MTB - what to buy?

Hard to say really.
What you've describe I do on my chromoly rigid framed/forked, single speed 12yr old Apollo MTB commuter. Best bike for it, bomb-proof & makes riding intresting again. But I suppose I wouldn't recommend that for you.

If you're in Australia, about $1200 will get you something good. Suspension forks are something to look out for, bad-action suspension forks is worse than a rigid front end.

I like hardtails, my other [offroad] MTB - Specialised Stumpjumper - is a hardtail with Schimano LX groupset with XT rear derailuer, runs V-brakes (rim) which I think are OK, but hydralic disks are getting pretty good offered on $1k+ MTBs, disks are good when you tweek the rim doing stairs or rock ledges, no need to back out your brake shoes.

WAY said:

Hi, first of all, I do not know much about bikes at all. I had a
Apollo LSX 1.4 MTB which to my dismay was stolen from my apartment.
I now need a new MTB but have no idea where to start. I want

Trust me, if it was insured, then its a good thing its gone.. if its the
same year LSX 1.4 as mine (2002) then after about 3000kms it'll start
falling to bits... I've had to replace _all_ the running gear, bottom
bracket, the disc brakes, and I'm up for my second set of rear cones. I
think the rear axle is bent and is munching cones.. Thinking of getting it
up to standard and selling it for something a little more solid..

For a new MTB I'd be looking at a Giant or GT.. something with a light frame
and a decent groupset...

cheers,
GPL

quote='GPLama'WAY said:

Hi, first of all, I do not know much about bikes at all. I had a
Apollo LSX 1.4 MTB which to my dismay was stolen from my apartment.
I now need a new MTB but have no idea where to start. I want

Trust me, if it was insured, then its a good thing its gone.. if its the
same year LSX 1.4 as mine (2002) then after about 3000kms it'll start
falling to bits... I've had to replace _all_ the running gear, bottom
bracket, the disc brakes, and I'm up for my second set of rear cones. I
think the rear axle is bent and is munching cones.. Thinking of getting it
up to standard and selling it for something a little more solid..

For a new MTB I'd be looking at a Giant or GT.. something with a light frame
and a decent groupset...

cheers,
GPL[/QUOTE]
First off, yes, I am in Australia...

Unfortunately for me, it is not insured. It was stolen from a bike room in a secured apartment block! I am very disspointed and will be keeping my next bike here in the apartment.

I went bike hunting today, and saw a few things I really like. For a start, there is the Kona Kula team bike, which is $3000. It is super light and apparently if a great bike, but my wife shot that idea down. My budget is probably going to be $1500. A giant XTC2 looks pretty good, but I am not sure if it is good value. Any other recommendation?

Btw, I was offered a full carbon frame bike with XT (and XTR rear hub) componentry for $2700. Does it sound cheap???

Marx SS said:

Hard to say really.
What you've describe I do on my chromoly rigid framed/forked, single speed 12yr old Apollo MTB commuter. Best bike for it, bomb-proof & makes riding intresting again. But I suppose I wouldn't recommend that for you.

If you're in Australia, about $1200 will get you something good. Suspension forks are something to look out for, bad-action suspension forks is worse than a rigid front end.

I like hardtails, my other [offroad] MTB - Specialised Stumpjumper - is a hardtail with Schimano LX groupset with XT rear derailuer, runs V-brakes (rim) which I think are OK, but hydralic disks are getting pretty good offered on $1k+ MTBs, disks are good when you tweek the rim doing stairs or rock ledges, no need to back out your brake shoes.

Any particular recommendation?

WAY said:

Hi, first of all, I do not know much about bikes at all. I had a Apollo LSX 1.4 MTB which to my dismay was stolen from my apartment. I now need a new MTB but have no idea where to start. I want something that is light, and would prefer to spend less than $1500 (anywhere from $800 to $1500) if possible. Anyone know how much the EPX Terrashark is? They look great. I would appreciate some other recommendation. I mainly ride my bike on the road and I like jumping on and off curbs and stuff, but no serious off road riding. Thanks!

For the use you describe, look for a good quality hardtail & get some decent slick or semi-slick tyres.

For about $1500 you want a minimum of Deore/LX drivetrain & decent brand of fork. Maybe even disk brakes.
Look at the AVANTI Hammer & KONA Cinder Cone

For a good steel (Cro-Mo) frame also check out Jamis Exile or Dakota XC.

Bikesoiler said:

For the use you describe, look for a good quality hardtail & get some decent slick or semi-slick tyres.

For about $1500 you want a minimum of Deore/LX drivetrain & decent brand of fork. Maybe even disk brakes.
Look at the AVANTI Hammer & KONA Cinder Cone

For a good steel (Cro-Mo) frame also check out Jamis Exile or Dakota XC.

Have a look at this site, the learsport tr3270dxt at 1699 is good value, and DW will deliver free anywhere in Australia and his service is exemplary. Warranty won't do you much good in WA, but I've been riding the 3270D xtr for 8 months, commuting as you intend, jumping gutters etc, with only a lower headstem cartridge to replace (my fault as I didn't seat it properly when I raised it), and two broken spokes in Rear wheel) - with over 2000k's on it. I'm more than happy (delighted) with the product. Well worth the consideration. 😄

deanwoods.com.audeanwoods.com.auOpen ↗
learsport.comtr3270dxt.htmOpen ↗

happy riding, and good luck with the selection process.

Happy New Year to all two wheelers out there

SteveDel

Hi all, thanks all for your input and suggestions. I bought a bike, but decided on a flat bar road bike instead. I was very close to buying a Kona Kula Team (yeah, way more than my budget), but when I test rode the Kona and a flat bar road bar back to back, I was immediately hooked on the road bike. It was comfortable, yet almost as quick as a racer. I settled for a Giant CRX 1, with upgraded Shimano 105 crankset and the new Ultegra 10 speed rear derailers (still waiting on this, but the bike shop is letting me use the 105 that the bike comes with for now). No regrets whatsoever. I am riding on the road only now, but I am riding much further and having heaps of fun! I still want a MTB, but that will have to wait till I can convince my wife that i need two bikes. 🙄