Re: Full suspension bike for $1600 or less


gcmschemist@xxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I got ahold of a year-old Marin Mt. Vision
> frame, a 100mm Z-3 coil fork, a useable pre-built wheelset that he
> trued and tensioned, and some used parts out of his parts box. All
> told, I spent about $600 out-of-pocket, and if I'd have purchased the
> parts new that he gave me for free, I'd have spent about double that.
>
> Not boutique, but not a bad bike either.

Let's see. I'm not sure what year your frame is, but a 2003 Marin Mt.
Vision purchased new was around a $2300 bike:

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_full_suspension/product_121290.shtml

I think even the most ideological rant on this topic usually includes
the words "...or go used". Sounds like you got a great deal.

I think the issue here is the hype-driven silliness of deciding "I want
a full suspension" for no particular reason other than they look kewl,
then trying to cheap out on the bike and getting a piece of crap, when
the same amount of money could have bought a superb hardtail. I went
through a similar process a few years ago, initially thinking a full
suspension would be a good idea. Once I'd done my research, I ended up
with a hardtail. I still ride it. If I had $5K to spend on a
replacement, I would probably go with a custom hardtail, but that's
just me.

CC

.

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