Which mountain bike for fun-E350

Blackgrape

I want to buy a bike for messing about with a budget of E350 euros. I am looking at a trek 3900 for 339 or a Kenisis Custom Mountain Bike with SR Suntour 7600 front shocks, light weight alum med size frame. (second hand) Any advice please


the trek 3900

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=34&idproduct=8845

Turbulent Bill

I have an 06 Trek 3900, bought it earlier this year for commuting and beginners MTB, really like it and looks the business in black. For that money you should look at some of the cheaper Giants too, it's probably personal preference as to which is better. Remember to keep some of your budget for accessories (lights, mudguards, lock, helmet etc.).

BeardyGit

Hey,

I've seen that second-hand bike you're on about for sale for several months now. It's grand - The only crap thing about it is the forks (They're absolutely crap). If I were you I'd offer the seller of the Kenesis yoke 275 and spend 75 buying a second-hand set of Marzocchi forks instead (I've bought 2 pairs under 100 recently). You'd have a great bike then - Much better than anything new for the money.

Gil

Blackgrape

Thanks for the info lads. I had checked out the shocks earlier and every review said that they were gash!!! I will offer the seller 275 and hope for the best!! Thanks for the help

Trojan

I bought an '06 3900 with a friend of mine this year, he's really enjoying it. Has the same colour scheme as my '04 4300.

This blog post might be of some use:
http://sportcrazy.net/cycling/5-steps-to-buying-the-right-bicycle/

btw your other option on the forks is to get a Kona Project 2 (rigid) fork - they're getting rave reviews from everyone I've talked to about them. Much better than a low end suspension POS.

Al.

BeardyGit

Yeah - I'll second the P2 recommendation too. I have a set here that I had on my Fire Mountain (now sold) - I'll be putting them straight onto the next hardtail bike that passes through my hands with a POS bouncy bouncy pogo-fork on it. They'd look savage on that polished aluminium frame too - And really suit the spec in general. Good thinking Al

Oh, if you're buying a set of them - Buy online. You'll get 'em for around 60 notes delivered from the interweb, but 95 or thereabouts if you pick them up from the Dublin stockists! :eek:

Trojan

I was looking at the 3500 as an entry level machine before for a relative - it's not too bad and saves you shelling out for a cr@ppy suspension fork. Yeah the components aren't great, but it's damn cheap.

FRAMESET:
FRAME: Alpha aluminum
Men's and women's frames available in both colors.
FORK: High tensile steel ATB

WHEELS:
WHEELS: Alloy hubs; Matrix 550 rims; 14G spokes
TIRES: Bontrager Connection Trail, 26x2.0"

DRIVETRAIN:
SHIFTERS: Shimano EF29
FRONT DERAILLEUR: Shimano C051
REAR DERAILLEUR: Shimano TX50
CRANKSET: SR XCC100 48/38/28
CASSETTE: SunRace 13-30, 7 speed
PEDALS: Nylon platform

COMPONENTS:
SADDLE: Bontrager Sport
SEATPOST: Bontrager
HANDLEBARS: 30mm rise
STEM: 40 degree
HEADSET: Semi-cartridge, sealed
BRAKESET: Alloy linear pull w/alloy levers





If you want to upgrade you have some good options:

- the frame is half decent so you could upgrade fork and components and then frame at a later date; or

- sell it on 2nd hand for 25-75% price depending on how much you used it; or

- you spent less than 300 quid all told so just give it to someone as a present if you buy yourself something new.

Blackgrape

Thanks for the advice lads. I was happy with the set up on the second hand bike and all components were in good condition so I bought it for E300. I will take it for a proper spin at the weekend and then consider upgrading the shocks if necessary.