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Buying a Mountain bike

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 12:43 pm
by Carlos
Hi Guys, I'm after a new mountain bike and after reviewing some catalogues I have narrowed my search to two models.
I'm looking to do a bit of weekend off road riding (nothing really serious) and use the bike to ride to work (10 km dialy).

1 - Avanti Montari (1300 AUD rrp)

Frame Alloy 7005 FT Ultra Lite
Fork Rock Shox Dart 2 100mm Travel, W/Lockout
Rear Shock
Brake Levers Deore Hydraulic Disc
Brakes Shimano BRM525 Hydraulic Disc
Shifters Shimano Deore 27spd
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore
Rear Derailleur Shimano LX 9spd
Bottom Bracket Shimano ES25 Octalink Cartridge
Crankset Shimano FCM442 Spline, 22-32-44T
Chain
Pedals Alloy Platform Pedal
Headset
Handlebar Stem Alloy Ahead
Handlebar Alloy Riser
Hubs Shimano M- 465 alloy disc front and rear w/centre lock
Cassette / Freewheel Shimano CSHG50 11-32T 9spd
Spokes
Rims / Wheelset Weinmann Disc Taurus 2000 Double Wall Black
Tyres Specialized Fastrak Sport 26 x 2.0
Seat Post Alloy 31.6mm Micro Adjust
Saddle Avanti Dual Density Sport

2- Avanti Ridge Rider (850 AUD RRP)
Avanti Ridge Rider 2007
Frame Alloy 7005 FT
Fork RST Omega SL 100mm Travel, Smart Lockout
Rear Shock
Brake Levers Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic Disc
Brakes Tektro Auriga Comp Hydraulic Disc
Shifters Shimano SLMC20 24spd
Front Derailleur Shimano Alivio
Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore 9spd
Bottom Bracket Truvativ Power Spline
Crankset Truvativ Isoflow Power Spline, 22-32-42T
Chain
Pedals Alloy Platform Pedal
Headset
Handlebar Stem Alloy Ahead
Handlebar Alloy Riser
Hubs Alloy Disc Front, Shimano M-475 alloy Disc Rear
Cassette / Freewheel Shimano CSHG50 11-30T 8spd
Spokes
Rims / Wheelset Weinmann Disc Taurus 2000 Double Wall Black
Tyres Kenda Komodo MTB 26 x 2.10
Seat Post Alloy 31.6mm Micro Adjust
Saddle Avanti Dual Density Sport


I have ride tested both and they both feel very similar (very good).

As you might notice , they are very similar but the Montari is the higher version of the ridge rider (and a bit more expensive).

So, I'm not sure if it is worth to pay the difference in price to get a better bike or I should start with the ridge rider (entry level one)

I am not familiar at all with all the specs and I'm not an expert rider, so if somebody can give some advice it will be greatly appreciated

Cheers

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 12:57 pm
by Mulger bill
G'Day Carlos, Welcome :)

On the specs you've posted, the Montari has the fork, brakes and wheels to justify the extra cost, the 27sp Deore/LX shifter/mech combo is some very nice gravy on top. The higher spec bits will generally be slightly lighter and longer lasting (unless you crash on them :oops: )

Have a look at more than one brand and check out more than one dealer, they vary so much in service and advice that you might want to factor the actual shop into your plans, the right people at the shop can be worth gold.

Don't forget a photo here after purchase, we all like to look at each others toys (just make sure the shed door is the right colour :roll: )

Shaun

Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:10 pm
by MountGower
Carlos

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 2:01 pm
by Beall
Hi,

I have the Ridge rider for a few months now and am absolutely loving it. I changed the the tyres( Maxxis Xenith slick tyres) though because most of the time in rode on road surfaces.

Like other said, the higher the price the better the components and it comes down to what you can afford I guess. So shop around and take your time to pick the right one for you.

Thanks for the advices

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 2:47 pm
by Carlos
:D

Thanks guys for the valuable advices. I think I'll go for the Montari
Just another question about the rights size of the bike.
The shop dealer told me that the best size for me will be medium (they didn't have a Medium one on display). I'm not very tall (172 cm), so I was wondering what else do I need to know to get the right size for me.

Additionally, the local bikshop is offering 300 aud of accessories included with the Montari, so I'll greatly apprceiate if you can give some tips on what upgrades to get with the 300 AUD.

Thanks for all your help

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 3:28 pm
by stryker84
don't know much about upgrades, i'm a pretty amateur cyclist as well, but have you considered a good lock, lights, puncture kit... maybe even cycling gear (jersey, knicks/shorts)?
a GOOD lock alone should set you back at least $40, usually more, ditto for lights. in any case, better to get a decent lock/lights then to lose the bike via someone stealing it, or getting bumped into at night.
these will take a chunk out of that $300

also might want to make sure that there's a bell and reflectors fitted, some bike shops remove them because of the "uncool" factor, but if i'm not mistaken, it's actually a requirement that the bike has them and is sold with them, and if so, since you paid for them, may as well take them... what you do with them after you take it home, well, i won't ask.

Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:53 pm
by Mulger bill
Onya Carlos :D

Sizing, straddle the bike, feet on the floor. Have you got about 40-50 mm clearance? Then sit on it and grab the bars, if you're not too stretched or cramped you should be pretty close. I'm 176 cm and ride a 17inch Giant if that helps.

I'd suggest a basic tool kit:- tyre levers, patch kit, pump, multitool and a spare tube. A Ulock is vital if you can't take her inside at work.
Mudguards are horribly uncool, but the external skidmark from wet riding is worse. There's plenty with quick releases so you don't look all Freddish off road. Lights open up a whole new world of riding as well as giving smokebox jockeys something to see (not that they will :roll: ).

Bells and reflectors are a legal requirement, your call.

Bike specific clothes are not vital, but will make you a lot more comfortable. There's plenty of options out there from full on lycra bandit to ultra casual Joe.

Shaun

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 8:51 pm
by MountGower
Carlos

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 9:14 pm
by Mulger bill
No prob there MountGower, it's a case of short legs and long torso, it means I sit very upright, but I like the room to bail