[Grammar Hammer]

I am looking to buy my first "real" mountain bike, and I would like to keep it under $1,400. I'd prefer something that didn't really need upgrades, but of course, I'd be willing to do so if necessary. Since it's my first good bike, I'm not really comfortable buying an Ibex, even though I know they are highly recommended, so I have been looking at Stumpjumpers. I'm looking for a FS bike for rough trails and some mild (2'-3' drops max) downhill.

A massive LBS (apparently the nation's largest) has a huge backstock of various bikes, and they have the following older models:

2001 Stumpjumper FSR XC @ $1,139
1996 Stumpjumper FS @ $846

Are either of these worth looking at? The store's online catalog doesn't show components, so I can't be sure what's on them. I was wondering if any of you knew about them, or of a resource that would show what the stock parts would be on such bikes. I'm expecting the '96 will have some rather outdated hardware, but I'm not sure if it still might be worth picking up and swapping out parts on it.

Otherwise, I have just been looking at an '05 Stump ($1300) and an '06 ($1400). I'm assuming the prices on these newer models are somewhat flexible. Were there any significant changes made between the 05 and the 06? The product reviews section seems to lump them both together.

Thanks again all...

 

[rzozaya1969]

If that 05 or 06 models are FS bikes, they're worth the price difference to the 01 model. There has been a lot of changes since the 2001. I think that the 06 model comes with a Fox fork, which is very sweet. I don't know about the 2005 ( I think it depends on the particular model).

 

[Grammar Hammer]

I just called and found out the listing they had for the '06 is not a FS, so forget that. I saw the '05 in person so I know it's a FS bike.

 

[rzozaya1969]

I just called and found out the listing they had for the '06 is not a FS, so forget that. I saw the '05 in person so I know it's a FS bike.

Then I would go for the 05 Stumpy. I had a 04 and it was great!

Other options is a Giant Trance or Reign, or Iron Horse MKIII

 

[Grammar Hammer]

Would you say $1300 is a good price for an '05 Stumpy FS? Or how much lower do you think I could push it?

 

[pspycho]

You must be looking at Village Cycle Center

I'd go for the '05. It's original price is $1,800 and spec'd pretty well.

 

[Grammar Hammer]

Actually, no, I'm looking at a LBS in La Grange, The Wheel Thing. I have to go in tomorrow to check it again, because I'm not sure which model it is. It's probably the base model, which I don't believe has disc brakes, which is something I was hoping for.

 

[Vitamin G]

1996 Stumpjumper FS???

If it really is a 1996 Stumpjumper, keep in mind that the "FS" stands for "Front Suspension"!

That bike may be cro-mo or may be a M2. In either case, their price is way high for a bike of that vintage...

I am looking to buy my first "real" mountain bike, and I would like to keep it under $1,400. I'd prefer something that didn't really need upgrades, but of course, I'd be willing to do so if necessary. Since it's my first good bike, I'm not really comfortable buying an Ibex, even though I know they are highly recommended, so I have been looking at Stumpjumpers. I'm looking for a FS bike for rough trails and some mild (2'-3' drops max) downhill.

A massive LBS (apparently the nation's largest) has a huge backstock of various bikes, and they have the following older models:

2001 Stumpjumper FSR XC @ $1,139
1996 Stumpjumper FS @ $846

Are either of these worth looking at? The store's online catalog doesn't show components, so I can't be sure what's on them. I was wondering if any of you knew about them, or of a resource that would show what the stock parts would be on such bikes. I'm expecting the '96 will have some rather outdated hardware, but I'm not sure if it still might be worth picking up and swapping out parts on it.

Thanks again all...

 

[rzozaya1969]

Actually, no, I'm looking at a LBS in La Grange, The Wheel Thing. I have to go in tomorrow to check it again, because I'm not sure which model it is. It's probably the base model, which I don't believe has disc brakes, which is something I was hoping for.

I had that model and it was pretty good. It's disc ready, so the only thing you need to buy are the discs. You can search for some Avid BB7 (you only need the discs), probably less than 200 bucks.

 

[Astroguy]

Just throwing some more options out there, if I were to do it all over again I would probably lean towards this Santa Cruz Superlight build at Cambria bike for $1500. Solid component set for this price range, with a great frame.

http://www.cambriabike.com/shopexd.asp?id=13790

 

[Grammar Hammer]

Thanks for the input from everyone. I did end up going with the '05 Stumpjumper. I mentioned this in another thread, but apparently somebody came in over the weekend and put it on hold at the shop, but they didn't come in in time.