pirate_agenda
Squid
Hey guys,
Looking at getting back into riding after a fair while off and am after an all mountain steed - basically the same old story as everyone else, want a bike that can handle some light freeride and DH, but still be able to get back up the hill too. The riding i'll be doing will mostly be bulli/wollongong trails, and around Jindy, maybe thredbo on occasion.
I'm of limited experience when it comes to tech gear on bikes, and i'll be purchasing a lower spec'd model with the intent to upgrade parts when money comes in/or things break. So basically i'm after a good frame platform and decent package, but can improve on the package in the future. So far from some suggestions have narrowed my choices down to the following which are all currently available to me for the following prices:
- 2013 Giant Reign 2 - $2000
- 2011 Norco Range 3 - $2099
- 2012 Rocky Mountain Slayer 30- $2559
The Giant seems to be specc'd slightly better than the other 2, plus has a remote seat post thing which would be handy but is only 150mm travel. Where the Slayer and Range have a bit more travel at around 160mm, but are older models and more expensive. On the budget front, i'd much prefer to be closer to the giant end of the spectrum, but if spending a little more means i'll be better in the long term, then I guess its worth it.
As per usual, each shop I've been into has tried to sell me what they have in stock, which has left me in a bit of confusion. One guy was even trying to sell me a 130mm travel bike claiming it "shreds on downhill". haha.
At the moment i'm leaning towards the giant, but am worried it won't be enough bike, but I guess I can either build it up, or sell in the future and upgrade if I improve / get right into the sport. Anyway any help esp from those experienced with these bikes would be great.
Cheers
Looking at getting back into riding after a fair while off and am after an all mountain steed - basically the same old story as everyone else, want a bike that can handle some light freeride and DH, but still be able to get back up the hill too. The riding i'll be doing will mostly be bulli/wollongong trails, and around Jindy, maybe thredbo on occasion.
I'm of limited experience when it comes to tech gear on bikes, and i'll be purchasing a lower spec'd model with the intent to upgrade parts when money comes in/or things break. So basically i'm after a good frame platform and decent package, but can improve on the package in the future. So far from some suggestions have narrowed my choices down to the following which are all currently available to me for the following prices:
- 2013 Giant Reign 2 - $2000
- 2011 Norco Range 3 - $2099
- 2012 Rocky Mountain Slayer 30- $2559
The Giant seems to be specc'd slightly better than the other 2, plus has a remote seat post thing which would be handy but is only 150mm travel. Where the Slayer and Range have a bit more travel at around 160mm, but are older models and more expensive. On the budget front, i'd much prefer to be closer to the giant end of the spectrum, but if spending a little more means i'll be better in the long term, then I guess its worth it.
As per usual, each shop I've been into has tried to sell me what they have in stock, which has left me in a bit of confusion. One guy was even trying to sell me a 130mm travel bike claiming it "shreds on downhill". haha.
At the moment i'm leaning towards the giant, but am worried it won't be enough bike, but I guess I can either build it up, or sell in the future and upgrade if I improve / get right into the sport. Anyway any help esp from those experienced with these bikes would be great.
Cheers