The girlfriend and I want mountain bikes to use recreationally, we have some parks and trails one block from the house, we'd also take weekend day trips to some of oregon's best mountain biking trails... camping etc... nothing hardcore... problem is we like nice stuff, even if we don't need it.... so that being said, what are the best options in the $500-1000 price range for a full suspension mountain bike?

Currently considering a couple different last year model GT I-drive's But would love to hear from people in the know on bikes!

 

First, you are probably not going to get the greatest full suspension mountain bike with the price you are talking. A grand will probably only get you in to an good bike company's entry level full suspension. Having said that, try a giant for full-suspension. The trance line has won many awards for its design. I have owned a trance 1 and a trance two and they are great full suspension bikes.
Link to trance closest to you price range: http://www.giant-bicycle.com/en-US/b...ntain/6/24771/

I would also check specialized because they also make good full suspension bikes

Now, if you want the most for your money, get a hard tail. I currently ride and race a Trek 8000 with a Fox 80mm X shock (32 F80 X) http://bobs-bicycles.com/itemdetails.cfm?c...ricedesc&id=544 and different shifters. I honestly feel like you could get a better bike without going the full-suspension route. And there is less stuff to break, which is why the hardtail will always be the race bike, and they are lighter.

Example: http://www2.trekbikes.com/bikes/bike...d=1033600&f=18

And by getting a Trek, you typically get better components for a better price because they are such a large company. Granted, all three of these companies have great bikes if you have the appropriate funds.

 

thanks for the info!

 

Have you ridden a full suspension? Make sure you really want a rear suspension. I had a fs and unless you spend big bucks it's going to be HEAVY. Plus the fs sucks some of your power out of your strokes so you get less result from the pedaling. I got a really nice hardtail, the Giant xtc comp. It's more than you are looking to spend, but at times you can find them on ebay for good prices. It's less than 20 lbs and has great components. Seriously look at the weight of the bike you are going to buy. Uphill or at the end of a long ride weight will make a difference.

 

as I understand it you only lose stroke power on the models that don't have a pivot point at the crank since the chain slacks... the Idrive's shouldn't have this problem.

Good point on the weight, I am simply researching right now, can't test ride for another couple weeks, knee is swollen right now from having some hardware removed from an injury last year. I'll definitely try out some hard tails.

 

 

X2.

I love my Cannondale F600. Wish I had ponied up a few more $$$ for the F800 with the Lefty, but oh well. For my money, there aren't many worthwhile FS bikes in the under-$1k range.


(Disc brakes, bar ends, and other goodies added since this photo was taken)

 

Are disc brakes really essential? I hear they have lots of issues. My hubs are disc ready, but the v brakes i have are like vice grips already. I do hear the new fluid brake lines are nice because they grip strong with little input from the rider.

 

[QUOTE=s2000raj,Jun 10 2007, 11:41 PM] Are disc brakes really essential?

 

I don't see the point of full suspension if you don't plan to do big jumps...


I prefer lightweight.