Out of the loop - MTB components

I'm thinking about getting a mountain bike, but I don't know where to start looking! I know a lot about road components, and I know it's a good idea to get at least Shimano 105 components for a road bike. Is there a similar equivalent for mountain bikes? What happened to XT and XTR? I haven't had a mountain bike in 12 years and it seems like a lot has changed. What should I expect to spend for a decent mountain bike? If this is a question that gets answered a lot, just point me to some old threads :o

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Originally Posted by owlgirl

Shimano 105 components for a road bike. Is there a similar equivalent for mountain bikes?

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The corresponding MTB group would be either Deore or SLX (nee Deore LX). The next group down, Alivio, has been cheapened.

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Originally Posted by owlgirl

What happened to XT and XTR?

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They're still around. XTR is perhaps for the sponsored racer who wants the ultimate race component, but doesn't care about longevity.

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Originally Posted by owlgirl

What should I expect to spend for a decent mountain bike?

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Probably significantly into the four digit range.

How much you'll spend depends in part on whether you want full suspension or a hardtail. There are some good deals out there right now on 2010 models.

Indy's right on with the question of HT vs. FS. If budget is an issue, I'd go HT with good components (SLX or X7) rather than FS with ok components. IMO, HT is a good idea if you're just learning. Either way, I'd take a good look at the suspension fork too- an air fork may require a little more set-up and maintenance, but is more easily adjusted to rider size, an important thing if you're not a ~160 lb. man.

I don't get too wound up about stock wheels, mostly because I have yet to find a bike that comes with stock wheels that I really like. I just budget/save towards better ones that are designed for my size and riding style.

There should be some older threads in the mountain bike subforum....but the titles of good ones escape me at the moment.

Have fun researching and test riding :)

Thanks for the advice! I am pretty sure I'll get a HT. I actually have a mountain bike, an old Trek, but it's been living in the yard for ~4 years, and I think it would be cheaper to get a new bike than rebuild the old spider infested, rusted mess that the Trek has become. It makes me really sad that I let that bike go; I feel like a terrible bike mama :( but what's done is done. Thanks for the info on the components! i'm looking forward to testing out some bikes:D

XT is great. Strong, light, reliable.

SRAMs X.9 group is also awesome. Better than XT in my opinion, but overall really comparable.

Goes a little something like this:

Shimano:
LX<XT<XTR

SRAM:
x7<X9<X0

My Gary fisher hi-fi deluxx GS has S-Ram 7 &. 9 components. W/juicy-five disk brakes. No "major" problems, just a few minor with shifting. Shimano components on my other bikes never gave me any problems.

Right now I am riding a Felt Hard Tail 2009 model and it absolutely ROCKS! I had never been back in the woods and on some of the more intermediate trails so I thought I would start with a mid-range hard tail and two years later I feel like I definately made the right decision. Do take a peek at the components, but a good idicator of a good bike is the inclusion of plus components. Good Luck!