norco katmandu

[zane 2229]

hi guys,

i have a 1999 schwinn joey garcia automatic comp bmx and its the heaviest thing on the planet.

im looking to upgrade to a norco katmandu 12.5 inch as it is only 500 bucks and is good for dirt jumping.

i want a 12.5 frame espesialy because its got a freeride shape to it and it has a lot of moving space.

i want to add these mods:

* marzocchi dirt jumper 2's / dirt jam pro's

* new bars

* new pedals

and i want to convert it into single speed.



seeing ive ridden my mates one and read reviews these are nessesary mods to make it a good dirt jumping bike.



does anybody have any experiance or views on this bike and what i am doing?


cheers


zane.

[zane 2229]

here a pic of a 12.5 inch katmandu frame.

[shnizza]

how about upgrading brake or you could just spend 500 more for an stp or norco ryde much better idea if u ask me as those upgrades will cost 500+

[zane 2229]

true. although i have some mates with spare bmx parts.

and i really only want to spend an extra 300 on mods.

is it easy to take off all three sprokets and just put a bmx sproket on or it is a different story?

[zane 2229]

are the brakes farked on them too?

[shnizza]

is it easy to take off all three sprokets and just put a bmx sproket on or it is a different story?


different story bmx sprockets wont go on mtbs and if u wont a single chain ring at the front and gears at the back you need a chain guide and to change to single speed (both only 1 sprocket front and back) you will have to take it in to you lbs ive heard it can cost $200

[shnizza]

that frame looks like it cant take disc brakes do u no if it can

[zane 2229]

yeah it can take discs and come with them when there bought complete.


http://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/adventure_x/katmandu.php

heres the page about it.

it is'nt really a dirt jump bike but the frame particulary the smallest one is good for jumping.

[zane 2229]

and yeah i want just the 7/8 speed on the back with one sproket on the front.

[shnizza]

ok since u dont have much experience with stuff like that i would take it to you lbs and get them to change it over

[zane 2229]

ok

well once i buy one that is.

thanks for the help mate

cheers


zane

[shnizza]

no problem and good luck with the bike

[AngoXC]

Pretty sure you will find that the Kathmandu is a low end XC/Recreational bike. I dont not in anyways encourage dirt jumping of any sort on it.

Spend your money on a second hand bike or something like that that already has what you want on it.

[cobba]

$500 on a new bike + $300 to modify it......:confused:

For that much money you could buy a bike like the one in the link below, which is much stronger and is actually made for dirt jumping:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/gaint-stp-2-plus-kryptonite-evolution-lock_W0QQitemZ320244088505QQihZ011QQcategoryZ98083 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[zane 2229]

yes that could be an option, if i can find a good 2nd hand stp for that price ill buy one.

if not ill just buy some second hand dirt jam pros and some other mods for cheap.

[cobba]

For that much money you could buy a bike like the one in the link below, which is much stronger and is actually made for dirt jumping:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/gaint-stp-2-plus-kryptonite-evolution-lock_W0QQitemZ320244088505QQihZ011QQcategoryZ98083 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

yes that could be an option, if i can find a good 2nd hand stp for that price ill buy one.

If you live in Sydney that bike is currently still for sale and could sell for as little as $500.

[zane 2229]

yeah im gonna find a good second hand stp, preferably and stp2.

[bikeguy70]

hey i just got a katmandu a couple of months ago and the things you would change if you are going flat out are; pedals
stem
bars
forks(if you like travel)

[U.D.O]

it is'nt really a dirt jump bike but the frame particulary the smallest one is good for jumping.

wrong, the katmandu isn't good for Dj at all! it's more of a budget XC rig with lighter parts, etc.. But the beeky looking frame gives the impresion that it will be good for the rougher stuff, but it's quite the opposite!

a few models up in norco's 'adventure x' range there is the norco rival, which would be better suited to Dj, as it has beefier parts! i believe the rivals retail at around $900, but they should be cheaper now as the 09's are coming out soon!

EDIT: ahh Ango beat me to it! the STP will be more suited for what your doing!

[brettyG]

Since this is your first intentional-use bike, just go BMX, alot cheaper, easier to maintain and with your budget you can get a top-notch complete. Also easier to learn alot of the skills used later down the track.

BMX +1

[RangaRMX]

yeah im gonna find a good second hand stp, preferably and stp2.

Good idea, you'll probably live longer as it wont fail as easy.

Since this is your first intentional-use bike, just go BMX, alot cheaper, easier to maintain and with your budget you can get a top-notch complete. Also easier to learn alot of the skills used later down the track.

BMX +1

Yeah, it sounds like you're after something small anyway, you'll pick things up a lot quicker on a BMX as it's wheelbase will be shorter thus maneuvering and spinning it will be easier. Also for the price you're willing to spend you'll probably have a quite high spec BMX as ol mate above said.

[zane 2229]

yeah its good i got the stp, but i wanted a switch from bmx and i rode my mates kathmandu and it felt good at the time. Rode it the otherday and it felt like i was gonna bottom out and go over the hangars.

ive had the stp for a few months now and its mad, im getting it singulated on wednesday.

[bikeguy70]

:)i have a katmandu and its a good idea that to change the forks, bars, pedals, single speed. you should also find a cheap headset. its a bit dodjy for jumping:eek:. other than that everythings fine:)

[azarawr]

I suggest dont buy a Katmandu! I ride one myself and have been told by many if i want to keep it in one piece to not jump & ride bumps on.