dual all mountain/freeride under $2500

[ricky_sydney]

hey people,

can someone please give me some advice on which dual suspension all mountain/freeride bike to purchase for under $2500, thanks heaps

1. mongoose teocali elite
1. giant reign 3
1. giant ac
1. kona dawg-matic
1. big hit base
or any other suggestions? im also considering buying secondhand. it looks like a good way to, if i can get a bike thats not that worn out,good specs and in sydney, im thinking about bidding on one on the for sale forum here, ive seen heaps of bargains

[321]

im also considering buying secondhand.
I think that second hand is the only way to go for getting the most bike for the money, i have bought two second hand bikes of farkin with no problems.

Maybe something like this? If your could stretch the extra cashhttp://forums.farkin.net/showthread.php?t=55998

[dunk]

Here's one
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7247561040&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

[ricky_sydney]

I think that second hand is the only way to go for getting the most bike for the money, i have bought two second hand bikes of farkin with no problems.

yeh your exactly right, thats inspiration! this is how i see it, why should i buy a basic freeride bike with stock parts brand new for a minimum of around $2000 when i can get a secondhand bike which is a higher model with better parts for less? i know that you have to be wary because of wear and tear but they're are some really good bargains out there, rock on 2nd hand!

now all i need to do is get my story of why i should be allowed to buy, approved by the admins so i can start thinking seriously, thanks for your help mate :)

[Martin.au]

Before I give advice, are you leaning more towards the freeride style or the all mountain/trail riding side?

A lot of those bikes have a definite inclination to them. I'd choose a Teocali or Reign over a Big Hit if I was doing mostly trail riding. I'd go the Big hit if I was mostly going to hit......big :D.

[ricky_sydney]

Before I give advice, are you leaning more towards the freeride style or the all mountain/trail riding side?

A lot of those bikes have a definite inclination to them. I'd choose a Teocali or Reign over a Big Hit if I was doing mostly trail riding. I'd go the Big hit if I was mostly going to hit......big :D.

im stuck in between, what i want is a bike i can give a bit of a beating to,do some nice drops,light downhill maybe, yet still i want a bike that can climb well,be ridden on trails and even ride to work on, something i can ride on the road with, i hope you understand what im saying, is there such a bike or am i dreaming?

[Martin.au]

Possibly. I bought a Mongoose Teocali Super for that purpose. It may be a bit light for serious drops but for the rest of it I think it will be fine.

The Norco on ebay looks mighty fine too.

[beginner_giantDH]

go second hand, trust me, a good deal on a second hand bike will get you something about 10 times better than a new bike would get you for the same price!!!

[Venciferus]

im stuck in between, what i want is a bike i can give a bit of a beating to,do some nice drops,light downhill maybe, yet still i want a bike that can climb well,be ridden on trails and even ride to work on, something i can ride on the road with, i hope you understand what im saying, is there such a bike or am i dreaming

Here it is, the Specialized Enduro series (Expect to pay at least 2 times over your budget)
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12890

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=12891

Definatelt go second hand that Norco Six looks like it would fit the bill perfectly.

[Martin.au]

The other thing to do, is look for last years models. I just bought my Teocali for $1100-1400 less than retail. :D

[nizai]

I must admit I saw the Specialized Enduro SX Trail the other night and considered selling my Reign to get one. They look like an awesome bit of kit, with a distinct lean toward freeride but with All MTN weight.

The other bike id consider would be a Santa Cruz Heckler.

Both of course are entirely out of your budget.

Teocali is a nice buy, however I know of a fellow farkinite who destroy'ed a frame by trying to "freeride" it. Which is what im guessing would happen to the Reign if on the receiving end of similar treatment.

What about a Norco Shore 3? Saw one in the shop tonight with a $2600 price tag on it.

N

[ozelise]

Second the suggestion of buying last year's model. Wait a few months till the 07 stock lands at your LBS, and do a deal on the 06 of your choice. I got 40% off on a 05 model at the end of last year. I'd go a Reign 2.