jeffryscott
2006 Rally Course Champion: Expedition Trophy
So, I'm looking once again for a 29er. Sold mine a few years ago, but now want to try again.
I need an XL/23-inch frame (last 29er was a Specialized bought at a local bike shop for about $750). This time around I'm looking for more entry level, say $500.
I know, save and spend more and get better components. But, I have some cash now, honestly don't expect to do anything knarly and am hoping just to start getting some exercise and maybe eventually get into some dirt. Nothing hardcore like in my 20s. So, as long as the bike has decent components, a good frame and double tubed wheels I think I'll be ok.
I'm looking at a couple here locally at Performance (seems like the regular bike shops I've checked aren't really dealing with model year closeouts and none have XL or 22/23-inch frames in stock in my price range). Performance though as a Diamondback Overdrive Expert at 499, or a GT Karakoram for $399 (tires on this one are more street vs. trail, but that is probably OK for now and my gut says the GT is a better frame). Both have Suntour XTC forks, Shimano Acera. The GT has V brakes, the Dback disc.
But, online, bikesdirect has this Dawes Haymaker http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/haymaker2900.htm for $399. Seems, to my uneducated eye, to have slightly better components. Free shipping and even if I paid $50 to have it tuned I'd be ahead of the game.
Does anybody have knowledge of this bike?
Other recommendations?
I did stop by Trek tonight and the 29ers started at 629 with the same components as the above bikes, but they did have the 26-inch 3700 disc on sale for 450. I may try that. I have a fondness for Gary Fisher and Trek as they've been my two primary mountain bikes in my biking history.
So many choices, so little money and really, I don't know what the hell I'm doing. In all honesty, my $80 ancient Trek 820 would probably work. Maybe I should just buy more camera equipment instead ...
I need an XL/23-inch frame (last 29er was a Specialized bought at a local bike shop for about $750). This time around I'm looking for more entry level, say $500.
I know, save and spend more and get better components. But, I have some cash now, honestly don't expect to do anything knarly and am hoping just to start getting some exercise and maybe eventually get into some dirt. Nothing hardcore like in my 20s. So, as long as the bike has decent components, a good frame and double tubed wheels I think I'll be ok.
I'm looking at a couple here locally at Performance (seems like the regular bike shops I've checked aren't really dealing with model year closeouts and none have XL or 22/23-inch frames in stock in my price range). Performance though as a Diamondback Overdrive Expert at 499, or a GT Karakoram for $399 (tires on this one are more street vs. trail, but that is probably OK for now and my gut says the GT is a better frame). Both have Suntour XTC forks, Shimano Acera. The GT has V brakes, the Dback disc.
But, online, bikesdirect has this Dawes Haymaker http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/dawes/haymaker2900.htm for $399. Seems, to my uneducated eye, to have slightly better components. Free shipping and even if I paid $50 to have it tuned I'd be ahead of the game.
Does anybody have knowledge of this bike?
Other recommendations?
I did stop by Trek tonight and the 29ers started at 629 with the same components as the above bikes, but they did have the 26-inch 3700 disc on sale for 450. I may try that. I have a fondness for Gary Fisher and Trek as they've been my two primary mountain bikes in my biking history.
So many choices, so little money and really, I don't know what the hell I'm doing. In all honesty, my $80 ancient Trek 820 would probably work. Maybe I should just buy more camera equipment instead ...