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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
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    Help wanted- Looking for first 29er

    I've taken the bait, and am finally looking for a mtn. bike. I don't want full suspension, only fronts. I've been told to be looking for a 29er, but I want to get TGR thoughts. I live in SB, so most of my riding will involve a lot of climbing.

    I'm looking to spend around 1200-1500. I've been noticing a lot of Kona's on chain love, but have held off due to the whole 29er issue.

    Thoughts on what I should be looking at? Used is fine, actually prefered. I know road and tri bikes, but mtn bikes I know nothing.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Hell Track
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    13,845
    Before this devolves into a "what you actually want is a 5" travel trail bike" discussion, Canfield Yelli Screamy. done.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Sierra Foothills
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    677
    I built a Niner RIP9 29er this year, which I think is a blast.

    There are pros and cons to both 26 and 29 inch wheels. You should really give one a test drive before you buy. A lot of it depends on where you ride and your riding style.

    I will say, that if I wasn't going a get a FS bike, I'd definitely get a 29er.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Bravo Delta.
    Posts
    6,135
    Yelli Screamy.

    Sexy as Fuck.
    Quote Originally Posted by Socialist View Post
    They have socalized healthcare up in canada. The whole country is 100% full of pot smoking pro-athlete alcoholics.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Iowa City
    Posts
    473
    Really really strongly recommend riding a bike before buying one. Hopefully riding a lot more than one bike. Different brands have differing takes on the idea geometry.

    The Canfield Yelli Screamy has a lot of unique features that make it very different from the majority of 29" hardtails. Do yourself a huge favor though, and ride one (and then a few others to compare) before committing.

    Best thing you can do is pay a visit to a few shops in your area. This is a good time of year to be bike shopping, they'll likely have sales on their remaining 2011 stock, so you may be able to get a new bike w/ warranty & included services for close to the same price as a year old used one.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Iowa City
    Posts
    473
    *note* my above post in no way is/was meant to imply the Yelli Screamy is a bike you should get. You should ride a lot of bikes, and get the one you feel best suits what you're looking for.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
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    Thanks, I've been borrowing a Kona Big Kahuna, which is a great bike, but I switched bikes with a friend who has a Giant 29er, and it felt better to me.

    I just don't know what bikes (brands/models) I should be looking into.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
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    Sierra Foothills
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    677
    Quote Originally Posted by supermodel159 View Post
    I just don't know what bikes (brands/models) I should be looking into.
    Well, the easiest thing to do is look into the brands sold by your local LBS's. Bikes are like skis, too many brands to consider them all.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    O-Town
    Posts
    2,664
    Sette Razzo 2.0 - $1300

    Killer build for the price: X9, Elixr CR brakes, Mavic 719 rims, Reba fork.

    I have one and I love it.
    All I know is that I don't know nothin'... and that's fine.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Golden, CO
    Posts
    86
    Quote Originally Posted by supermodel159 View Post
    I'm looking to spend around 1200-1500...

    I know road and tri bikes, but mtn bikes I know nothing.
    Based on these comments, I'd look into a Giant/Specialized/etc. The Yelli Screamy is (likely -- I've never ridden one) a great bike if you're awesome, but if you're just starting with mountain bikes, which is what I gathered, I'd look for something a bit more stable. When you get better, you'll decide if you want a more aggressive hardtail or want t move up to full suspension.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    3rd floor
    Posts
    358
    What road bikes do you have and why?

    Lots of good options now that everyone's making big wheel bikes, so unless you're the sort that's happy riding whatever you're on then it's more a question about what you want to do and what you prefer...

    Think you might want run SS?
    Care about frame materials?
    Ever going to want to race or tour off road?
    Prefer twitchy or mellow steering?

    Etc. Etc.

    Personally, at your budget I'd go for a salsa el mariachi or a soma juice, spend $500 on sturdy, lightish handlaced wheels and build the rest up with cheap and giveaway parts.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Posts
    812
    Want to talk neck snappin' acceleration and all around sweetness? This is the first bike I've bought in a long time and the ride just keeps getting better.

    Jamis Dakota d29

    Look around you can find a good deal.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Orygun
    Posts
    593
    What size are you looking for? Just saw a sweet Niner in a medium on my local craigslist ($1600). Sounds like a new frame and new parts.
    Last edited by pollydog; 11-07-2011 at 01:22 PM.

