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Post by roel on Apr 16, 2006 16:41:18 GMT 8
Hi, Dont know if im on the right forum, but i need help. Im planning to buy a hard tail frame, as i cant buy a good FS bike , i opted to build a good HT. I cant decide which frame to buy. Heres my choices, Specialized Stumpjumper (S-Works) MT5 frame, Trek 8500, Giant XTC. Anyone have experieces on these bikes. Thanks
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Post by Superbad on Apr 16, 2006 16:53:58 GMT 8
it doesn't really matter what frame you get. The most important thing is that the frame should fit you. Not too big or too small.
But if everything is equal, i'd go with the xtc. I'm a Giant Fanboy.
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Post by joes on Apr 16, 2006 18:50:50 GMT 8
yes. sizing is important. try out some bikes first before considering what to buy. ask friends who are in the know.
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Post by marcs on Apr 16, 2006 19:07:40 GMT 8
those all appear to be good brands. IMHO, get the one that captures you. it's not always a logical decision naman. i'm sure folks who've tried those frames can give you a rundown on their weight, geometry, durability, etc . . . but unless you really push the limit I don't think these things would make much of a difference with each other. rather get the one that strikes your heart, something that you know you would want to be riding up and down the mountain. you could always check out mtbr.com for reviews, but then again those would be built bikes na. me i like the look of the Giant XTC also
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Post by mgtimothy on Apr 18, 2006 12:22:30 GMT 8
um, mahiyain kasi akong tao (i'm the shy type ^_^)... is it really ok to come into bike shops and ask "can i test ride that"? or, if i see a frame hanging on the wall, will they go to the trouble of assembling it just so i can test it out?
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Post by joes on Apr 18, 2006 12:26:54 GMT 8
better to have friends in the know. they'd take you to reputable bike shops. not the average "we sell-repair bikes" shop. but shops that really cater to serious enthusiast. although, some "shops" wouldn't give you the time of day. ask the PinoyMTBiker'ers in your area to help you out. more than often enthusiasts are eager to help newbies get in to the sport/hobby.
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Post by joes on Apr 18, 2006 12:34:23 GMT 8
i remember the 1st time i got into this sport/hobby. i got dupped into buying an XC frame and components for much more that what it was actually worth. i trusted this friend telling him "dude, we're gonna be riding together after i build this thing up, you better not mess with me." i ended up buying an XC frame when i really wanted to go DJ. he never heeded my warning. i ended up having to sell the XC frame, and overspending on building my bike. that was six months ago. i think i've grown wiser and more knowledgable bike parts wise. DUDE, hang out with some riders first. what happened to me would have been averted if i wasn't shy enough to hang out with the boys from palma. ask alot of questions. surf the net. you're going to spend alot of dough on this, so be sure of what you're getting. just a friendly advice.
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Post by puregutz on Apr 18, 2006 16:01:59 GMT 8
If you want the lightest, go for the giant.
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Post by anji on Apr 19, 2006 22:47:25 GMT 8
go 4 d giant its really a lite frame ... 1.6 kg or less depending on the model n yr. of make
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Post by roel on Apr 20, 2006 10:04:42 GMT 8
Hi, Im decided now, id go with the Giant, but heres my problem now. Im 5ft11.5inches tall (almost 6ft). I cant decide whether i'll go with the 19" or 21" frame. At first i have in mind is the 19" but when i learned that Giant has a shorter top tube (19" have only 23.16" top tube) im now considering the 21", but it the seat tube is quite high. By the way, im looking for a longer TT. With my height what do you think best fit with me, the 19 (but with shorter TT) or the 21". Thanks
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Post by xctofi on Apr 20, 2006 14:40:11 GMT 8
go for the 21.its easier to decrease length than to increase.
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Post by cobym on Apr 20, 2006 15:54:21 GMT 8
Ummm. I think its easier to increase length than to decrease. You cant shorten your top tube. What do you do when you have a 10mm stem and your seat is full forward? If your balls hit the toptube, you can't lower it, except by using 24" wheels. On the other hand, if your toptube is a tad short, you can use a longer stem and/or a laid back seatpost.
