Why is picking a new AM bike so ^(*&^&*( Hard

[GDonehue]

...the fuck?

Just a personal thing. Plenty of folk think the commencal looks ugly - but I like that style of frame. Because looks don't matter though - I am going to arrange a ride of a pivot too

 

[GDonehue]

So just out of curiosity why would you not buy one locally? I know you can get a Carbine a little bit cheaper O/S but it's not much more to have some peace of mind when it comes to the headaches of having no customer support or local warranty? Who's going to set up your suspension correctly or who's going to tune your gears when you need a little tweak? I bet if you went to a good store they could quote you a very competitive price against any internet store out there, all we need to do is give them a chance. They will also back up the product they sell 100% and they are just around the corner, not across the globe. I can recommend some great stores in Melbourne that will surprise you with the amount of professionalism they can offer you.

This is true enough and as price is not really an issue for me this time around (I have $24K in my bank account that was not there a month ago and while it will not all go to the bike - a reasonable share will). I would say the difference (on quotes I have had - I have given stores here the run too) has been about $1000. Is piece of mind worth $1000... I don't know yet. Certainly now I have a full parts list and probably three frame options I am probably in a better position to negotiate (haggle :fat a price. I know for sure that big Ross at IRide has always done a great deal by me on bikes and parts so he will get a call (and he will throw in the option of the Sakuma so off we go again!)

 

[Ackland]

For a big bloke I haven't seen any mention of 29ers.
I test rode a bandit 29 over the weekend and I'm pretty sold on it.
140mm on a niner is a lot of bike.

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Ivan]

...the fuck?

I am yet to see a good looking bike from Pivot.

 

[rone]

I am yet to see a good looking bike from Pivot.

Nonsense. The Firebird is streamlined elegance personified.:very_drunk::very_drunk::very_drunk:

 

[Damienp]

This is true enough and as price is not really an issue for me this time around (I have $24K in my bank account that was not there a month ago and while it will not all go to the bike - a reasonable share will). I would say the difference (on quotes I have had - I have given stores here the run too) has been about $1000. Is piece of mind worth $1000... I don't know yet. Certainly now I have a full parts list and probably three frame options I am probably in a better position to negotiate (haggle :fat a price. I know for sure that big Ross at IRide has always done a great deal by me on bikes and parts so he will get a call (and he will throw in the option of the Sakuma so off we go again!)

As someone who has recently gone through what you are going through...

Steve, makes a very good point in figuring out what your real needs are.

As far as the issue of the dollar figure around piece of mind and buying locally. I spent around the $8K mark in building what was essentially my dream bike (Blur LT carbon). I worked with my LBS and in conjunction with them and sourcing smaller parts that seem to have epic mark ups here via other sources, I have found that the dollar figure for piece of mind has been well worth it.
Especially where you might be considering buying high end parts where having a local hook up when there may be any warranty concerns is just a little easier on the mind than having to deal with sending stuff away.

The only caveat on this would be... If the costs of sourcing items via other means outweigh the cost of sourcing here significantly. I.e. around 50%.

Saying this though it was my experience that the LBS will work very hard to get good value for money. If they don't, find someone who will. They are the ones worthy of your money and time.
In the end the only thing that wasn't really great value was the frame (Compared to prices that one could be sourced from OS at the time, and i made the decision that local warranty was a good thing here so I fully accept that premium) but everything else about the sales and support made up for that.

Lets be honest here as well. If you are about to drop similar figures on a bike, the emotional side of things comes well into the equation as its no longer just a couple of grand and you could live with a few compromises. This was where my LBS was really helpful in keeping me sane. I had an idea and they helped me realise that idea in a way that eased the slap that was the total figure for the bike and I cannot be happier with my bike.

Big props go out to Drift Bikes here in Newcastle for providing quality service and support to the local riding community.

