new bigger bike buy contemplation (input appreciated)

[Crinkle]

I have been contemplating a new bike for over a year now, but it hasn't been in the realm of financial possiblity.....until now. I a psyched to be able to afford one now. I place the ceiling for the new bike buy at $2500 (completely built), and if all possible to stay underneath that.

Currently riding a Jamis Dakar XC w/ 100mm of travel in the rear and adjustable 80-100mm travel up front. It has been lightened to approx 26lbs and its sole purpose would be XC/epic rides. Hopefully i will get a new wheelset and switch to disc brakes and the rear shock will be PUSHED very soon. I obviously don't ride it like a XC bike all the time since its all i have. Some of you might remember classics such as "i just got retired" when i broke the frame, thankfully Jamis replaced it for me.

But now i have learned my lesson, no more Porcupine rim and Keystone DH on my aging steed. Time for a bigger, badder freeride bike. What to get?

I have done a little reading and come up with some parameters. I would like to be able to pedal this bike up hills, not that I am going to XC it, but I could if i had to. Weight is an issue as well, I could live with somewhere in the neighborhood of 35lbs w/out DH tires and tubes. I am thinking 5-6" on either end would be sweet.

So far bikes that I think will fit in this category are :

Kona Coiler or Stinky,stinky might be too heavy.

AS-X, which currently i have been given the opportunity to purchase for well under retail brandnew. Right now leaning towards this.

Weyless XP pro-might be more XC since its not coil over

Giant AC1 '04-03-some still floating around at supergo for reasonable price

that's all i got so far.

[rippin]

Santa Cruz Bullit period end of story.

[White Chocolate]

You have some excellent choices there picked out. the yeti and the coiler would probably be your best bets, so take your pick based on suspension design and geometry preference. I think the coiler runs more along the trail bike side of things (albiet the north vancouver style trail bike ) compared to the yeti which is freeride specific. Other bikes to look at would be a bullit, the iron horse 7.3 or 7.5 if you can pony up a bit more dough, the norco vps 6 (so hot right now), a cove g-spot, or looking for something used.

[zion zig zag]

I'd say as-x or bullit, choose your fork based on riding type.

[gravitylover]

You should also look at the Titus Moto Lite. I sell Yeti and haven't been all that impressed with customer service and what they'll consider for a warranty/crash replacement.

[White Chocolate]

You should also look at the Titus Moto Lite. I sell Yeti and haven't been all that impressed with customer service and what they'll consider for a warranty/crash replacement.

apparently you overlooked his financial ceiling of $2500

[bagtagley]

I'd recommend getting a bike that can be made burlier as you progress. The Coiler is a great cross-over bike, but it's a bit confused. It's been upped to 6" front and rear this year, and weighs around 32 pounds. It's basically an early model Stinky w/ better suspension.

Rather, I'd go with a Bullit, AS-X, Stinky De-Lux or other freeride bike. You can build them relatively light with an SC fork, but have the option of beefing them up if necessary. Also, if you feel like waiting, Soul Cycles is coming out w/ a few FS designs that promise to be very reasonable. Sign up for their SCUD sponsorship program, and things get even cheaper.

[fondigley]

Go with the ASX. Since you can a get a deal on that, you will probably get the most for your money. I know HEV purchased one last year. He ordered it the way he wanted and got it like the next day. One of the perks of having the factory in Colorado and only being a few miles down the road. It is a great freeride/downhill and even dirtjumper.

Of course there are other bikes out there, but I am a sucker for a deal. And with a $2500 ceiling, there aren't too many quality complete bikes for that price.

[Spats]

If you ride a 20" frame and you like short wheelbases, you can get a Weyless 67 (6-7" travel) for $300 with a Swinger 6-way. That's about $1000 less than any other frame you'll find.

The AS-X is a cool bike and if you can get a deal, I'd probably grab it. Here's a good deal for those of us without hookups:
http://www.bicyclebuys.com/Items01.a...emfg&M=97&T=43

If you don't mind something a little more DH oriented, a Big Hit Comp will do you fine and leave you plenty of $ to upgrade the fork. Or, the new Enduro Expert has 6" front and rear and is a good option if you're light or don't plan on being Huckasaurus -- though I haven't been on one.

[Crinkle]

thanks for the feedback so far, keep it coming, i'll post more when i have more time to look into these bikes.

spats, they don't have medium and that is about what i can get it for out here already assembled. plus i already saw that deal, thanks for looking out. big hit will be too much trouble to actually climb, i think

stinky dee-lux= way the hell out of the price range
bullit and titus= out of price range

used is defiintely a possiblity

[Mr. Altagirl]

I sold my AC1 last year (very pimped out and sold to Powho; great bike) and moved on to an AS-X. I can't say enough on how pefect the Yeti has been for me. This year's model is coming with a DHX which would rock on this bike. Since you live in Denver and can get a deal on a Yeti, you should go for it, you won't be disappointed. Can you get a deal on a 303 as well?