  14. #14
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    Jul 2007
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    Quote Originally Posted by pollydog View Post
    What size are you looking for? Just saw a sweet Niner in a medium on my local craigslist ($1600). Sounds like a new frame and new parts.
    I'm looking for Large (18-19). I'm 6'0, with a 32.5 inseam, so I can't fit into most Mediums.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    SLC
    Posts
    437
    Quote Originally Posted by supermodel159 View Post
    I've taken the bait, and am finally looking for a mtn. bike. I don't want full suspension, only fronts. I've been told to be looking for a 29er, but I want to get TGR thoughts. I live in SB, so most of my riding will involve a lot of climbing.

    I'm looking to spend around 1200-1500. I've been noticing a lot of Kona's on chain love, but have held off due to the whole 29er issue.

    Thoughts on what I should be looking at? Used is fine, actually prefered. I know road and tri bikes, but mtn bikes I know nothing.
    Check out the Yeti Big Top from the Yeti demo fleet that GoRide is selling:
    http://www.go-ride.com/SPD/yeti-cycl...1316462017.jsp

    seems like a great deal, especially if warranty is being honored! Otherwise I've got to admit I was pretty impressed with the Salsa El Mariachi I spent the past 3 weeks riding. My first 29er experience and being that it was a demo I intentionally wasn't going easy on it. It was great on fast flowy singletrack but surprised me how well it handled a variety of technical riding with some small dirt jumps, urban assault, and high speed downhill runs mixed in. If I had the extra cash I'd be looking to buy one asap.

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    M'Tana
    Posts
    113
    +1 on the El Mar it's an absolutely fantastic all-rounder although I think the Yelli descends better, you should buy my large Ti frame, or better yet, buy an XL and trade me

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pig Bodine View Post
    +1 on the El Mar it's an absolutely fantastic all-rounder although I think the Yelli descends better, you should buy my large Ti frame, or better yet, buy an XL and trade me
    Thanks, but by the time I build up the El Mar, I'll be blowing my budget in no time. I'm leaning towards that Sette Razo that was posted above. The comps seem pretty good for the price. Anyone have anything bad to say about Sette....I've not heard much about them.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    O-Town
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    Quote Originally Posted by supermodel159 View Post
    Thanks, but by the time I build up the El Mar, I'll be blowing my budget in no time. I'm leaning towards that Sette Razo that was posted above. The comps seem pretty good for the price. Anyone have anything bad to say about Sette....I've not heard much about them.
    People over at Empty Beer seem to like them (Sette has its own forum). I have no complaints about mine. The complete bike (size small) weighs about 26 lbs, ~25 or so if you go tubeless. Pretty good for $1200.
    All I know is that I don't know nothin'... and that's fine.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    inpdx
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    20,197
    i recently bought a giant talon 1. it's about a price point below where you are looking ($1k retail). it's a pretty solid spec but could have a better front shock

    one thing i have noticed, coming from a road/tri background like you, is how heavy the rig is compared to those other bikes (and i'm on an XL). climbing is a whole new experience: different geometry, weight, weight distribution. downhill, OTOH, is a blast.

    if you're at all able, include some off road uphill and downhill in your test ride, not just testing on pavement. you will notice differences immediately

    good luck with your search! it's fun to ride new things when you're ready to buy

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    3rd floor
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    358
    Quote Originally Posted by supermodel159 View Post
    Thanks, but by the time I build up the El Mar, I'll be blowing my budget in no time. I'm leaning towards that Sette Razo that was posted above. The comps seem pretty good for the price. Anyone have anything bad to say about Sette....I've not heard much about them.
    If you're going that direction, might as well spend a couple hundred more for better parts (unless you hate shimano)

    But it's a good time of year to buy from LBS if you're going new and both of those options have super basic wheels that you'll replace if spend any serious time riding the bike...

  21. #21
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    93108
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    ^^ Thanks, for the link, I've read some horrible reviews on that bike.

    I've gone the LBS route, they have nothing left in my size, of their "entry level" 29ers. I'm going to keep looking, I'm in no rush, but would like to find something to keep me busy this winter.

  22. #22
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Iowa City
    Posts
    473
    I'm going to *really strongly* recommend against buying a bike such as a Sette or a Motobecane that you can't test ride before buying - you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Further, bicycles require a lot more assembly than simply attaching the handlebars, inflating the tires, and adjusting the cable tension. Lots. I feel as though very few people truly appreciate it, but a properly assembled bicycle, even with "lower quality" parts on it, will last much longer than a hurriedly thrown together bicycle with "higher quality" components on it. As an example, even $2,000 wheelsets brand new out of the box require truing and adjusting of their $800 carbon/ceramic hubs. And that's the nice stuff.