 

[Big JD]

go local and reap the benifits

I am with Moonman here - if money is not an issue - please buy locally. My friends and I have all brought frames/bikes/forks from OS and you are completely f*cked if something goes wrong. Cracked turner, Intense, boutique Titanium frame and faulty forks all to be sent back at major cost and trouble. Many brands will look after you but to ship it back and wait up to 6 months is so painful. You are looking for a trail bike that can take a few hits - go with peice of mind - and buy local.
Also buy a bike from a local store with a full build (much cheaper). I cant stress enough that you must factor in those brands that offer the best local support - many brands are just too boutique. Many local distributors both carry much stock and only import when ordered - small turn over so small stock levels.
Yeti Australia are exceptional - second to none for CS - the SB66 is amazing
Intense here in OZ are now super - Carbine kills it
Pivot - Jetblack are terrific - 5.7 /Firebird would be two of the best pedalling, capable and stiffest bikes around - not great lookers (coat of paint helps)
Santa Cruz - Neezy - need to update their website but are great to work with - Blur LT or Nomad - go coil shock and Ti spring for complete plush.
Specialised/ Trek are everywhere and havent got a mention but they are good value for money and well represented here in OZ. There are so many brands out there - I have only mentioned those that i have had experience with and have experienced their CS and support.
If you want unique and customised - go Turner, Ventana, Nicholai but expect a wait. If you are considering a 29er then Lenz, Intense, Yeti or Transition for a burly built trail bike. The Yeti 5 inch 29er is just as capable as a 66 but it is a 29er - if that is your thing.
Seriously if you are alittle lost with support, advice, options or getting the service that you need - you havent found the right salesperson/store. There are great bike shop staff that will advise/ nudge / steer / listen and then there are others. If you need help - ask - but if you are looking to buy OS then dont expect alot of local support. Find the right store for you and stay there - loyality will save you money and peice of mind.
Sorry for the rant but it is a no brainer for me. Happy to suggest a few local people for you to talk too. I dont work in the industry by the way.
Good luck mate and remember this part of purchasing a new bike should be really fun - relax and enjoy it.
JD

 

[c3024446]

a) If you are mechanically minded, like solving problems yourself and want a ride exactly how you want it: Buy a frameset locally with a warranty and deck it out with the gear you want for the cheapest place you can find it.

b) if you know nothing about adjusting derailleurs, cranksets, fork pressures and have no interest in learning what-so-ever, buy everything from a LBS and don't complain about it being cheaper overseas.

I chose option a. Couldn't be happier learning new skills to fix, adjust and set-up any component. The internet is a magically place to gain knowledge, and bikes aren't a very complicated machine.

 

[Big JD]

a) If you are mechanically minded, like solving problems yourself and want a ride exactly how you want it: Buy a frameset locally with a warranty and deck it out with the gear you want for the cheapest place you can find it.

b) if you know nothing about adjusting derailleurs, cranksets, fork pressures and have no interest in learning what-so-ever, buy everything from a LBS and don't complain about it being cheaper overseas.

I chose option a. Couldn't be happier learning new skills to fix, adjust and set-up any component. The internet is a magically place to gain knowledge, and bikes aren't a very complicated machine.

Agreed

Buy frame and fork locally and everything else OS if you are mechanically minded and what to build it/ customise it yourself

 

[petertronica]

How about the 2012 Turner 5-spot? I've not riden one but it ticks almost all of the boxes..
Short(ish) chainstays
44 headtube
Zerk grease fittings
142x12
Up to 160mm fork
dw-link
13.5 bb height

Only negative is the 67.7 headangle, but plenty of angleset options available..

I'm exactly the same height as you and I have exactly the same problem with sizing - some mediums are too cramped some larges are too long.

As you mentioned it - a dude I ride with rides a banshee rune, with a lyrik + Thomson with a full 1.5 steerer - STIFFEST front end EVER!!! It's incredibly confidence inspiring. I've ridden it a fair bit and it absolutely rips. Size Large is perfect.

FWIW I ride a Spec pitch with a lyrik, love it, but it's a bit flexy and FSR can feel a bit vague sometimes, so I don't love it to bits, although the geometry is the best I've ridden on any bike so far.

 

[rone]

How about the 2012 Turner 5-spot? I've not riden one but it ticks almost all of the boxes..
Short(ish) chainstays
44 headtube
Zerk grease fittings
142x12
Up to 160mm fork
dw-link
13.5 bb height

Only negative is the 67.7 headangle, but plenty of angleset options available.

Based on a 525 a to c fork. I'm just building my 2012 and with a Fox 36 it's closer to 66.5°. Will get exact measurements next week when it's together. I should mention that this is to replace my beloved Intense Tracer - I just feel that the DW link seems to be the better compromise. Plus SCV Imports and Turner USA have some of the best after sales service.