Of course the best is to try both sizes and see which feels best. For me, if your're going to use it as a trail bike, get the 19. It'll be slightly lighter, more flickable around corners, and of course, the standover height is lower (saving your balls when you have to emergency dab or bail out, which is likely on any trail).
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Post by gilbs72 on Apr 20, 2006 22:45:38 GMT 8
Some people say that for Giant frames, a 19" should be approximately equivalent to an 18" for other brands. So if my measurements normally require an 18" I should get a 19" Giant. Is this true?
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Post by aron on Apr 20, 2006 23:04:18 GMT 8
IM 5'11" , I USE A 19 GIANT XTC TEAM, WHAT I DID TO COMPENSATE FOR THE SHORT TOP TUBE IS A 100MM HANDLE POST. NO PROBLEM WHATSOEVER WITH ANYTHING. IF YOU WANT VALUE FOR YOUR MONEY. GO FOR THE GIANT.
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Post by king on Apr 21, 2006 5:22:25 GMT 8
i'd say go with the 21", but to be sure set an appointment w/ toots chua at Joven. they're the Giant distributor. he can fit you using bikefitting.com for the proper sized frame, as well as seat height, stem length, reach, etc. it will cost a bit (P1k for measurements for mtb, road & time trial bikes) but i think that's money well spent compared to potentially buying a bike of the wrong size. toots is a great guy too, and a very strong cyclist. Hi, Im decided now, id go with the Giant, but heres my problem now. Im 5ft11.5inches tall (almost 6ft). I cant decide whether i'll go with the 19" or 21" frame. At first i have in mind is the 19" but when i learned that Giant has a shorter top tube (19" have only 23.16" top tube) im now considering the 21", but it the seat tube is quite high. By the way, im looking for a longer TT. With my height what do you think best fit with me, the 19 (but with shorter TT) or the 21". Thanks
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Post by xctofi on Apr 21, 2006 6:54:06 GMT 8
i meant just the stem only.sorry.or in my case,specific brand i want w/c is not locally available sizewise. Like i have a 19 frame and i need a 120mm truvativ stem w/c is not available here,i guess its just me. but if u get the 21,u will have better options of shortening the stem depending on ur reach and more available parts here blah blah blah....
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Post by gilbs72 on Apr 21, 2006 9:24:39 GMT 8
IMHO the difference between 19" and 21" is a bit far. If one or the other is wrong, may be better to err on the smaller side and just compensate with longer stem and setback seatpost. If ever, smaller frames are acceptable setups... in fact aggressive riders use them. If you get it too big kasi, it's more difficult to control and you'll be hitting your privates with the top tube too many times! ;P
But really, height alone isn't enough to tell which one. Body geometries vary a lot and so do frame geometries. Apart from free test riding, sir king's recommendation is probably the best if you're willing to throw in the 1K.
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Post by grnhrnt on Apr 21, 2006 11:36:02 GMT 8
I agree w/ King. get fitted w/ toots. get the right sized frame is very impt specially when it comes to a road bike.
1k is money well spent when after rides, you don't have knee, back or neck strains (signs of wrong bike fit).
btw, xtc is also my choice.
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Post by shuzzs on Apr 21, 2006 15:28:22 GMT 8
roel, I don't mean to confuse you further on your frame choices but why not go FS... Giant XTC frame costs around 15K to 17K (this is the price the last time I inquired last year at an LBS in Cartimar). Whereas you can buy a FS... example Jamis Dakar for about 23K to 25K. And a Shawn H2 will cost around 22K to 25K.
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Post by king on Apr 21, 2006 16:57:07 GMT 8
yup. you'll save money, not to mention time, by not experimenting later with stem length, handlebar width, setback seatposts, etc, or worse, a whole new frame. most bike websites also have guidelines on the height range a certain size frame will fit, but these are only guidelines. best to have an expert help out in the beginning. I agree w/ King. get fitted w/ toots. get the right sized frame is very impt specially when it comes to a road bike. 1k is money well spent when after rides, you don't have knee, back or neck strains (signs of wrong bike fit). btw, xtc is also my choice.
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Post by cobym on Apr 22, 2006 7:56:02 GMT 8
try going to wrenchscience.com. They have a sizing tool there thats pretty good. You input a lot of your body measurements. and it spits out a recommended frame geometry/size.
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