phil05


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  • in reply to: What’s your favorite MTB beer? #122699

    We ( unfortunatly) dont have MTB beers in Québec. So ill go with some local double IPA, imperial stouts, or scotch ale.

    Jeff, i did try Moab Brewery last year and i was quite disappointed. The beers where not really tasty.. I did bought a glass though with the " Scorpion ale" logo on it. " The ale that sting" It says 😏

    We also tried the Polygamy porter from Salt Lake city and a bunch of IPAs from Colorado during that trip…

    in reply to: newb here.. can’t decide #124168

    I agree… You can spend some time on searching for 2013 bikes that fit your size. You can expect a good deal out of this. At your price point, i suggest that you also search in the " used" market. Good deals with legit owners can also be made there with people who spend alot of money on bikes without knowing if they really loved the sport. Test ride them, and if they are second hand, bring a friend with decent knowledge who can identify the ones that are in bad conditions.

    Good luck!

    in reply to: Comparison of two bikes! Please help! #123820

    That Norco is not bad, but i think its too pricey. For the same price, i think you can get a Trek or a Giant that is better equiped. Be sure to compare brands !

    in reply to: Shark saddle: worst idea of the year? #123885

    Must be another road biking trend to "boost" performance…. Btw looking at the full article, one can see that this "shark fin" is actually quite wide. Ill stick with ma ol’ WTB laser.

    in reply to: Which pedals Candy 2 or XT M780 #123899

    I think i would stick with the 520… At 25-30$, its a price point that is hard to beat for the overall quality you get.

    If weight is an issue, you might consider Crank Bros Eggbeater. With 4-points clamping, its a good choice for quick release and clipping in.

    in reply to: Deore shifters vs XT #123891

    Thanks for the advices.

    I think ill do another year with the Deore and reconsider XTs after. Its just that i saw them online last week for 80$ a pair.

    in reply to: Startling stats about bike mechanic salaries #123703

    I agree with Greg, knowing whether part-time mechanics are included or not would be important to a better understanding of the info presented. Im not really convinced by the "scientific approach" of this study..

    Im not sure if i would be willing to pay more than the current hourly rate. An increase by the LBS wouldnt automatically mean more money for the mech. Besides, it also depends on the skills of the mech. Ive seen everything in past experiences, from top notch service to very basic skills. I was very disappointed sometimes when i saw that bad jobs were done on my ride, and that is why i stopped going to LBS, except for major repairs.
    The point is, skilled mech are hard to find, and i feel that too many so-called bike mechanics are people with basic skills on summer jobs. However, you always end up paying the same rate regardless of the quality of the job.

    in reply to: Comparison of two bikes! Please help! #123816

    Hi,
    You can check the Anthem 1, trek fuel ex 5 or 7, specialized stumpjumper comp, santa cruz tallboy and cannondale too. Like i said before, look for Deore components or better (altus<<alivio<deore<slx<xt…..) or sram x5 or better. As for forks and shox, Fox and Rockshox are what you are looking for. Rockshox products are usually less expensive than Fox, and i never had trouble with those i owned. The downside of mid level full sus bike, however, is that they cost much more. Bikes companis rose their prices alot in the lasr years.
    Look for reviews on this site and on mtbr.com

    It can take alot of searching before you make your mind, so be prepared ! Keep us updated too and we will give you more advices.

    Phil

    in reply to: Trip to Sedona #123802

    Thanks Skibum for all the info! I read the serie with great interest..had to use the drooling bucket.

    Sedona really looks like a great mtb heaven. Unfortunatly, my friend told me today that he would prefer next year. I guess ill have to find a way to go there alone with minimum expenses. If not, it will only be a matter of time before i go there !

    in reply to: Comparison of two bikes! Please help! #123814

    Hi,

    To answer your question directly, i think the Anthem is a better pick because i think the overall quality of the different components is slightly better. ( e.g. Alivio shifters >> Altus and Shimano brakes > Tektro, even though alivio front derailleur < Deore).

    That being said, here is my opinion. I’m not a fan of entry level full suspension bikes like those two because i think that you pay too much for what you get. For the same price you can get a mid-level or even a high end hardtail that will prove to be a much more enjoyable and reliable steed than an entry level full sus. You can expect a mix of SLX/XT components and mid level rockshox/Fox forks which are way better than Alivio and *cough* Altus. Chances are that when you will change for a high end full sus, you will want to keep your trusty hardtail, which might not be the case for your clumsy entry level full sus. You also have the option of component swaping, but that is usualy not what beginners want to get into.

    Thats for the same price level option. You can also decide to pay more now and get straight to that mid level full sus category. It really depends on how experienced and serious about mtb you are now, how serious you want to be and what kind of riding you are expecting to do.

    Good luck ! 😀

    in reply to: Suggestions for a new full suspension bike #123770

    Kalina,

    What kind of trails are you expecting to ride ? Smooth singletrack, gravel road, technical ? I overlooked all of your options and for the same price i think you should look for 29′ hardtails that would come better equiped. A quick personnal tip concerning Shimano components, make sure you have at least Deore or better, especially for derailleurs.
    If you really want double sus, i think you should pay a little more for better components.
    If you really really want double sus and want something in your list, i think the Anthem is the best bang for your buck.

    Avoid the Norco, Kona and KHS.

Viewing 11 posts - 1 through 11 (of 11 total)