Mountain Bike Shopping

[cody]

As some of you may remember, my mountain bike was stolen from my garage a while back. I'm in the market for a replacement. I'd like a ~21" frame but I really don't know much about bike shopping. It would be amazing if somebody who knows components would do some bike shopping with me...so I feel less likely to end up with buyer's remorse. I'm 6' 5" and 250Lb so it's gotta be strong.

I was leaning toward starting with REI because I love their lifetime guarantee on anything you buy there. If you brake it, they replace it. They also give you a free tune up after you put some miles on the bike.

My buddy who's into bikes but lives in the Bay Area looked through their website and said:

http://www.rei.com/product/809903
Searching though the flea market for quality is what that felt like.....the best value I could find was this Scott, but the rims under any offroad use are goin to be an issue, for getting around this one should be OK....My takeoff parts from my scott voltage would fit just fine so I'll send you stuff that will be upgrades from whats on the stock bike....BTW GT, Mongoose, and Novara are all Chinese junk since all those brands got bought by Pacific at least Scott is a euro owned brand.

Thanks for any help you can offer. My budget is flexible. I could go as high as $800 for the right deal, but less is better as long as it's dependable and high performance (light, good shock travel, etc).

[cody]

Here's an example of what my buddy (Ryan BTW) would like to see me get.

http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/mullet

He said I should just try to find one from a local bike shop. It appears to have a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer. MSRP $879.99

[khail19]

Cody, my brother lives and breathes all things bike related. He's never had a job that wasn't at a bike shop, except some winters when he works at a board shop. He could probably hook you up with something, or at least give you some advice on what to look for. If you want to give him a call, he works at Reno Bike Project. 323-4488, ask for Casey.

http://www.renobikeproject.com/

[Dean]

What do you want to do with it? If you were a hard core biker, you wouldn't be asking for help, so...

How many miles a week are we talking about on what surface(s).

Honestly, how much did you ride the old one over the last 3-5 years?

There is a huge difference between a bike to ride a few laps at autocross or around local bike paths and one you can go do hardcore downhill or trail riding around the sierras or compete much less win the Death Ride on.

You can spend less than $100 for the former and up to thousands for the rest.

An $800 bike sounds like a lot for someone who doesn't know enough about the sport to draw their own conclusions.

I am not claiming to be an expert. I have a 30ish year old road bike that was $600 when I bought if I recall correctly and a 8 year old cheapo Walmart special dual suspension "mountain" bike that was $70 that if it gets stolen out of my trailer or truck I don't care. Just suggesting you decide what you are sure you want to do with it and don't let "experts" talk you into spending more than you want to to get something you won't use.

[cody]

I won't ride it a lot, but when I do ride it, I'll ride it hard and due to my size, that probably means I shouldn't go too cheap. My last bike was decent but the components kept failing until I finally replaced most of them.

I may not know which components are worth what dollar amount, but I know I need a bike that I can depend on. I'm sure you've built computers for people who know nothing about the components you used, yet they can appreciate that the computer performed well and didn't cost them too much.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by cody

I won't ride it a lot, but when I do ride it, I'll ride it hard and due to my size, that probably means I shouldn't go too cheap. My last bike was decent but the components kept failing until I finally replaced most of them.

I may not know which components are worth what dollar amount, but I know I need a bike that I can depend on. I'm sure you've built computers for people who know nothing about the components you used, yet they can appreciate that the computer performed well and didn't cost them too much.

I apologize if I sounded critical, that was not my intent.

I was doing what I do with all my computer customers, get them to talk about how they plan to use it rather than talking about technical details.

I agree a $100 bike is probably not a good choice, but $800 sounds a bit steep for relatively low usage.

If you use it infrequently, renting might be a good choice. let somebody else deal with the maintenance and such.

[cody]

Originally Posted by khail19

Cody, my brother lives and breathes all things bike related. He's never had a job that wasn't at a bike shop, except some winters when he works at a board shop. He could probably hook you up with something, or at least give you some advice on what to look for. If you want to give him a call, he works at Reno Bike Project. 323-4488, ask for Casey.

http://www.renobikeproject.com/

Thanks, Khail. Is that the Reno Bike Project in the Cathexes building on Bell? I work across Bell St so I could probably just walk across the street to see him.

I'll definitely give him a call soon. I really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Dean

I apologize if I sounded critical, that was not my intent.

I was doing what I do with all my computer customers, get them to talk about how they plan to use it rather than talking about technical details.

I agree a $100 bike is probably not a good choice, but $800 sounds a bit steep for relatively low usage.

