fall bike sale
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fall bike sale
Post by morris on Sept 19, 2007, 9:14am
http://www.telsec.net/bicycleshow/html_pages/fallvendors.html
Don't wait for Santa to drop something you don't need or want under your tree.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackp42 on Oct 10, 2007, 7:56am
Just in case you haven't looked at the link, the show is this coming Saturday October 13 from 10 to 5 at the Ex. It is 1 day only.
I am going to try and hit the show first thing in the morning.
Though they call it a show, it is really a swap meet with stores trying to blow out 2007 and older stuff at the end of the season. Usually some good deals to be had.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 10, 2007, 8:11am
The bike sale looks like something I should be going to -- do you think it would be worth my while looking for a little, dual suspension bike? What are the odds of finding a size for me?
Jackie
Re: fall bike sale
Post by thumbies on Oct 10, 2007, 8:29am
i have never been to the fall show, but i have heard from others that the fall show is mostly road bikes. I dont think that many of those will be dual suspension
I could be totally wrong too,
Dave
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 10, 2007, 9:45am
Tough to get time away from the kids for a 'maybe' purchase...should likely keep my impatience at bay and wait until spring
Re: fall bike sale
Post by tom on Oct 10, 2007, 4:19pm
Bring Cash.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackp42 on Oct 10, 2007, 5:42pm
I have been most years and I would say the percentage road vs mtb is typical for the industry. Over the years there has been a steady decline in mtb at the shows, but I would think it would still be 30 to 40%, but who knows for this year. It really comes down to what to stores have left over that they want to move.
In terms of sizes, there is no excaping the fact that a large percentage of the market is size medium, but there is a reasonable chance you could find a size small. An XS could be challenging.
The show is pretty good for clothing and accessories and built bikes. It's not so good for parts but you never know what you'll find.
Most vendor take credit card. You might be able to do a better deal with cash. Doesn't hurt to try.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by thumbies on Oct 11, 2007, 7:44am
cash deals likely won't work for complete bikes since you have to show a receipt at the door to get a bike out of the show. Parts and accessories are a different story...they usually only check for the big ticket items (or larger in size)...they will not search for your receipt for a set of brake pads
D.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by duroc21 on Oct 11, 2007, 12:10pm
Jackie, for what it's worth I bought my bike at the show in February this year. They advertized the show as a coming out of the new 2008 stuff but it was also like a big swap meet and I got a pretty good deal on my bike and had no problems finding a larger frame.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackp42 on Oct 15, 2007, 8:30am
Anyone go and come away with any great deals?
I saw a SC Nomad, size medium, anodized with a Fox coil shock and Fox 36 Van fork, SC's SPX FR build kit going for $3300. Seemed like a good deal to me. Plenty of other nice rides there as well.
I picked up a few odds things at 60 to 75% off. Would have liked to come home with the Motolite, and nice DH bike and road bike to boot, but I don't think Tracy or my bank manager would understand.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 15, 2007, 9:44am
Didn't go either -- have a potential deal on a Brodie Nemesis '06: got a loaner for the w/e -- feels good -- it may be the one
Re: fall bike sale
Post by thumbies on Oct 15, 2007, 11:27am
Jackie,
What are you looking for in a new bike? Is it mainly for XC or Freeride and DH stuff? The Nemesis seems to be designed for more of the latter. What other bikes have you considered?
Maybe youhave already focused in on what you want to get, but if not there are lots of people on this forum (including me) who would be happy to offer suggestions. Of course you may ask 100 people and get 100 different answers
Dave
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 15, 2007, 12:00pm
All suggestions are welcome and appreciated.
I have looked at the Kona Dawg, and the Giant Trance (the latter which is sadly out of my budget range) --
I'd like something with dual susp. to ride roots and rocks, like at Hilton, and something to manage over features like at the MTB park in Wiarton -- got the bug up there...
Something small(er) -- about 14-15" -- and lighter if possible --
small girl=small bike.
Help...
Re: fall bike sale
Post by thumbies on Oct 15, 2007, 1:12pm
So this new bike has a sort of dedicated environment...not necessarily the do-everything bike?
You dont plan on using it to hammer at races or for your general riding at Guelph lake or Twin Ponds?
How much will you be using it, say compared to other bikes?
What is your price range (its nice to set this good and early)?
What features are most important to you? Does it have to have a certain component?
