I've been anxiously waiting for Seekers to come back in stock and I'm even more excited that not only did they offer free shipping but they dropped the price $100!
Airborne also dropped the price on the Goblin, Toxin, and both Pathogen and Toxin Frames.
Order placed. Feel free to ship that 18" Seeker to NC pronto
Didn't "settle" at all haha. I budgeted $1k and wanted a quality 29er with an air fork (prev c-dale had a Tora solo air). With the extra money I wanted to shed as much weight as possible, and it looks like I'll shed 4-5lb for about $130 (after selling the take offs) since I got some smoking deals on the parts.
Going up to the Goblin didn't get me to my 25lb goal and would leave me no money for upgrades. I'm a numbers guy and like the challenge of getting the absolute most bang for my buck. That said, the Goblin is a smoking deal too and did make me think for a minute. I like the matte black better too!
Per fb they've updated specs on the Seeker and Goblin. Both now have Vee XCV tires (1lb lighter than Geax AKA), and now have SRAM BB1 (I believe they meant DB1) and DB5 brakes (hopefully these are better than the Elixirs).
Good to hear about the upgrade/update to the Seeker specs. Where exactly did you see that? I can't seem to find it. I've been researching on my first bike purchase in many years, about decided on the Seeker. I'm getting weary after no response from Airborne after over a week since I emailed and called them about sizing, new model time frames, potential for a 27.5 (standard width) in the near future, etc.
I appreciate all responses and info. I'm new here, and excited to be back into the sport and community. . Thanks.
Jerz - So blowing out the current model with a discount... They should have waited at least 2 more months for the price blowout - just don't tell them I said that, lol! Don't want my order modified
That's perfectly fine with me... Upgrades and lower price, that's my kinda deal! Now I can pick and choose which components I want to use, the "upgrades" I have waiting or the OE stuff. Hopefully these new brakes are better than the old Elixirs but I haven't seen much info on them yet.
I saw the upgrades on Facebook and did in deed receive my bike with the new parts. However, the tires are wire bead not folding therefore no weight savings. The brakes are rubbing a little but I've only got 3 rides so far in the week I've had it.
All reports lately say that their response times are lacking big time and shipping times are rather slow. That said, I'm very happy with my bike! Also I highly doubt they'll tell you what they're going to release next spring. If the seeker fits what you're looking for, go for it. It and Goblin are smoking deals right now!
Thanks Jerz. I imagine you are right about the model info ; I just need to get a few more rides in on both 27.5 and 29 at a local outdoor center with a big variety of bikes available for use on all kinds of trails.
I know threre are inherent advantages to both sizes, I just want to be sure before I make the investment. I want to be able to feel sporty and agile in places with tight trees, etc.. I might lean towards wanting a 27.5, but since Airborne doesn't offer one and I think the geometry and setup of the bike will allow for that, not feel clumsy or too big - if that makes sense...
I am 6'3", 200 lbs with a 32 inch inseam and long torso, I think the 20" frame is what I'll need. Can you comment on that?
I know one of their guys was travelling for a week hence the delay on the customer service side.
I'm 6'4 with a 36 inseam and was told the 22 for sure. Given you have a longer torso at a similar size I think the same might apply and the 20 may feel a little cramped in length. Unfortunately there's no 22s left, so be prepared!
Jrs22, sounds like you need a 22". I thought the 18" was going to be a bit big for me at 5'8 but it turns out only the stand over is tight, ETT is spot on. Also, member cburgin is selling his 20" goblin (http://forums.mtbr.com/airborne/goblin-sale-nc-984912.html) because at 6'5 a 22" is a better fit. I met him at my local trail and can understand him needing a 22". With a long torso you probably do too.
If he has a true, measured 32inch inseam, the 22 is going to be HUGE. I have a measured 35inch inseam and I can barely even stand over a 22. I am 6'1 for reference. With his measurements, I'd truly recommend a custom frame. If that's not a possibility, then a 20" may fit with a longish stem.
Thanks, Jerz. I saw his post and contacted him about it. I might try to check it out in person ; a year old goblin for seeker $ would be a good thing, depending upon fit, like we are still determining. Thanks for all the feedback everyone. All the members' info is appreciated there. It is making me wonder if a 20" height and a long stem would be a good setup? I like the idea of defaulting down in frame size, so long as as I'm not cramped or have too much seat post going on.
Oh just noticed you're in SC. Yeah I'd definitely take the drive to meet him and check out the bike. If it fits, great, if not, well it was still worth the drive to confirm what size you need.
Yeah, that same thought crossed my mind. Great way to get a test fit - an opportunity not often afforded to us looking to buy bikes online.
* and on that note, might as well do some research on what I can ride locally at shops and at the Whitewater center with the same geometry. I'm near enough to Trek, Specialized, Scott, maybe some other stores if need be. Diamondback at the big box, too, if it applies. The whitewater center has mostly Specialized and Giant.
I made this little chart when I was looking to buy. If you scroll all the way to the right, you will see the geometries. I only did the bikes in my price range at shops near me. I test rode a Cannondale Trail 2 because it looked the closest.
It looks like the finished version with the rest of the component prices is on my work computer, but you already know the Airborne has the best components for the best price.
