Another NEWB ?

[03jeep]

I have been lurking for a while and doing ALOT of research. I am going to be doing mainly bike paths with my 6 year old for now and dont see myself doing major off road for a while. I looked at a Giant Comfort Sedona and I didnt like the look of it. I am currently at 365(down from 410) and want something to handle my frame. I went with a buddy who has more knowledge than I do and we determined what size frame I need. I had narrowed down the field to a couple different models. I looked at Trek, Diamond Back and Giant so far. I ended up finding a used Motobecane 600HT and I really like it. Thats where you guys come in. What do you think of this bike. I have read reviews on it and its like anything else. Some like it some hate it. I want to know from a Clydesdale point of view what you think. It looks like it has a good bit of upgrades. Here are the specs from the ad. He is asking 300 for it.

Frame: Custom 7005 Aluminum Trail-Tuned POWER STAY frame, box section chainstays, bi-axial gussetted downtube, sculpted rear dropouts with replaceable rear derailleur hanger, 2x H2O bosses, International Standard rear disc mounts Detailed Picture Gallery
Fork: RockShox Dart ONE 100mm long travel, Adjustable Preload
Crankset : TruVativ Isoflow Aluminum arms 175mm, Triple Rings 22/32/42T
Bottom Bracket: Sealed Cartridge
Pedals: (replacements from sporting goods store)
Front Derailleur: Shimano Alivio Top Swing
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore LX long cage
Shifters: Shimano Alivio Mega 8 Speed STI Rapidfire Pods (24 speeds total)
Cassette/Freewheel: 12-28T 8 Speed PowerglideRamps
Chain: 8 Speed Z72 Narrow
Hubs: Formula Disc Specific Aluminum (black) Sealed Bearing mechanism
Spokes: Stainless Steel
Rims: WTB SpeedDisc Rims Double Wall Aluminum
Tires: (Continental Double Fighter II) replaced stock
Brakes: TEKTRO IO Mechanical Disc Brakes with Multi Pad Angle adjustments
Brake Levers: Tektro for Disc
Headset: Cane Creek Internal Sealed caged ball bearing VP A42E 1.125 inch
Handlebar: Skye Comp Aluminum Riser
Stem: Skye Comp Threadless Aluminum 1.125 inch
Tape/Grip: WTB Dual Compound Palm Pillow
Saddle: WTB Speed V with comfort groove
Seat Post: Skye Aluminum Micro-Adjust
Seat Clamp: Alloy w/QR
Size: 21 inch
Colors Matte Black


And here is a pic of it.




Thanks for your input. DJ

[03jeep]

WOW, 32 views and no one even has an opinion on this bike?

[the old fool]

Never even seen one but if it fits and you have the $ go for it.

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-har...1_1527crx.aspx

[Thewhitefamily4]

Props to he riding! I say if you have the cash go for the moto... a couple of my friends have them and like them the dart on the front may be too little for you though...

[JunkShip]

I don't have the bredth of experience that others have, however, I would just question the shock as well. I have no experience with the dart. Other then that, if it rides well I'd say go for it!

[03jeep]

Thanks for the replies. I just rechecked with him and its sold. Back to the drawing board.

DJ

[CaveGiant]

As you have lost it, can we pull it apart now?

First of all congrats on the weight drop, thats impressive.

dart is an awful fork unless you are sub average weight, then it is just poor.
You have to take into account things will break under your weight, so stuff designed for abuse is good, i.e. freeride stuff.
The weight of components is irrelevant, just get STRONG.

A good fork is a must if any offroading, a dart will steer downhill whatever direction you point the bars. 20mm axle will save a few crashes. the cheapest though is still the clyde favorite of Tora 318.

keep looking

p.s. congrats again on the weight

[03jeep]

Hey Guys, havent been on in a while. But I am back looking for a bike. I found a few more to think about. My budget now is right around 350. So, I am thinking I am going to go used for now and maybe next year find a new bike. I have a buddy that worked on bikes for years so I have someone if I need it worked on. These are a few that I like. Feel free to give opinions negative or positive. Again, I am 6'3 and around 360 now.
First one: Ad reads
Original owner, babied, near perfect. 19" frame, shimano LX components. $300.00 or best reasonable offer, cash only. Thanks


Second:
Giant asking 200 medium frame


Third:
This is a great bike only 3 years old garage kept no rust
It is yellow and grey All the brakes and everything work


Fourth:
I am selling my specialized hr comp HARD TAIL 26' MOUNTAIN BIKE in very good cond.Just fully tuned and detailed this summer. shifts smooth and easy... very lightweight and fast..FRAME SIZE MEDIUM $195.00 firm..



and the last one I found is a long description so I figured I would just put the link.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/bik/1448200318.html

Thanks for all the help. DJ

[BigMark]

What size frame do you think you need? Every bike (frame) is a bit different but the Moto was a 21" (probably XL by most manufacturers standards) and the others seem to be smaller.

1st: 19"
2nd: medium
3rd: ???
4th: medium
last one: ???

Being a "Mega-Clyde" myself at 6'6" and 395lbs, I personally could not consider a frame smaller than 21". You did not indicate your height/inseam.

I would stop by the LBS and throw a leg over several new bikes and determine which frame size would be best for you...then narrow your choices.

Good luck

[03jeep]

I need an 18 or 19" frame. I went and sat on a bunch of them and my buddy was there and gave me some advice. I actually have somewhat short legs for someone my height. So, I would be good with either an 18 or 19. Right now I am looking mainly at the 1st and the last ones. I received an email back about the first one and he said its either an 01 or 02. So, does 300 sound steep for a 7 year old bike? Thanks . DJ

[03jeep]

I ended up going to Dicks to look around and they had a DB Response XE on clearance so I am picking it tomorrow morning. I think this should be a good starter bike for me and the bike guy there seems VERY knowledgable, not like other stores Ive been to. He has his personal bike in the store and it is really set up. Hopefully Ill get some pics and some riding in tomorrow. DJ

[jeffj]

6'3" with somewhat short legs means a somewhat long torso. Most modern frames are built using what is called compact geometry. That features a sloped top tube that will allow a particular frame to fit a wider variety of body types.

If you have a longish torso for someone that is 6'3", I think it's possible for you to find a better fit on a larger frame than 19". As long as you don't have issues with standover (the twig and berries aren't tight against the top tube when straddling the bike) I would think the top tube length of a 21" frame should suit you better. Since you haven't picked up the bike yet, you might have a good look at this before you're married to what you've bought.

[03jeep]

Originally Posted by jeffj

6'3" with somewhat short legs means a somewhat long torso. Most modern frames are built using what is called compact geometry. That features a sloped top tube that will allow a particular frame to fit a wider variety of body types.

If you have a longish torso for someone that is 6'3", I think it's possible for you to find a better fit on a larger frame than 19". As long as you don't have issues with standover (the twig and berries aren't tight against the top tube when straddling the bike) I would think the top tube length of a 21" frame should suit you better. Since you haven't picked up the bike yet, you might have a good look at this before you're married to what you've bought.

Thanks for the reply. They actually have a 20 & 22" there also. When I go in today Ill ride the other ones to to see what fits me best. Thanks again. DJ

[03jeep]

Well, I went back and sat on the 20" and it was a little too tall. So, I ended up with the 18" I got it home and we went for a ride, I raised the seat some and it was a perfect fit. I know its just like any other stock Response XE out there but heres a pic. This was after we got back from our ride.

My son is so funny with his poses.

DJ