If you use it infrequently, renting might be a good choice. let somebody else deal with the maintenance and such.

No worries, Dean. You know I appreciate your input. You gonna reply to my last email regarding SQL class?

[ScottyS]

Cody, I am actually getting ready to list my 2005 Cannondale Prophet 1000. It's an XL frame (with appropriate shock and spring ratings), and even a little large for me at 6'2". It's an All-Mountain with 140mm front and rear. Lefty front, etc.

I bought it from the original owner in Berkeley back in 2007 (who had clearly barely ridden it) and have only rode a couple hundred miles on it myself, all cross-country-style, mostly on trails like the Marlette Flume, etc. Frankly, the reason that I am selling it is because it just does not handle like I want (a little long/large for my CG) and All-Mountain uphill handling is not my thing, although going downhill on quality 140mm is a spoiler.

It turns out that my body fits a Cannondale Rush a lot better after doing some more testing, and I bought a 2006 Rush recently. The shorter WB and 110mm travel plus geometry is worlds better for my style (I used to race CC eons ago, so I'm picky).

Your price is on the low side of what I was going to list it for (or else part it), but seeing as how we are local and buddies I might be talked into it.

Standard 2005 Prophet 1000 components, with an upgraded QR seatpost clamp. Avid Juicy's, etc.

Given the condition and low miles (I even serviced the Lefty with all new oil and orings within 3 rides ago), this might be what you are looking for in terms of toughness. I've been a Cannondale fanboi since about 1996, and have yet to see compromise on the construction.

[cody]

Hi Scotty. I'm definitely interested. I was looking for a hardtail though since rear suspension makes going uphill harder as I understand it. Thoughts?

[ScottyS]

Originally Posted by cody

Hi Scotty. I'm definitely interested. I was looking for a hardtail though since rear suspension makes going uphill harder as I understand it. Thoughts?

If you are going to be doing a lot of climbing, then either a CC-optimized dual or even a hardtail is for you. Modern dual technology is pretty forgiving on climbs (I'm never going back, now that I'm not competing for anything), but it really is a matter of preference. The Prophet has two geometry settings, one for CC and one for AM, but that still doesn't make it climb like a hardtail.

Without knowing your riding style and aims it's hard to say, it sounded like you were more casual, and hard on the bike going downhill, which is what this design is for. But, if you are into the climb more than the downhill (like me), then get a dual with lockouts and less travel or a good hardtail. The suspension on this bike will get you into trouble just as fast as it will save your a**.......

[cody]

What's CC and AM stand for?

I've always thought rear suspension with a lockout would be awesome provided it didn't add too much weight. I'm definitely all about the downhill, but I tend to actually ride up the mountain before I go down it...though not always.

[ScottyS]

Originally Posted by cody

What's CC and AM stand for?

I've always thought rear suspension with a lockout would be awesome provided it didn't add too much weight. I'm definitely all about the downhill, but I tend to actually ride up the mountain before I go down it...though not always.

Oh, Cross Country and All Mountain. Terms for riding style/goals.

The Prophet has no lockouts, just "anti-bob" valving/technology. Air/oil/coil hybrid shocks. You can set pre-load, SPV, and rebound to your liking. More CC-style duals are getting lockouts now, at least the front.

Actually, it's not the rear on the climbs that has an issue, the Cannondale geometry has always been good for that, it's a front lockout that is more important. However, if you are not racing, or trying to get that last extra bit out of the climb, it might not matter.

You are always welcome to take it out - I need to get it down, dust it off, and check everything first, it's been sitting for over a year. I pulled my platform pedals for the Rush, but I might have an old set of SPD's in a parts box for testing.

[cody]

Hmm. Ya, if you have some normal pedals (I don't have shoes for clip-ins or whatever they're called), I'd be interested in trying it out. So you would consider this bike suitable for me even though I'm 250Lb? It's just hard to imagine a bike you bought for yourself being suitable for me since I bet I have a hundred pounds on you.

[cody]

I asked a buddy and he said that I might need to replace the front spring if there's a spring appropriate for a smaller guy on there already. Thoughts?

[ScottyS]

Originally Posted by cody

Hmm. Ya, if you have some normal pedals (I don't have shoes for clip-ins or whatever they're called), I'd be interested in trying it out. So you would consider this bike suitable for me even though I'm 250Lb? It's just hard to imagine a bike you bought for yourself being suitable for me since I bet I have a hundred pounds on you.