    Seriously, buy a bike from a bike shop, rather than online. If you decide to buy used, take the bike for an estimate before you buy it, in order to have everything run through by a professional so there are no surprises. This is some of the best advice I can give.

    Next, if you are located in Santa Barbara (as your location/zip implies), there should be lots of shops within a 30-45 minute drive. Make phone calls to see if they have any closeout models that would fit your budget and size if you have to.

    If they don't have a closeout model in stock, they may still be able to order a 2011 closeout through the companies they carry - not always the same deal as an in-stock closeout would be, but it could make bikes that were previously just outside your budget a little more attainable. One bike in particular that's jumping out at me is the Trek/Fisher X-Caliber - there are still 2011 models in 19" (the size I'd suggest without being able to see you in person...) in stock at Trek, so any Trek dealer should be able to get them.

    If the El Mariachi (a terrific bike) is something you'd like, but are not sure you can afford, think again - suggested retail for the 2012 El Mariachi 3 complete bike is $1499 - so within your budget. Only catch, is it isn't available until the first of the year.


    Take your time in finding the right bike - and find a shop to get it from that treats you well.

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
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    93108
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    I've ordered my past 3 bikes online, and never had a problem. I take them into my LBS and have them put together.

  24. #24
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Bravo Delta.
    Posts
    6,135
    Quote Originally Posted by willmtbike4food View Post
    I'm going to *really strongly* recommend against buying a bike such as a Sette or a Motobecane that you can't test ride before buying - you have no idea what you're getting yourself into. Further, bicycles require a lot more assembly than simply attaching the handlebars, inflating the tires, and adjusting the cable tension. Lots. I feel as though very few people truly appreciate it, but a properly assembled bicycle, even with "lower quality" parts on it, will last much longer than a hurriedly thrown together bicycle with "higher quality" components on it. As an example, even $2,000 wheelsets brand new out of the box require truing and adjusting of their $800 carbon/ceramic hubs. And that's the nice stuff.

    Seriously, buy a bike from a bike shop, rather than online. If you decide to buy used, take the bike for an estimate before you buy it, in order to have everything run through by a professional so there are no surprises. This is some of the best advice I can give.

    Next, if you are located in Santa Barbara (as your location/zip implies), there should be lots of shops within a 30-45 minute drive. Make phone calls to see if they have any closeout models that would fit your budget and size if you have to.

    If they don't have a closeout model in stock, they may still be able to order a 2011 closeout through the companies they carry - not always the same deal as an in-stock closeout would be, but it could make bikes that were previously just outside your budget a little more attainable. One bike in particular that's jumping out at me is the Trek/Fisher X-Caliber - there are still 2011 models in 19" (the size I'd suggest without being able to see you in person...) in stock at Trek, so any Trek dealer should be able to get them.

    If the El Mariachi (a terrific bike) is something you'd like, but are not sure you can afford, think again - suggested retail for the 2012 El Mariachi 3 complete bike is $1499 - so within your budget. Only catch, is it isn't available until the first of the year.


    Take your time in finding the right bike - and find a shop to get it from that treats you well.

    I agree the lbs is generally a good choice if they have what you're looking for, but "bike assembly is hard" is a stupid reason for not ordering a bike online. Bike assembly/mechanics/maintenance is not rocket science.

    First, assembling the bike yourself isn't difficult, and learning some bike mechanics through youtube or various books will help you in the long run in terms of bike maintenance and expense.

    Second, if you buy the bike and are truly confounded by its magical wiz-bangery, take it to the bike shop and have them go over it.

    Third, an actual good reason to not buy a bike online (as you kind of point out), is if you don't know what angles you are looking for and how it will ride; however, the OP could simply go to a few shops, ride 29'ers with different angles, and see what he likes...and then order online, if he so chooses.




    Again, I support my lbs as much as possible, but not buying a bike online because "assembly is hard" is a red herring.
    Last edited by iscariot; 11-10-2011 at 08:57 AM.
    Quote Originally Posted by Socialist View Post
    They have socalized healthcare up in canada. The whole country is 100% full of pot smoking pro-athlete alcoholics.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    retired
    Posts
    12,465
    i am considering selling a fully decked out canfield nimble 9 if you are interested. a little more than 1500 though. only a handful of XC rides on it.
    go for rob

    www.dpsskis.com

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