New bike options..(aka what should I buy)..dont kill me!

[GrooveJet]

Hello.
Im looking to buy a new hardtail for XC weekend warrior riding mainly. I currently have a Giant Rhincon thats about 5 years old & I need to upgrade. My budget is $1000-1200. Just wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions. I have been looking at the Specialized Rockhopper disc & Giant Thermo & Talon.....Im really unsure what I should be looking for.

Im female, 168cm tall & weigh 70kg.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[hidesy]

i would tend to fall towards a second hand bike that hasnt been used alot only because there alot cheaper and you would get better parts on a 2nd hand bike compared to a new the same price

[Chamelion]

Try and find a second hand Trek 6700WSD (http://www2.trekbikes.com.au/catalogue.cgi?rm=product&product_id=50&category_id=5&subcategory_id=46) :D

[meatlovers]

Even though you have a 5 year old Giant Rincon, think at looking at a new Giant Rincon, they are really good value for money.

[AngoXC]

Welcome to Farkin!

Giant also have a range of women-specific bikes if the standard frame sizes arnt agreeing with you. I think the Thermo combines the best sizing and spec...the Talon is the best specced bike but if memory serves, its probably pushing your budget by a few $100. Your best bet is to let the bike do the talkin' and try out whats available.

...unsure of the price but the Kona Lisa (http://www.konaworld.com/bikes/2k7/LISAHT/index.html)seems to be a good buy as well.

Hope that helps.

[axie]

Girls can't ride bikes! :P Hey Groovejet, good to see you finally join farkin ...

[GrooveJet]

Girls can't ride bikes! :P Hey Groovejet, good to see you finally join farkin ...


OH! GIRLS CAN RIDE! And when I get that KONA LISA you will be eating dirt!


Any reviews or suggestions regarding the Kona?

[DJ1wheel]

Lol... not one 'do a search post' or a 'ffs isnt school hollidays over yet' or 'in that price range get an STP but once you get it we'll pretend you have aids and not talk to you' post....

I guess being a girl amongst pubescent boys helps :rolleyes:

[STS01]

Depending on how important weight is (and how tight the budget is) it might be worth checking out some decent 2nd hand duallies.

I've got a spare bike (an old GT carbon dually) which a few friends who have been thinking about getting a bike have ridden and they all change their mind from hardtail to dually. You'll probably have more trail fun on a lightish, XC oriented dually and could still race it quite competitively. Also being relatively tall you would have a good selection of medium sized 2nd hand bikes.

Here are a couple that aren't too outrageously priced:
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=82726
http://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=72289

[GrooveJet]

Cool thanx. Ive been looking at that Spec actually. But I thought Id be able to get better value in a HT than a dually with the limited budget??:confused: . Also, I really really have no idea about any of the bits & pieces on the bike and what is good and what isnt...hence why Im asking for advice and thought Id be more likey to ruin a dually.

[Techno Destructo]

Cool thanx. Ive been looking at that Spec actually. But I thought Id be able to get better value in a HT than a dually with the limited budget??:confused: . Also, I really really have no idea about any of the bits & pieces on the bike and what is good and what isnt...hence why Im asking for advice and thought Id be more likey to ruin a dually.


You're definitely correct with the HT vs dually argument.... Unless you're prepared to spend over $2000, a full suspension bike really isn't worth it.

Hardtails are, IMO, more versatile as well, especially if you're thinking about an XC based decision.

As for bike parts... I'd go to your local bike shop and chat to them there... There's too much to talk about for this post....

Also, if you want more female-orientated experience and advice, try posting in the Girls Only section, where there's a lot of extremely skilled and knowledgeable girls who can answer your question better... If fact, I can move this thread there, if you'd like?

But you can also remain in this category too, if you prefer.

[GrooveJet]

Thatd be cool, Thanks Techno Destructo!

[Techno Destructo]

Thatd be cool, Thanks Techno Destructo!

My pleasure. Welcome to Farkin, GrooveJet!:)

[GrooveJet]

Hello.
Im looking to buy a new hardtail for XC weekend warrior riding mainly. I currently have a Giant Rhincon thats about 5 years old & I need to upgrade. My budget is $1000-1200. Just wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions. I have been looking at the Specialized Rockhopper disc & Giant Thermo & Talon.....Im really unsure what I should be looking for.

Im female, 168cm tall & weigh 70kg.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks.


Ok Im now looking at a Merida Matts TFS 700 D....does anyone have any input on this bike?

[roxy12]

Ok Im now looking at a Merida Matts TFS 700 D....does anyone have any input on this bike?

your probably better off posting this in parts and stuff rather then just here, youl have alot more views and most likely some more wide spread knowlege.

[Techno Destructo]

your probably better off posting this in parts and stuff rather then just here, youl have alot more views and most likely some more wide spread knowlege.

Just so everyone knows, this thread was originally in the Parts and Stuff section, and was moved here in order to get the attention of more female riders (which it might not have received in the maelstrom that is the P&S section...).
A redirect has been left in the P&S section, though, so this thread can be viewed in both forums.

[jaseh]

Theres also the Jamis Dakota Comp (http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/dakotacompw.html) in WSD, a bit higher in price than the price range you have given at $1999 but a great spec.
If your interested in a Demo of this bike where you can take it out on the trails to get a feel for it PM me.:)