I'm pretty sure the seeker is the same geometry as the Goblin.
ETA: for some reason excel files aren't allowed, so this wont be as user friendly...
Thanks Bradley - that's a great list, and a generous gesture to share it with me. And yes, I believe they have the same frame. You mind sharing your measurements that go with that 20" Goblin?
I don't know what my measured inseam is, but I wear a 32" pants leg. I'm 6' tall. On the 20 goblin I can stand over it without touching, but barely. On the trail if I come off the bike and have to put my feet down, I have a hard time not racking myself if I'm falling towards the low side of the trail.
It certainly does help, Jeremy. All of everyone's input is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks to you all for taking the time and interest to help me out. I look forward to getting behind bars soon on some of the closest sounding bikes I can, letting you all know how it goes, and making an investment. Keep it coming friends. JRS.
Jrs102, I'm in the upstate as well bud! I only have an 18" Seeker, but may be willing to let you test ride if you're interested..
I just rode the Issaqueena Lake trails today and can honestly say I haven't ridden a better trail to date (DuPont, Swamp Rabbit, whitewater etc.). Had lots of fun on the Seeker and it took every bit I gave it. MUCH faster than the 26" GT I was riding before too.
Oh, excellent to hear about the trails - and to learn about a rider close
to relate to and share info with. Thanks! I think I remember seeing that
trail system online and being interested in checking it out, along with
some of the others you mentioned, plus Paris mountain. I have only ridden
off road so far at the Whitewater center, and like it pretty well. Issaqueena must be really good if you prefer it to there and anywhere else you have ridden.
I appreciate the invite to check out your bike ; I might take you up on it sometime just to get a look at one in person (if I don't order one soon sight unseen) - They look great online. Take care out there and keep in touch. JRS
Oh, excellent to hear about the trails - and to learn about a rider close
to relate to and share info with. Thanks! I think I remember seeing that
trail system online and being interested in checking it out, along with
some of the others you mentioned, plus Paris mountain. I have only ridden
off road so far at the Whitewater center, and like it pretty well. Issaqueena must be really good if you prefer it to there and anywhere else you have ridden.
I appreciate the invite to check out your bike ; I might take you up on it sometime just to get a look at one in person (if I don't order one soon sight unseen) - They look great online. Take care out there and keep in touch. JRS
To be honest, whitewater was my first mountain bike experience and while I'd still rate it up there, it's been awhile and I feel like i'd need to test my skills now to really know, but Issaqueena really is a great trails set. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!
Feel free to PM if you feel like testing the bike. I'll just warn you now though that I've changed the stem to 60mm (105mm stock) so it's even smaller than stock size, but still may give you a feel for the parts, which i feel are a good deal for the price. Only things I've changed currently:
Tires; stock tires are great, road friendly tires. Makes me less-than-confident on dirt tbh... Changed to Forte tires due to location, price & weight.
Stem fit to rider size...
Seat is ok, but changed to something more "comfortable".
Jockey wheel seems to be plastic on x5 rear derailleur... trying to find metal relacement.
Thanks Mike and Bradley. It's all coming together to form a pretty good reference. And the last thing any of us needs is to get ourselves racked out there, right?
No big deal about comparing the trails - I'll just take your recommendation about Issaqueena and try to get there soon. As far as your bike, it sounds like you must have it dialed in to about the right fit. I may need advice on that later (from all) . And I'd like to check it out sometime - to help decide if I haven't bought something, or maybe to ride if I have. What saddle did you go with, BTW? I hear a lot of people using WTB and Specialized. . . . And I will keep in mind about the tires. . . Thanks. - JRS
I went with a WTB Volt Team saddle. I'm pretty happy with it.
I was about to buy a Specialized Toupe because that is what I ride on my road bike, but was nervous that the lack of padding would be rough for my beginner - saddle-smacking-ass-on-rough-trails type of riding.
I chose WTB because the channel looked deep with a cut-out underneath the padding. I've always needed a big cut-out in my road saddles.
I know the seat can make a huge difference in the quality of your riding experience. I think I remember seeing one of those sit bones test rigs at a shop relatively close to home. I might try it out. I will likely get a WTB of some sort either way. I'll give the stock one all the time and miles I can, but it seems like a given that it's something that gets changed out for aftermarket on most serious mountain bikes - and probably road bikes, for that matter. I might even try the one on my old Cannondale roadie just because I can ; who knows, right? I know riding posture is different, I wonder what that means in terms of seat design? I'll have to research that.
Getting close to a purchase. ; Got myself a lid (Giro Feature - matte black) , got the wife a good starter bike (Cannondale Trail - she liked some Treks, but Trek is struggling with inventory and we couldn't get her size in anything she wanted - meanwhile we found said Cannondale that she liked.) Been trying to get together with Cburg to check out his Goblin, unsuccessfully. If I can't in the next week or so, I will order the 20" Seeker.
Anybody know if Airborne has ever done a labor day discount? I know the bike is already reduced, but it would be nice to be able to reallocate funds towards pedals, SUV rack, locks, etc. I
Any advice on any of those while I'm looking at them? I'm open to both styles of pedals - used to ride clipped in on the Cannondale road bike. I think I want to start with platforms with spikes for trail and XC, though.
Thanks - JRS.
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