What 29er to buy

[tonto]

Hey Guys,

This is my first post on the forum and I am looking and making my foray into biking.. I am looking at buying a 29er for mostly road use and a little off road and was seeking your opinions on what would be better value for money... I have been looking a a giant xtc1, scott scale 29 elite or the scott scale 29 team. I want to keep the budget to around 2000 or under, what would be the best pick out of these models.. I have been told that specialised are a bit overrated and you pay more for the name, any help greatly appreciated because I can look at specs but dont know what parts are better than others....
And what are good bike shops located in Perth and who to watch out for as I will be buying online as I live 1600km from perth

Cheers

[mitzikatzi]

A lot of shops (most?) will not or are not allowed to sell bikes on the internet. I brought a bike from Melbourne (I am in WA) but freight can be a lot.

[Redbull]

I saw a nice Cannodale 29er at Kalamunda Cycles the other day. I think it would be the "soft road" option for around 1K.

The more off road options are very nice too but the jump up in specs results in a jump in price as well.

[tonto]

Yeah I am on to tim from kalamunda cycles as he was referrred to me by a friend, just waiting to hear back from him, I might check the cannondale out....

[Redbull]

They are my LBS and Tim's a good bloke.

If he was rubbish I would say so.

[The Walrus]

I bought a Specialized 29er 2 months ago and love it. My budget was less than yours at around $1500 and I tested quite a few. I'm also using it for road riding and commuting with some off road use.

It came down to what felt best on a test ride and the Specialized was the one. Apart from changing tyres to semi slicks it's been totally perfect. So go test your choices and let that help you decide.

In fact a mate of mine was looking at getting a flat bar but after trying mine is close to changing his mind and going for a 29er!

[albe]

still enjoying my xtc1 after four months or so ... great on the roads and off, paid 1950$ for mine, they are around for less apparently. Gave it its first proper XC course run the other week, forgot how much upper body strength some of these tighter trails require ! I'm happier on the fire trails and roads these days.

[mitzikatzi]

If I was going to buy a 29er. I would get the Giant XTC 1 mainly because it has a Fox fork on it.

I am looking at buying a 29er for mostly road use and a little off road

I think a $1000 bike will serve you as well as a $2000 bike. Bikes are a learning curve. In a years time you will have a better idea of what you need/want.

I live 1600km from Perth

Just trying to think where that might be. The Pilbara or somewhere hot?

I used to work at a Gold mine about 200km from Parburdoo. A work mate took a MTB up to site. The hydraulic disk brakes did not like the summer heat and all the fluid leaked out of the calipers. Perhaps cable discs would be a better choice. Avid BB7 get great reviews. I am guessing it is flat where you live so BB5 probably would be enough brake. Being a long way from a bike shop you will have to learn to do your own repairs. Combining that with the summer heat maybe a front suspension fork that had a coil spring would be a better choice than an "Air" fork which again may suffer in the heat.

I had a bit of a look on BikeExchange. There are a couple of bikes betweeb $800 and $1500 that I think would serve you well.

If you plan on a lot of road riding I suggest Schwalbe Big Apple tyres.

[tonto]

Yeah I live in Port hedland W.A which can get quite warm at times.... I have decided on the scott team 29er after much deliberation and after talking with tim from kalamunda cycles.. By the way he done me a sweet deal and his service is second to none, it is always hard when purchasing over the net as alot of people try and rip you off, but was more than happy with the deal he done me...
Ill let you all know when I get it how she goes

[mitzikatzi]

A Scott Team looks like a great choice. Good components. Just keep an eye on those brakes in the heat next summer.

[Mattheq]

I bought the Giant XtC 29er 1 today and am pretty happy with it.

You better be quick if you're looking at one of these, as Giant have no more in WA, and there will be no more until the 2012 models roll out in around Spetember. Apparently they are bringing out an increased range this year (6 29ers - two with dual suspension).

[Redbull]

Hey Tonto, what did you buy from Tim. I was in this morning and he's getting across for me a Cannondale SL 29er 4 (has to be the green )

I'm looking forward to it arriving.

[tonto]

Hey Redbull,

I brought the Scott Team 29er from Tim and he informs me that he will be sending it off today for me, with a bit of luck I will have it before the weekend so I can take it for a hack, you will have to let me know how the cannondale goes once you get it. I was going to buy the giant xtc1 off tim but told me they are sold out and they only come in the black, I rather liked the blue paint scheme on the scott.

[Redbull]

Noice......

I like the looks of the Scotts in there. Mine is the budget option 29er as I prefer my roadie, but when you live around here you need something to play with off the asphalt

You will have to give a report ( with pics) when your's lands.

[tonto]

How do you post photos on here??????? I got photos of the new deadly treadly and wantd to put them on here but don't know how????????

[mitzikatzi]

Press the Img button on the toolbar

[img]xxxxx[/img]

insert address between tags must be a jpg file
http://bikehugger.com/images/blogs/blonde36.jpg

ie

save your pictures somewhere like flickr

[bosvit]

I think you need 10 posts as well?

[legsrburnin]

Love my Cannondale Flash Carbon 29er. Feels amazing. I can recommend.