 

[faith_rider]

ruled out
Pivot 5.7 - just on looks - which I know is petty, but hey

How can you not fall in love with a bike that looks like this!?

I'm in the market at the moment as well. Rode the SC Nomad Carbon and really enjoyed it but felt like a little bit too much bike for the riding I typically do. I was almost not going to test ride a Mach 5.7 because I didn't think they looked burly enough. Spent the last 3 days though on a carbon 5.7 and am totally in love. It is just so much FUN. Super light but also super stiff and with more than enough travel for aggressive trail riding. Someone said it earlier - you've gotta be realistic about the kind of riding you'll actually be doing and not what you dream of doing. I'm now almost at the point of committing to a build in the same colour shown above but with X9/X0 gear, a shorter stem and Fox's new 34's in 160mm up front....

Make sure you have a ride - they look much better in the flesh as well.

 

[nzhumpy]

^ cables are a dogs breakfast...

seatpost cable might leave some nice rub marks when extended too.

 

[No Skid Marks]

Yeah those Pivot 5.7s are really nice. Graphic debt need to be sacked, but they have multiple colour choices. Shame they're not stickers that can be removed, would look mad raw.
For bang for buck these look good http://www.dhdirect.com.au/documents/42.html

 

[Big JD]

Yeah those Pivot 5.7s are really nice. Graphic debt need to be sacked, but they have multiple colour choices. Shame they're not stickers that can be removed, would look mad raw.
For bang for buck these look good http://www.dhdirect.com.au/documents/42.html

nothing a 200 buck paint job cant fix

I would like a Turner Flux, Pivot 4 or Yeti 5 with a CCDB shock with Ti spring and a Fox 36er reduced, angleset headset and solid build. To better handle the chunk rather than the big stunt and climb/ pedal with best of em.

 

[GDonehue]

Way to make me feel bad about the Pivots... take off the graphics and that one does look good!

I have build option number one, and I think I am down to three for sure now - this one, a Yeti SB-66 (alloy, not carbon as why should the bike lose a pound if I am not prepared to) and a mystery bike. For those with a wife who insists on watching Escape to the Country you will appreciate this last one.

Option 1
Commencal Meta AM Build (large frame)
Fork - Fox 160 FIT RC2 20QR Tapered
Rear Shock - CC Db Air 200 x 57
Head set - CC AngleSet ZS44/EC56/40
Wheelset - 2012 Iodine 3
Crankset - 2012 E13/HiveLG1+
BB - E13/HiveAM/DH BB92
Pedals - CB Mallet
Chainguide - E13/HiveTRS+
Chain ring - E13/Hive Guide Ring 36
Derailleur Rear - SRAM XO Medium Cage 10-speed
Shifter Rear - SRAM X0
Brake Front - Formula The One 180mm 6-bolt
Brake Rear - Formula The One 160mm 6-bolt
Tire Front - Maxxis Ardent 2.25 EXO
Tire Rear - Maxxis Ardent 2.25 EXO
Seatpost - RockShox Reverb
Seat - WTB Devo SLT
Seatclamp - Hope Bolt On Blue
Stem - Easton Haven 55mm
Bars - Easton Havoc Carbon
Grips - ODI Ruffians

Weight will probably come out in the mid 13kg range I would think, but I don't think anything on there is going to give me too much grief, plus I have worked with all the bits (or at least the brands) before, so hopefully no nasty surprises.

 

[Ackland]

Wheelset - 2012 Iodine 3


hopefully no nasty surprises.

Fingers crossed.............

 

[faith_rider]

^ cables are a dogs breakfast...

seatpost cable might leave some nice rub marks when extended too.

Yer there is definitely a better way to route the cables than that!!

I don't know why everyone is hating on the graphics! I reckon the matte black carbon and bright green looks awesome!

 

[GDonehue]

Fingers crossed.............

...the only part I am worried about too... I have used a set of 2's on a previous bike and they were fine, but one of the guys I used to ride with in QLD has had nothing but issues with his set. I have considered industry nine's as an option here as I did some work with the guys who started it all ages ago and they were awesome blokes. I have also heard really good things about the Enve AM set - but fucked if I can justify the cost of a bike for a wheelset... I should just go with the 'flow' and go the Hope hoops

 

[GDonehue]

I don't know why everyone is hating on the graphics! I reckon the matte black carbon and bright green looks awesome!

Not as bad as this granted - but I still can't get over the price - sub$4000.