Last post by InlawBiker, Mar 2, 2011

DVEGA07

Discussion Starter · Feb 22, 2011

Guys need your help. Been riding on El Cheapo for over the last year, but its time to upgrade. Any input you guys can give me will be helpful. For right now I just ride the local trials in South Florida but will be doing some riding in South & North Carolina. Looking for a FS and my budget is around $1700.. Brand not a big issue but will like best bang for my dollar. thanks guys

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

rmi

· #2 · Feb 22, 2011

Trek, Specialized, and Giant (and others) have really good offerings in that price range. Late last year, I bought a 2010 Giant Trance X4 on clearance. I really love it, but it is also my first full suspension bike and I don't have extensive experience riding other manufacturer's comparable bikes. If you are coming from a cheap hardtail, a $1700 bike will feel magical on the trail!

I think Giant offers great value. If I were in your position, I would look at their 4-5 inch FS bikes. If most of your riding will be in FL, maybe go with 4 inches. Definitely 5 inches for the Carolinas. I can't comment on 29ers, but that may be an area worth investigating too.

You also may want to look at closeout bikes at Performance Bike and other online bike sellers. You could find something awesome, but there is definitely something to be said for riding a bike at your LBS before buying. Plus, you'll probably get free tune-ups for life if you buy local!

Ryan

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DVEGA07

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 22, 2011

Thanks Ryan I did like the way the giants look how is the weight on your giant
Because when I compared the trek to the specialized
I found the specialized was a bit lighter

rmi

· #4 · Feb 22, 2011

I honestly don't have any idea how much my bike weighs. Probably a little over 30 pounds, if I had to guess. I do know that my new Giant is about the same weight (or a little lighter) than my 2006 Trek 4800 hardtail...and that bike has no rear suspension and barely anything in the front.

You may get differing opinions, but weight was not a consideration for me when I was buying. I am not a racer and my bike feels light enough on the trail. If I am pedaling around a little extra weight, I guess that will just make me a stronger rider.

Ryan

Crosstown Stew

· #5 · Feb 22, 2011

Since your asking for advice at this pricepoint I assume you want to go with a new bike because with this amount, if you know what to look for, you could really get a nice used bike. But if your wanting a warranty and bike shops to do your wrenching then new is probably best.

I gotta recommend Titus stuff. The motolite and racer-x are solid frames. They were just sold after filing bankruptcy last fall but from everything I've heard, the new owner's are going to continue to warranty the brand. Shortly after they were sold you could get Titus frames for a song, don't know if the price has rebounded but worth looking into at least.

00sable

· #6 · Feb 22, 2011

IMO the biggest thing is ride different bikes to see which geo and size fits you best and what rmi said about travel is very important. I bought a high end 4 inch travel race bike on clearance and kind of regret it.It doesn't like the rough stuff that I enjoy riding. I Didn't realize how much travel and head tube angles affected bike handling. Also you can only learn so much about a bike in a parking lot test ride. Trails are where you ride. Good luck.

FisherCaliber

· #7 · Feb 26, 2011

Look for left over models to get the best bang for your buck. I just saw a 2009 Fisher Hi Fi standard model for $1200.00 at a local store. I'd bet you could probably get it for even less if you walked in with cash. The Hi Fi is a heckuva bike for that kind of money.

Giant, Trek, Specialized, Scott & Cannondale are some other brands to have a look at.

$1700.00 will buy you a really nice ride.

Good luck & have fun with your search!!

frdfandc

· #8 · Feb 26, 2011

Don't forget about GT, Felt, Kona, Jamis, Fuji.

