[Mathew]

Hello. I posted here a few times a while back because I'm looking to get a new bike. Well that time is almost upon me! I rode all last year on a Norco Chaos ($1000 ENTRY level bike, FS), and I really want to go big now.

So I've been looking around...

I found an 06 Norco A-line for a $2400 which is down from about $3300 and that seems like a wicked deal. However, the guy at a different store told me that that bike is really meant for downhill only, its not that versatile. He has an 06 Trek Session 7 for $1800 which is down from about $3200, and he claims its much better as a freeride bike.

So basically I live in the Vancouver area and have been riding mostly Burnaby Mountain, some of the Black Diamond runs up there. I want to get into riding North Shore once I get my new bike. I may go up to Whistler a couple of times, but it won't be a regular thing, at least not this year...

So it seems as though the Session would be a better bike for me, as I'll be riding more "freeride" situations. Should I just forget about the A-line? (Which is hard because that bike is dead sexy). For some reason Trek seems like the Dell Computers of bikes, so it would take some convincing to get me on that.

Anywho, i'm doing more looking around today, I still like the Kona Stinky, that will be around $2400, which is my price range. Any others I should look into? Keep in mind the terrain I'm doing...if you know the locations. Any help is GREATLY appreciated, it seems the more I look around, the more confused I get.

Also, if anyone is from the Vancouver area, go ahead and recommend a great bike store too. This summer I really want to improve my game, so it has to be on the right bike!

Sorry for the long post!

EDIT: One more thing. I woudn't be against buying a bike online if it would be cheaper. I'm a mechanic so I have nothing against learning how to service my bike, without the support of a store. So if anyone knows a good site that sells name brand bikes online, that would be great...

 

[Toshi]

the A-line really is a dedicated downhill bike. flat ground + climbing would just be awful. but just test ride it and all the other contenders on the trails you'd ride regularly. you'll figure out what feels comfortable and what doesn't.

 

[Mathew]

Thanks for the reply. I would love to test all these bikes on the mountain, but the only way is to rent them, most don't have demos. That could get very expensive.

Today I went out again and looked at an 07 Kona Stinky, which I still like, and is at $2299 (new). I also looked at an '06 Brodie Diablo which is at $2000, down from close to $3000 I think. I really liked that bike, any input on that?

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Thanks for the reply. I would love to test all these bikes on the mountain, but the only way is to rent them, most don't have demos. That could get very expensive.

Today I went out again and looked at an 07 Kona Stinky, which I still like, and is at $2299 (new). I also looked at an '06 Brodie Diablo which is at $2000, down from close to $3000 I think. I really liked that bike, any input on that?

Ha! I came to the party late...For the money the '07 Stinky sounds like bike for you....The Trek Session 77 is definately a good all around bike, but the value goes to Kona (seeing as how it's less money...for a die-hard frame). I'm hard on bikes (I'm large...and in charge...so take it for what it's worth) and I've found out the hard way you get what you pay for...so you might sacrifice a small amount in component spec but the frame should be money.....Every Kona I've ridden (tested 2 at Whistler - Stabs...) has felt solid and as un-flexy as can be expected when a dude that's 6'7" and 265 has ridden it. (If you're in the "ideal market" faction, I hate you....And you'll be able to have whatever bike you buy last for a good long time...)

I've ridden a Trek Session 10 on 2 runs down a local spot....was not impressed. A little flex, a little wander...but a good bike none-the-less. I like Kona better.

(Cut to here for the chase...) Sooooo....long story short narrow your choices down to 2 through whatever method you deem necessary. Take both of them out for a day. Do whatever you think you'll be doing whenever you ride said bike. Pick one after testing. You won't be sorry.

Hope that helps!!
-G

 

[sanjuro]

Well, one perspective on difference between freeride and downhill bikes is the ability to pedal it uphill. The A-line does not look a good bike for pedalling.

However, if you can grin and bear it, you could change it to a smaller chainring and it might be a small enough gear to climb.

On the other hand, this does seem like a good value, so if pedalling is not that important, then the savings might justify getting a DH oriented bike.

 

[stgil888]

A bike like the A-Line is going to work well at Whistler but feel like a pig everywhere else. A lot of people will tell you that you can make any bike work anywhere. I don't want to be the kill-joy, but just because it works doesn't mean it's fun. Bikes are really application specific, even within the "Black Diamond" genre. The A-Line will make trail riding unfun. A Session will be a lot more fun on trails, but you will be hard pressed to keep up with someone of an equal skill level at Whistler. If you're going to Whistler 3x per year and riding trails the rest of the time, a free-ride/trail bike will be more fun for you for more of the time. Take some time to really think about where you will ACTUALLY ride and not where you WANT or PLAN to ride. Maximize your value and enjoyment by buying the bike that suits your realistic need.