Show off your Mountain Bike!!!

Thanks for all of the recommendations and opinions, guys! Im trying to do as much reading as I can before I get home so I can make a well-informed purchase. The 2k price limit was taking into account the discounts that I've seen for last year's model. I definitely am okay with the buy once cry once mentality, ha

 

Don’t know where your located but.....http://cyclepaths.com/demo-bikes

 

Demo or a previous rental is a good choice. Usually a decent spec and maintained well. While Diamondback is now mail order, they have upped their game lately and appear to make a pretty good trail bike. But you're not likely to find a demo or rental. For $2K, I would definitely be looking used and not new -- spec at that price range will not have good components.

 

What's wrong with Kona?

 

Big Kona fan, have had 3. No problems with them at all. I think it’s all personal preference...

 

You clearly have no idea what you're fucking talking about.

@Chad_QS18 don't listen to this guy. Kona and Diamondback are fine bikes.

 

truth!

I started on a diamondback 29r that cost me $350 shipped. at the time I had no clue what I was buying but it was a lot of money to me and I thought I was getting the coolest bike imaginable. you don't always have to spend thousands of dollars to have fun, especially if you're just starting to get into a hobby.

 

Close to a mountain bike! I have a 2013 trek stache, pre 29+ version and also I just picked up a Kona sutra LTD. comes with 29x2.0 tires. It’s a lot of fun to ride around town on the road and dirt paths and actually half decent on some mellow single track. Hoping to get a longer ride in soon I’m thinking Philadelphia to Easton on the Delaware canal trail.

 

that looks like a very fun and fast cross bike! love that color!

 

What pressures are you running? Looks wet. I love the Chupas, but gotta run tubeless. No more than 19 rear 17 front.

 

If you want to buy a new bike in 6 months, because the diamond back you purchased is falling apart. You should definetely take this guys advice ;-)

 

There’s nothing wrong with any bike. I am just comparing apples to apples and longevity.

Kona has decent components on their bikes, but if you look at the price/component ration, they don’t conpare at all to their competitors. Their frames are built in giant factories much like the other 75% of bike manufacturers. They use mid to low grade components, and the components are mismatched in their quality. For Instance, Kona HEI HEI Race Supreme runs a a Fox 32 on a $7500 bike, seriously? You can buy a Santa Cruz with far superior components for same or less money. That is why I am saying Kona isn’t worth the money. Do your research, read and educate yourself. Otherwise you might as well go buy a Schwinn at Walmart.

 

I've been on the hunt for a new bike as well. Here are a few sites worth checking out. Santa Cruz has 20% off on last year models.


https://www.cambriabike.com/collections/mtb-bikes

https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?pn=0&s=price-asc

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/mountain-bikes?fl=true

 

Got a buddy that rides the ripmo, and the Bronson. Kick ass bikes. Jenson also has some of the cheapest prices on new bikes.

 

It's a toss up between the bronson and the Hightower lt. Still undecided.

 

I think it depends on what your riding. 800$ difference. Your also getting a hell of a lot better components for the money. Your also comparing a 27.5 vs a 29er. Have you had the chance to ride either?

 

I had mine out at Keystone summer before last, riding dusty, blown out bike park trails (quite a bit different from what you were riding). My front got a slow leak, so I would stop and pump it up with extra air when it got too low. It was pretty cool feeling the difference in traction as it lost air -- there is definitely a sweet spot. Too much air and it slips and a bit unpredictable, just right and hero traction, not enough and it starts to roll over. I'm 200 lbs. with a full Camelback and pads, so depending on your weight and riding style you may be able to get away with less. Too much air on wet KC rock is a bad idea, though.

 

I’m struggling to see where you’re coming from here. The HEI HEI supreme is an XC race bike with quality race bike components, including the fox 32. Are you expecting to see a fox 36 on an xc bike? Something better than sram xx1 eagle or top of the line raceface components? Kona fits in between price points for most of their bikes which I think makes them an even better option.

Kona makes solid bikes with solid components too. The only issue I’ve ever heard of was when carbon operators were snapping near the head tube...likely rider error. I’ve owned a Kona before and I wish I didn’t sell it. I would definitely get a honzo if I could justify another bike right now. Not even fair to compare Kona to Schwinn.

 

Thanks for the review man. I’m sold on getting this bike. Just gotta sell some body parts first.

 

I'll mainly be riding local no shuttle trails. Would also be riding mammoth one or twice a year. Haven't ridden a santa cruz before. But have had tons of bikes over the years. To name a few-Giant reign, Giant trance, Cannondale Jekyll
and last bike I was on was a Intense carbine 29er. Just wanting to get back into it soon.