There are a ton of brands that make quality bikes. Don't limit yourself to just looking at Trek, Specialized and Giant.

svmike

· #9 · Feb 26, 2011

Felt Virtue(xc) and Compulsion(AM). 2009 yr models can be had for under $1700 new. PM for link to the store.

lifer

· #10 · Feb 26, 2011

I'm planning to sell my polished 2003 Santa Cruz Bullit, speced with Chris King wheels, Marzocchi Z1FR, Shimano XT, Thomsom post/stem, Easton Monkeylite DH ect. I was planning on parting out, but might be tempted to let it go for $1700. It weighs ~ 33lbs, size med. It cost me ~ $5500. to build. In any case, you'll get a better value going used. Santa Cruz offers a "crash replacement" warranty that goes on indefinitely after the initial warranty period. Most of the savings on lower end bikes come from the parts spec, which you will gradually be forced to upgrade as it fails piecemeal under the increasing demands of faster/more aggressive riding.

jpeters

· #11 · Feb 26, 2011

This looks good at your price

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2073

http://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web/Skeen-6-0-2010_id_9422_.htm#ausstattung

lifer

· #12 · Feb 26, 2011

jpeters said:
This looks good at your price

http://www.canyon.com/_en/mountainbikes/bike.html?b=2073

http://www.radon-bikes.de/xist4c/web/Skeen-6-0-2010_id_9422_.htm#ausstattung

Is the OP in Europe? That's a long way to ship a frame for a warranty issue. Then there's the exchange rate...

xdeity

· #13 · Feb 26, 2011

No one ever mentions mongoose (I don't mean walgoose either). The teocali is a great bike and easy to get at less than that price

bigbeck

· #14 · Feb 26, 2011

I've owned a Teocali since 2006. I'd say it feels as good as a Specialized Enduro or Santa Cruz Heckler. I also have a 2005 Jamis XLT which is another good bike.

The only problem I've had with the Teocali was premature failure( 1.5 years) of the bearings in the BB link. No problem. I called Mongoose and they sent me a complete bearing kit for free. They also advised me to clean and regrease the BB link every season - or more often if I rode a lot in muddy and wet conditions. No problems for the past 4 years. I know it's a PITA but it only takes about 20 minutes to do it.

jpeters

· #15 · Feb 26, 2011

lifer said:
Is the OP in Europe? That's a long way to ship a frame for a warranty issue. Then there's the exchange rate...

Sorry I forgot this forum is in America LOL

lifer

· #16 · Feb 26, 2011

Don't underestimate the value of serviceable vs disposable gear. Reliability and resale value are high on my list. Having a mech. failure 20 miles backcountry can ruin your whole day (and maybe night). I've put about 11K miles on my Bullit, and now that it's time to sell, I still get 25-35% of my money back, depending on how I sell it...or I could just keep on riding it. If it ever does crack, SC will sell me a new frame for ~$400. or so

STT GUY

· #17 · Feb 26, 2011

DVEGA07 said:
Guys need your help. Been riding on El Cheapo for over the last year, but its time to upgrade. Any input you guys can give me will be helpful. For right now I just ride the local trials in South Florida but will be doing some riding in South & North Carolina. Looking for a FS and my budget is around $1700.. Brand not a big issue but will like best bang for my dollar. thanks guys

You would have to ship the bike but Zion Cycles has some great Trek, Gary Fisher and Chumba bikes for sale that were demo units. Photos are at Zioncycles.com

All are in your price range and about 55% of retail

chuck80442

· #18 · Mar 2, 2011

I'm two years into a Giant Trance X (around $1500) and the thing is amazing. I had to get a new seat post clamp (of all things), and put on clipless pedals, but beyond that the bike has been a dream. I highly recommend a Giant.

InlawBiker

· #19 · Mar 2, 2011

I just went through the same choice. My budget was around $1500. At the LBS that's $1700 after tax.

For new my main choices were a Giant Trance or Specialized FSR-XC left-over, or something online. Instead I found a used bike. I also seriously considered a new 29'er HT, like a Sette Razzo (which I still think looks awesome).

You should be able to find a used 2007+ FS bike for under $1500. It's not too hard to do around here, not sure about where you live. My short list was a Stumpjumper, SC Superlight, Trance, Pitch, Prophet, Fuel ... or really anything modern in the right price range that looked clean. I ended up with a Stumpjumper.

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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