By far the most versatile bikes today are in the all mountain/ trailbike category. The bikes that you mentioned (Dawg, Trance and Nemesis) all loosely fit in this category but i would challenge that you couldn't choose 3 bikes in this category that are more different. The Trance is practically an XC race bike and has a short travel fork (100 mm) and steep head angle (70.5). The Dawg is more relaxed and has more travel...one of the more normal bikes in this category and definitely fitting the do-everything need of 95% of riders. Sure you could race it, but i dont think hucking off your roof would be a good idea. The Nemesis is touted as a light downhill, dual slalom sort of bike. This actually fills a pretty small niche and may not be ideal for general trail riding applications. I dont know about its geometry but i think it is fairly short travel and probably not designed to be very plush...more to take some serious abuse.
Unfortunately there aren't too many small riders in GORBA (most of us are happy to let others try out bikes), but i encourage you to take your time and test ride as many options as possible and get a really good feel for how bikes differ and thus what would best fit your needs. You can also get a feel for different components (such as forks, SRAM vs. Shimano derailleurs, different brake makers etc.)
Another thing to factor is in adjustability. As you move up on the price scale, the bikes tend to come with greater levels of adjustability, especially in suspension travel which can make your bike more adaptable to different terrain.
In the trailbike category i would definitely recommend the Dawg as well as the Devinci Remix (Mark and Simon have it), Rocky mtn ETSX, Norco Fluid, Giant Reign....there are many others.
Of course if you are looking at used, and price is a driving factor, I guess you take what you can get....with the risk of being left not really happy with your decision.
also dont forget the famous bike designer's mantra:
"Strong, light, cheap...pick two"
Dave
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 15, 2007, 2:16pm
I need some of you to come shopping with me -- take a week off work, grab my reins and my credit card, and go...
Something to ride around the lake and gentler trails, but moreso for the 'fun' -- not for DH.
Have an approx. $2600 to drop which, of course, will only get me so far, but further than i've gone to date.
The Nemesis has a fair bit of travel, 140mm i believe, front and back -- not bad at the lake yesterday, but my hardtail also serves me well out there, remarkably more nimble...or just used to 'er.
Not really sure what to look at, but again, if you all want to plan for a week off with me, I'm sure I'd get exactly what I need, LOL, and little too!
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackp42 on Oct 15, 2007, 4:26pm
That's a decent budget to work with.
I think the most import thing to do at this point is nail down which venues you want the bike to excell at, which you want it to be OK at, and which you intent to ride another bike. There are a lot of bikes between a full on DH bike and a dually XC race bike. Latge weight differences, big geometry differences, etc.
If you are looking for a bike that is fun at HF's and other technical venues but isn't necessarily great at climbing, travel and geometry is important. In your case though, I would recommend a bit lighter bike given your size and experience level. I don't think you want to be pedaling around a 35 lb bike.
For good or for bad, there aren't a lot of long travel (5" plus) bikes with relaxed geometry that are also reasonably light. A great example is the Devinci Remix. I would recommend you try one of these out if you get the chance. Devinci also has the Hectik. It has more travel (160mm versus 130mm) and slacker geometry and is heavier. Not sure what it's weight is though it will definitely be heavier. So the Remix is a great all rounder and the Hectik might be a bit more capable but heavier and harder to climb with.
Dave mentioned a number of other good options.
One other bike worth considering is a Santa Cruz Heckler. If you get it as a factory built bike, I think you could get one in your price range. I'm not sure if you are looking for a size small or XS. They only offer the Heckler down to small.
Try and ride as many bikes as you can, whether they be from a store or borrowed/swapped with other riders, but try to ride them at venues that you want the bike to work good for you. That means something more then the parking lot, and preferably at some place that will show the bikes strengths. The deals are on now but time is short to try bikes before we are in the muddy and then snow seasons.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by thumbies on Oct 15, 2007, 8:07pm
I knew Jack would kick in with some really helpful ideas,
thanks Jack
D.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 15, 2007, 10:46pm
Then would many manufacturers make small bikes? I have looked at quite a few online to this point, and seems most do, but who could tell me from experience?
A more all-around bike would be more beneficial i suppose, with the amt. of riding i do at GL (d/t proximity), but also am looking for something for HF and something to manage the features at the MTB park and Kelso.
I think Glenns Nemesis is sitting at about 34 pounds, and as expected, i found it a bit much after 2 hrs, even at GL yesterday. Something lighter would be nice. It felt okay, but it didn't scream 'pick me.'
