| some thoughts...
Take a look at a previous note "Specialized Future Shock" for
some ramblings about shocks and I also mentioned a comparison
with a Trek 7000. The DDS2 is fixed, whereas the DDS3 is adjustable.
An XTR-equipped brake/shift (everything else DX) Future Shock
would be just over your limit. I looked at upgrading a 7000 or
8000 with DDS3 and XTR, but went with Specialized instead
(despite being a satisfied aluminum Trek road bike owner). .02 kb
|
| On the suspension issue, if you are going to do any amount of serious
off road work, the suspension seems to be well worth it (for sure on
the front fork, rear suspension adds another level of complexity and
cost and still seems to be going through the refinement stages)
I recently added to a Rock Shox Mag 20 fork to my old MTB and I love it!
Some of the advantages I have noticed:
- Comfort on long rides.
- Improved front wheel traction and braking.
- Better climbing on rough uphills, I don't find myself
as concerned with obstacles when climbing, just concentrate on
cadence and traction while the front wheel kinda just floats
over that rock or root in the way.
- Incredible control on fast rough descents, enough to get you
in some real trouble real quick ;-)
The Rock Shox is adjustable, I am not sure how important this is if you
ride strictly off road. I usually leave it at the lower, more
compliant setting for best ride. I suppose if you did a lot of
smoother road riding, this may be important.
I have seen the Specialized with the Future Shock, for under 1K, this
appears to be a very nice mount at a good price (consider that most
aftermarket shocks are $400 alone)
Have Fun!
Greg
|
| >$1000 is the max I'll spend, but if I can go cheaper why not!
>Is supsension really worth the extra weight penalty and cost?
>Lx vs. DX components? Whats the difference? Worth the extra cost for
DX?
>Some Schwinn Paramount Mountain bikes I've seen have the shifters on
>top of the handlebars, where the TREKS are all on bottom of the bar.
>Any thoughts on this?
>Lets revisit the aluminum vs. steel frame controversy. Some treks have
>steel and others aluminum frames.
1. $1,000 is alot of bike for the first time Mt. biker. How about clothing
and accessories (Helmut, Gloves, bottle cages, etc..)? Is that included
in your $1K budget?
2. All the guys that ride Mt. bike real seriously at our shop would not
buy a bike without suspension anymore. The question is are you planning
to race, ride with friends who are at that level aleady or are you
just going to do this for recreation?
3. The LX verse DX is a matter of preference. The DX is a little smoother
and a little better quality. You get what you paid for.
4. Top verse bottom shifter: Most of the top end bikes are back to the
top shifter. The top shifters have there advantages in weight, Friction
or SIS, not integrated with the brakes, maintenace. The botton shifter
are design for ergonomics.
5. Steel verse Aluminum: Ride them both you you decide. Then ride othe
companies bike in the same material to compare. Do not just try out
Treks and make the purchase. Look at other brands to compare.
For example:
Steel - Specialized, Bridgestone, GT, Fischer, etc...
Al - Cannondale, Schwinn, Raleigh etc...
Don't just compare the components. Each bike will ride a little
differently. Test ride several models of each before making your
decision.
Good Luck,
dave
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