Haha, you have 50lbs on me. The XL got the heaviest suspension ratings, the manuals say for the 200-220 lb range, they don't go higher. You might look at some of the forums (mtbr, for instance) to see how the clydesdales are fairing with the model. As far as breakage, not a real issue I think, but as far as suspension performance, well, I don't know how many suspension manuals will list adjustments for 250lbs.

The Cannondale website used to archive the specs pages of all older models, but I can't find it at the moment. Most of the manuals and setup guides are there.

Here are some reviews:
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/allmtn...1_1547crx.aspx

[khail19]

Originally Posted by cody

Thanks, Khail. Is that the Reno Bike Project in the Cathexes building on Bell? I work across Bell St so I could probably just walk across the street to see him.

I'll definitely give him a call soon. I really appreciate it.

I don't think so, it's pretty much on the corner of 4th and Valley, east of downtown a bit.

[cody]

Oh okay, it must be some other bike project thing that's in the bldg across the street.

[sybir]

<- Fat dude with a Prophet.

Mine's a Large, not XL, and I'm running a Marzocchi AM3 in front and a different air spring out back (different pedaling platform performance), but air suspension is actually more tolerant and tunable than coils - I'm bigger than you (~300) so I'm at the upper end of even Clyde status, but with some higher pressures, it's a great bike for a big guy; I have a reasonable amount of sag tuned in and still don't bottom either end unless I'm doing something really, really stupid. Keep in mind that 100mm of travel for a little guy may be enough, but a longer travel bike can give a tall/big guy a little bit more leeway - even if I crank up a short fork, I'm still going to blow through travel pretty quick if I have any small-bump sensitivity.

Cliffs: if You can work Scotty's bike into your budget, it's a ton of bike for the $$, and as long as you don't saddle it with massive 2.5" DH tires, will still be plenty nimble enough in the more upright configuration for running around and pointing down an occasional nasty drop. Do eet.

That said, I love cross bikes and my favorite bikes to mess around on are my rigid singlespeeds.

[cody]

^Awesome.

I already told Scotty I'd take it provided a checkup/suspension adjustment and test ride all go well.

[ScottyS]

That's funny you have a C'Dale as well Aaron, I had no idea! I got the bike down from the rafters and cleaned it up for Cody to check it out. The Prophet frames all ran large, so the XL is not a small bike. We'll see if Cody gets hooked on the Cannondale Kool-Aid or not....;-)

[bluestreak]

Wow, I had no idea there were so many people with Prophets around on this forum - Ive got one too.... '07 large.

I'm thinking of upgrading the front suspension soon, as I often bottom it out - anybody want to get rid of a Fox Talus?

[ScottyS]

Originally Posted by bluestreak

Wow, I had no idea there were so many people with Prophets around on this forum - Ive got one too.... '07 large.

I'm thinking of upgrading the front suspension soon, as I often bottom it out - anybody want to get rid of a Fox Talus?

Wow, which front shock did the '07 get?

[cody]

Scotty was generous enough to allow me to borrow the Prophet for a bit to see how I like it before I commit to buying it. Khail's brother, Casey, took nearly two hours answering questions and looking it over today for me. He really knows his stuff and really provided me with a ton of insight regarding modern mountain bikes. We got the suspension set up for a 220Lb guy since that's as high as the setup guide went to. Hopefully my extra 30Lb won't be a big deal. I'll play with the settings when I take it for a test ride.

I was hoping to take it up to Peavine on Saturday, but it might be too muddy according to the weather report.

To be honest, this bike is pretty darn fancy and the maintenance sounds a little daunting, but I'm sure I'll fall in love with it when I get it out on a gnarly trail. We'll see.

[khail19]

I'm glad Casey could help you out. He's been into bikes a long time, he knows more about them than I do about stereos!

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by cody

Scotty was generous enough to allow me to borrow the Prophet for a bit to see how I like it before I commit to buying it. Khail's brother, Casey, took nearly two hours answering questions and looking it over today for me. He really knows his stuff and really provided me with a ton of insight regarding modern mountain bikes. We got the suspension set up for a 220Lb guy since that's as high as the setup guide went to. Hopefully my extra 30Lb won't be a big deal. I'll play with the settings when I take it for a test ride.

I was hoping to take it up to Peavine on Saturday, but it might be too muddy according to the weather report.

To be honest, this bike is pretty darn fancy and the maintenance sounds a little daunting, but I'm sure I'll fall in love with it when I get it out on a gnarly trail. We'll see.

If you want to get all nerdy, you can probably build a spreadsheet to extrapolate the build guide out to your weight.