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New bike for Gavin
Gavin,
A mate of mind rides a Prophet and loves it. He bought it second hand from a mate who got it as an unwanted pressie from the better half. Didn't like it when he first rode it, actually went back to riding his Giant for a while. Got it serviced and set up properly for his weight and riding style and now says its the best bike he has ridden. Key here make sure it is set up properly when you take it for a test ride. I on the other hand ride a Kona, 03 Kahuna Deluxe, and can't speak highly enough of their quality and frame strength. I ride with all the style and finesse of an overweight thirty seven year old and it has consequently copped a thrashing, it's been flipped more times than I care to remember and aside from incidental breakages (derailer hanger and brake lever) is none the worse for wear. Definietly check out www.mtbr.com for reviews and try www.nsmb.com They may reviews of all the bikes you are looking at.
Cheers
Stuart
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Despite my pastime of knocking the USA, I have to admit Cannondale bikes seem very tough. My Jekyll has coped much abuse over the last couple of years and still feels brand new. It doesn't look that way mind, much rubbing on the cranks and parts of the frame (which need regular protection), but if you want your bike to stay shiny you came to the wrong place
This is despite 'spirited' (read, "Over the handlebars and other offs on many occasions") weekly riding on our favourite trails. I can't beleive the wheels (Rims - Mavic X139 Disc, 32 hole, Hubs - Cannondale Delta disc rear, Lefty front, Spokes - DT Champion) are still straight as a die after all this!
The only complaints I might have are:
- The Hayes levers have hex bolts to adjust them which work loose.
- The Fox shock wasn't holding it's air at one time, but a service fixed this.
- Stock cables were uncovered down the frame and prone to filling with sand when covers took over again under the cranks - so they got replaced.
I have to mention that aside from the no hands lefty syndrome (you... ok... I can't ride a lefty as it pulls... erm... left when you let go) I'm also way impressed with the lightness, travel and strength (see earlier) of the Lefty. And despite what happens when you let go, if you don't there really is no difference in feel with them.
I got a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 05 which I am very happy with but I think where I didn't look closely enough was the components that are included in complete package. I am a bit disappointed with the rims which are a Mavic OEM and they have got out of shape already.
Unless building your bike from scratch definately pay attention to the components especially rims, hubs, forks, brakes & rear shock as this is where you will end up with a bike that will keep on running well. Buy the frame according to one that feels comfortable to your body shape.
Cheers,
Leigh.
Gavin,
If you are still looking, and anyone else for that matter, have a look at www.totalrush.com.au. They have heavily discounted specials and will fly you to Victoria, fit you to your bike and then pack it for the flight home if you spend more than $2500
FWIW, a friend and I took an '05 Prophet 800 for a test yesterday. The only difference (apparantly) between this and current model is the rear shock, which is now a Fox unit with SPV-like technology.
The guy in store (Bike Addicition) told us that that the newer Fox units were not as all-or-nothing as the Manitou on the '05. This would be good news, 'cos the demo bike felt very hard to me and not very bouncy. The SPV worked well on a climb though. Mind you - my Jekyll is set up quiet soft and the demo was set for my mate who's 10kg more than I am.
To begin the Prophet felt a bit to laid back too, but bump the saddle up and that's better. With your weight forward the front shock (Lefty) could do with being stiffer, which would be a spring change with that model - no air in here. Again, all this points to the fact that if you don't setup your machine correctly a lot of money can be wasted looking for alternatives.
The Prophet also had very wide bars as standard - probably a whole grip length too wide for my liking, but no biggie to get the hack saw out or swap.
Sorry to gripe, but didn't like the shifters either. These were Shimano dual control (shift/brake levers combined). Perhaps they'd be nice once used to them, but not convinced (actually, I'm still not convinced about twist shifts either and like my thumb/finger triggers just fine).
For the good stuff... it felt pretty light and sucked up loads of drops nicely.
So there you go - worth being on your test list at least I'd say.
No mention of Wheel size at all
funny about that....talk about awakening old threads
and really no argues about wheel size anymore.....