Who wants to go shopping with me?
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackp42 on Oct 16, 2007, 7:18am
Do you need a small or XS?
Note that not all bikes fit the same. A small from one make or even particular model may fit like a M or XS compared to another so you really need to try them on for size. You can adjust stem length etc. to get a bike to fit better, but if it is the wrong size to start with, it will never be right. Don't buy a deal that is the wrong size as you will always regret it.
I would suggest a bike of no more then about 30 lbs. If it is a bit more and you can swap out a few bits to save some weight, that's close enough. I find weight is mostly only an issue when you want to climb hills. Even then, geometry is more an issue then weight. For rides at GL, rolling resistance is probably more what you feel. A light bike with slow rolling tires would likely feel worse then a heavier bike with good rolling tires.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by markhunter on Oct 16, 2007, 7:37am
I agree with Jack's recommendation of a Devinci having and loving two of their bikes. My Remix weighs 30 lbs and is good at Guelph lake, TP and I have ridden it at Hilton but it is borderline there (as built) given that I weigh 190. I don't want to wander into sensitive areas but I would guess you weigh quite a bit less than I do and you may find the Remix to be plenty of bike.
I noticed though that you really liked the Giant Trance. I'm not sure if they still offer the same range of models, but they used to offer the Trance in three or four levels. I seem to recall that the Trance 2 or 3 would be within your budget. From my experience, the best indicator is what feels right to you. That said, all of the bikes mentioned are quite nice and I think you'd be happy with any of them.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by stoner on Oct 16, 2007, 12:00pm
It's tough to figure out what type of bike to get - and it's probably a lot tougher being a petite woman since hauling around a 35 bike would be a chore if you are trying to keep up with "the guys". On the other hand if you get a 3" travel XC race bike you are going to be walking a lot of stuff at Hilton.
Is it an option to use your existing bike still for GL? That way you could steer more toward a Hilton bike then a GL bike.
I guess from what you are saying, that I would recommend something like a Dawg. 5" but still fairly light. Dave and I can ride everything at Hilton on our 5" Stinkies (my new Stinky is 6" only this year) so while more travel might be a touch more comfortable and it might give you that bit of extra confidence, it won't be a huge deal. To me geometry is more important. One is it the right size but also things like head angle, they can make a big difference in the way a bike rides.
And yes, sizes are different from one manufacturer to another. I ride a XL Stinky and a Med Shore!
Another thought is a Specialized FSR 120 but it might have too steep a head angle for Hilton. Most companies make a 5" travel trailbike but the geometry will be a bit different between them all.
So for you I would suggest a 5" travel trailbike with a slackish headangle.
Paul
Re: fall bike sale
Post by g on Oct 16, 2007, 1:42pm
I have a problem with a small, or X-small, slack angle bike. They get too long in the wheelbase. For us on the smaller end of the height stick, it's like driving a greyhound through the trails, despite what any "chart" says. I think the best bikes for the type of riding in question, particularly for short inseam riders, are short wheel-based 4-5" travel, maybe even Sloap-style bikes.
It is also really tough to set up bigger travel bikes for riders under 130lbs. I've done it a bunch of times over the years for female downhillers, and most wished they'd bought a shorter travel bike. They at least would use all the travel. If your 120lbs on a 6" bike, there is no way you are going to use the travel.
I think a 4-5" bike is plenty for Jackie. I don't think a single pivot bike is the right choice, there are better designs out there for the money . But defiantly short wheelbase.
-G
Re: fall bike sale
Post by lexus on Oct 16, 2007, 5:24pm
you could definately get something descent for 2600, i got my stumpy fsr, an all mountain bike for 1700 at the spring show...full fox and xt, 5" travel, every show ive been too the deals seem to be on the smaller bikes
Re: fall bike sale
Post by lexus on Oct 16, 2007, 5:38pm
or you could wait for one of these to become avaiable
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom_team08.htm
don't know how good the frame is but you could probably buy the frame you wanted put all these parts onit and have money leftover
Re: fall bike sale
Post by sweeper on Oct 16, 2007, 5:50pm
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I just had to jump in on this one.... and with no malice or ill intent intended, just straight from the hip. You haven't been on a greyhound unless you've ridden an XL. I can appreciate it may 'seem' like an extenda-cab long-box, but climb aboard an XL for the greyhound ride.
I do agree tho that being on either end of the vertical measuring stick does pose it's challenges when getting fitted for a bike. Keep looking and good luck.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by g on Oct 16, 2007, 6:17pm
Was that a come-on...??
