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Bike for Anaconda this Year
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hey All,
I'm doing the Anaconda this year for the first time. I'm doing the bike leg as part of a group.
Have done some road racing & time trialing, this is my first crossover to MTB.
Looking for suggestions for decent entry level bikes, for this race and for the odd adventure race afterwards.
cheers!
Nomilknosugar
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An entry level bike?
Have a look around at what everyone else is using and then buy the next model up.
I only know the "Giant" brand well as that is the main stock of my Local Bike Shop. I would say the "Giant Boulder" or the "Giant Talon 29er" are your entry level bikes. They will do the job and can last you long enough until you want to take mountain biking to the next level. I started on the "Giant Yukon" ($900) in 2002. It spent a great deal of life in the shed with the occasional ride or commute here and there. In 2008 I became a regular weekend warrior. In 2010 I bought a "Giant Trance X" ($4000) and I'm loving it!
So what is this bike to be used for? What is your objective?
If you are only going to do this race once, and continue doing some basic trail riding here and there, go with the comments above re Giant. They have great value bikes for the money. Cell bikes are good value too, but there other brands too.
If this can potentially become a bigger exercise over time, I would 'future-proof' this a bit more by getting a bike that most weekend warriors would do their racing on. You would then be looking at the $3,000 mark for cross country (XC) bikes. Things to look for are minimal suspension travel (in the 3-4 inch - 100mm area) or even a hardtail to ensure power down while pedalling when racing. Try to get something in the 11-12kg range. Ideally it should also have tubeless tyres.
If you are a real racer, you would be looking at higher specc'd bikes with more technology on board and higher quality mech - somewhere in the $4,000 - $8,000 mark.
Good luck!
If you're going to use a cheap low end bike then borrow one. Within a few rides you'll realise it's not good enough and will want to upgrade. Buying an "entry level" bike is a waste of money. If you live in the south-west I can lend you a Trance 1, (if it fits you.)
If judging by your alias.. - a light fully rigid singlespeed 29er could be your fav choice - it would be fun working out the optimal gears ratio for Ananconda trail..
Avanti SS? Kona unit? GT Peace?
I'd go for GF's SS - it's a dearer option - I saw it once in the window at Clarence Cyclery shop..
Not sure if you're interested/within your expectations v cost etc, but I'm selling my Cannondale F4 with custom upgrades if you were interested in a fast nimble hardtail?
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bike-finder/...
Got an awesome hardtail Cannondale F1000 with custom upgrades that I've done some 24hr races on with no worries. Happy for you to take it for a spin around Manly Dam if you want to check it out. Selling it because I got myself a Cannondale Carbon Flash