[CS]

Yeah Crinkster, glad to see you getting into the realm of big travel and big fun. Don't even consider anything in the 5" range as it won't really be much different from the 4" rig you have now. And pedaling a 7" bike uphill really isn't that bad. So what I'm saying is you might as well go with at least 7", because the bike is all about going downhill anyways. Whatever you do, get a dual ring chain guide. As stated many times before, the E13 is money.

And a bunch of fellas around here rave about the AS-X. I've spun a lap or two on it and it really is a great bike, especially if you can get a deal on it. The only downside is the Manitou crap they put up front.

[Crinkle]

Mr AG, any problems with 5th element, other than the standard dialing-in issues i hear about?

303 deals? I not that I know of. I haven't even seen one yet. But if i hear anything I will be sure to let you know. Even with Yeti being here, it doesn't help anyone get deals.

CS, if you are thinking about 6" why not go with the 7" (at least that is what i told her )

After doing my taxes today, looks like the bike might have to wait a little longer, but i am hoping for late April.

[bagtagley]

Mr AG, any problems with 5th element, other than the standard dialing-in issues i hear about?

I'm not Mr. AG, but I play him on TV (and answer questions directed at him).

I'm going on 4 seasons w/ my 5th, and have been extremely happy. If you did have problems, my understanding is that their customer service is top notch.

Also worth mentioning is the fact that they do free tune-ups at NORBA races. You're close enough to Durango to make it worth the trip. I got mine serviced at Snowshoe, and got back what looked like a new shock. Not only did they clean it up and replace all the seals and fluid, but they also replaced the shock body and the spring collar in response to some spring rubbing issues I was having. They even put a new sticker on it, all free of charge.

[Crinkle]

thanks for the info bagtag, that is good stuff to know. I know a 2 guys with the 5th and both love it without issue, but always good to check with the masses.

[Oarhead]

The new Norco six is the bike that I want to buy this year (only because they don't have a large shore model this year).

Less than 3k cdn. Great spec. 5.5-6.5" of travel. Lots of sizes to fit anybody. Hydroformed tubing = plenty strong. Weight can be negotiable depending upon what you tinker with. Geometry looks like a great mix of trail vs freeride.

A bullit would be sweeet but the cost and the WAITING TIME suck. Just to reiterate - WAITING TIME.

[Arty50]

Bullits are nice, VP-Frees are nicer.

I've only heard great things about AS-Xs too.

[Spats]

I would take an AS-X over a Bullit in a heartbeat. And I'd take a Six Pack over either of them.

Caveat: I bought a Bullit clone (Weyless 67) for budget reasons. My entire build cost under $1200 including the fork swap, which is good because I'm a beater and will be crashing it regularly.

[hungryhank]

some more choices:

turner 6 pack

giant reign

used giant ac 1 or 2

one of the ironhorse sgs freeride series

bullit

i'd say weyless, but they dont really have a warrenty/customer service period so i'd count them out

foes fxr

intense 5.5

check out www.adrenalinebikes.com for some more frames, call them up and talk to jim, he'll help you to build the perfect bike for the perfect price, that sounds way corny but it's true, those guys are great.

[Crinkle]

some more choices:

turner 6 pack

giant reign

used giant ac 1 or 2

one of the ironhorse sgs freeride series

bullit

i'd say weyless, but they dont really have a warrenty/customer service period so i'd count them out

foes fxr

intense 5.5

check out www.adrenalinebikes.com for some more frames, call them up and talk to jim, he'll help you to build the perfect bike for the perfect price, that sounds way corny but it's true, those guys are great.

the budget is now $2000 for the whole build which will really narrow this list in a hurry. There are a lot of sweet bikes out there, but it looks like the AS-X is going to be my best bet, with the single crown 1.5" fork, reducing weight and increasing climbing ability and because i have a hook up on it. Got the green light to get it by april, if it is still at my friends shop. I might try to get out and see a few more of these bikes, like the Norco and the stinky.

[marshalolson]

azonic sabers are pretty sweet too, and fairly cheap.
if you want one of those my shop can offer a bit of a discount (~20% off retail)
marshal

[jayfrizzo]

the budget is now $2000 for the whole build which will really narrow this list in a hurry. There are a lot of sweet bikes out there, but it looks like the AS-X is going to be my best bet, with the single crown 1.5" fork, reducing weight and increasing climbing ability and because i have a hook up on it. Got the green light to get it by april, if it is still at my friends shop. I might try to get out and see a few more of these bikes, like the Norco and the stinky.

If you can get the AS-X for under $2000, then it's no question.

[Scuch]

Check out the Trek Session 7. At 2750 it's a little above your price goal but well worth it. I know Treks aren't the coolest bikes on the shore but they put a lot of R&D into the Session design and it rides really well. Otherwise, I like the Coiler

[powderwhore]

Here ya go!

Giant AC1 2G's

[AfroMullet]

AS-X is the shiz. That'd be my top reccomendation. Get a dual crown fork. You'll be thankful when going 321098643 miles per hour down a technical trail.


Edit: I didn't read before suggesting, 1.5 SC should be just about as stiff as a DC fork.