-G
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 16, 2007, 7:38pm
...okay boys, now you're just getting carried away...we were talking about bikes, remember...?
Re: fall bike sale
Post by pipe on Oct 16, 2007, 7:46pm
lol ever hear of the bike hard on jackie?!!!!
and lexus thats great---and then add on the king hubs! bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Re: fall bike sale
Post by awheelman on Oct 16, 2007, 9:10pm
Lots of good comments here. Geometry is the thing to look for and as many have probably noticed I think way too many people are riding around on too much bike for southern ontario. Not saying your bike needs to be the lightest but I'd agree with Jack in keeping it around the 30 lb range. Hauling around 35 lbs is not going to be fun for you.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 16, 2007, 9:28pm
Good call Simon -- needless to say, your Remix is a few sizes off for me, but would you be willing to let me borrow it for a spin on a trail please?
Sounds like the Devinci is something I will need to look more seriously at.
J.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by awheelman on Oct 16, 2007, 9:33pm
You bet. If we really got coordinated we could find a short loaner stem to help the situation.
Re: fall bike sale
Post by jackrn on Oct 16, 2007, 9:35pm
Could...probably be a bit of a search though -- at 5'3", we're quite different size wise.
Ready and willing
Re: fall bike sale
Post by stoner on Oct 17, 2007, 11:10am
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Jackie, G is the professional who does this for a living and has way more experience than most others on this forum so you should probablylisten to him.
(unless he is trash talking Kona!)
With the exception of the head angle on a small frame thing that I was not aware of, I think we are basically on the same page though....
Paul
Re: fall bike sale
Post by morris on Oct 17, 2007, 6:06pm
Jackie go the MTBreview and look at the Womens Lounge in the forum. Ask those that have found what they were looking for.
Keep in mind some of us rode Hilton on ridged bikes back in the day. Mind you we did fall a lot more back then but that only made us work harder at not.
4-5" is lots until you start to DH and when you do 6" is plenty.
My 2cents
Re: fall bike sale
Post by kroesr on Oct 17, 2007, 6:23pm
OK I have got to jump in here with all this talk about buying a new bike. I have smashed and bashed my Kona Kula to bits this season. Right now it is in for repairs, lots of them, too many to mention but it is going to cost me a bundle. I might not be pretty but I manage to get through a lot of stuff as Simon mention up at Wiarton. I have come to the realization that I need a full suspension bike so I have been looking around for a light weight almost All Mountain Bike. Yes I live in Southern Ontario and I want a bike that I can go like stink on. Since we do not have a Blue Mountain in our back yard I think I will go for something that is light weigh and has 5” of travel front and rear.
I rode a 2008 Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe today for nearly 4 hours. The geometry fit me like a glove, the centre of gravity was exactly where I needed it to be. All in all the cockpit made me feel right at home, like I had ridden it for a whole season. I know some people frown on the Genesis 2.0 design but it worked for me just fine, in fact better than fine! What I did not like was the SRAM X-9 rear derailleur that came with it as a factory build, thought I was going to spit cassette teeth out behind me or snap a chain. Yes, as seen on the video it did stop all that chain slop but at the cost of failing me when I needed it the most, climbing a hill and down shifting while under a lot of torque. Apparently I require the Shimano Rapid Rise derailleur for my style of riding. In know the change is going to be weird considering the mechanism works reverse to normal shifting but it can’t be any worst than getting use to the SRAM Push, push mechanism. I was also leery of the Juicy 5 brakes, the adjustment is finicky, I would not own a set of these. Lastly the tires left me feeling disconnected with the ground, they were Bontrager low profile. I have become very accustom to my Highrollers!
End of the story is I will probably end up with Gary Fisher HiFi Pro with the Juicy 7 brakes and change from the factory Shimano XTR to the Shimano Rapid Rise derailleur. Swap out the tires for either HighRollers or possibly some sticky Nevegals. Probably go with the Nevegals just to see what they are like. Oh yah and the Fox F120 RLC made it sooo easy to roll over stuff it was unbelievable.
There my two cents worth
Re: fall bike sale
Post by stoner on Oct 17, 2007, 7:25pm
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True dat CornDaddyMoMan. I also think the move to shorter top tubes and riser bars and an overall more upright riding position has has as big an impact in improving peoples ability to ride technical sections as having more travel. Geometry, geometry, geometry!
P