airborne guardian vs trek cobia

[justinope]

Hey all,

So I definitely already ordered a Guardian and I am definitely excited but a 2012 trek cobia just popped up on craigslist in awesome shape for the same price as a new guardian. I'm wondering if I should cancel and get it instead. On the surface it doesn't look like theres much difference between the 2, but I'm wondering if theres something I'm missing by being a noob and all that would make it worth doing so.

Heres a link to both to see specs: (actually nvm i'm too new here to post links )


differences seem to be: (cobia vs guardian format)

sram x5 10speed vs 9speed
RockShox Recon Silver TK 29 100m (cobia) vs RockShox XC28 TK Mg29 guardian
Deore front derailleur cobia vs sram x3 guardian
tektro auriga hydraulic brakes vs hayes comp hydraulic
SRAM S800, 44/33/22 crank vs Truvative E400 22-32-42T
Shimano M475 alloy hubsBontrager AT-850 disc 29 32-hole rims vs Weinmann Disc Bull Double-Walled with Eyelets, 32H - KT HiFlange 32H hubs

some other stem, seatpost differences

[eb1888]

The Cobia has an air fork that weighs 4.5lbs. The XC 28 weighs 5lbs. and is a good coil spring fork. The Cobia's geo suggests it might handle a little quicker. I'd get the Cobia if possible.

[justinope]

ahh ok, I'm going to look at it tomorrow

[hangdogdaddy38]

I would vote Cobia as well. It's just one step down from the X-cal and I have made a big improvement on my trail riding the X-cal. Good luck!!

[247]

Read the threads about TREK's (if you are not the original owner)--and see if seller will warranty a break (if it happens.)

Knowing that (anything you buy used with no warranty--get it cheap) because mountainbikes break.

Also that TREK will have a G2 fork (51mm offset) when all others are 44-46mm. So you might end up having to buy a new frame and be stuck with a G2 fork...

NOW I am not knocking the TREK (I am Mr. TREK Actually) and think they have the best frames, best geometry and best warrany (for original owner.)

The best thing I did health wise ever to to buy a used Paragon 3.5 years ago (and got 3.5 years of riding for a frame i got a STEAL on... My knees and (bad back) feel 20 years younger.

I like the Airbornes (from what i have seen) but i would never get a bike without riding it (I bought a Paragon frame and built a bike 3.5 years ago)--but i rode them first... ALSO I like supporting my local LBS (especially with a bike that will need service)---but that is if you buy something new----

--I would have test rode a fre TREK 29ers (then you should see the Geometry difference)--I could and I was a Newbie then...

ALSO can someone tell me what the warranty is on the Airbornes??

[eb1888]

Lifetime frame for the original owner.

[justinope]

I decided I'm just going to stick with the guardian. They are definitely comparable bikes and I'd rather keep a new bike warranty than none at all :x


thanks for the input all

[Trail Addict]

I decided I'm just going to stick with the guardian. They are definitely comparable bikes and I'd rather keep a new bike warranty than none at all :x


thanks for the input all

Excellent choice.

[biker judge]

Please keep us all posted on your continuing experience with Airborne ( the company) as well as the bike. ( guardian). I'm very interested in that model. Thanks for the info!