Decisions!

[limewave]

I'm really nervous about buying a carbon frame without a warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I know 2 people that have had the 2009 Superfly and both said that they would not own a carbon frame without a warranty even though they LOVE their bikes.

I've done a lot of looking, shopping around, test-riding. DH is starting to get upset with me, he thinks I'm jerking people and around. I don't mean to! I just want to make the right decision

It's tough when you can't afford the bike you really want. The bikes in my price range just don't feel right. Sigh.

[Becky]

I'm with you about the warranty. I've known too many people who have had carbon frames replaced under warranty.

If money were no object, what would you buy and why?

[limewave]

My dream bike would probably be building up a Gunnar Rock Hound 29er. I like the ride of a steel frame, especially on a HT, but it is still quite responsive.

I honestly don't know a lot about bike components, but I do know that the bikes I've ridden at the shop in my price range don't have an aggressive, racing set up. They "feel" like they are for fitness mountain biking or leisurely riding.

I want a bike with an aggressive geometry. And I want something that has a bit of a custom feel to it and not out-of-the box. But I'm an artist by nature, so I like uniqueness and flare

[Becky]

My dream bike would probably be building up a Gunnar Rock Hound 29er. I like the ride of a steel frame, especially on a HT, but it is still quite responsive.

I honestly don't know a lot about bike components, but I do know that the bikes I've ridden at the shop in my price range don't have an aggressive, racing set up. They "feel" like they are for fitness mountain biking or leisurely riding.

I want a bike with an aggressive geometry. And I want something that has a bit of a custom feel to it and not out-of-the box. But I'm an artist by nature, so I like uniqueness and flare

Ooooo....Rockhound! I like! That would be a bike worth saving for, like Tulip suggested..... You may want to look at Salsa too.

Maybe the thing to do is study the geometry charts of the bikes whose handling you like. From there, you might be able to identify some less expensive options that still have the handling characteristics you prefer.

Is building a frame up an option? Sometimes there's deals to be had on closeout frames, and it allows you to spread the cost out a little.

[tulip]

It's tough when you can't afford the bike you really want. The bikes in my price range just don't feel right. Sigh.

Can you save up for the one you really want, even if it takes a year (or more)? Take the price difference, divide by 12, and then you'll have the bike you want in a year. Why spend on something that isn't right?

[limewave]

Tulip--not a bad idea except that with everything we have going on, I can't justify spending more than a certain amount. We have too many other expenses. Plus we have all of our other bikes and kids bikes that need maintenance as well.

[tulip]

Ah, well, only you know your situation. If you don't spend anything now, and save a little bit every month til next year, then maybe you can get a bike that you enjoy--that's all I was saying. But if you really need the bike now, by all means get the one that suits you best and that is in your budget.

I have no advice on the actual bike since I stopped mountain bike racing in about 1987 or so (right after I had a terrible crash on the dual slalom at the New England mountain bike championships in Putney, Vermont.) Mountain bikes have evolved considerably since then.

Happy single tracking to you!

[limewave]

Tulip--I appreciate the thought. I really do. It's just the place we are at in life. With the two little kids and the house and the cars . . . things happen. Every time we get some money built up in savings, it disappears in some emergency: medical bills from a sick child, house repairs, etc.

We are doing "alright" financially. But not great. And I would not feel good, as I mentioned, spending more. Even if I worked hard to save the extra money over time.

I'm really treating myself here. And I'm working hard to not feel guilty about spending this much money on myself when there are so many other things for the family that it could be used for. Oh gosh, wave of guilt coming on!!!! I think it just comes with being a mother or even a woman. We want to put everyone else's needs and wants before our own.

[tulip]

I totally know that feeling, Limewave! And I don't have kids, so I can't imagine the depth of it--only my little bit. I bought a duvet cover last week that I've been wanting for a year. I year! I did save up for it, and I still feel guilty for buying it.

I'm so glad that I'm happy with the bikes that I have and am not needing to buy any others. I have to get a new cassette and chain for one of them in July, I'm already dreading spending that money on myself.

[Aggie_Ama]

Have you tried a Specialized? Only reason I ask is the tend to come in a bit cheaper than Trek and I know from DH's experience they are amazing on warranty. He had them give him a new pair of shoes when his were two years old because what happened to them they viewed as their flaw.

And I totally get making choices and knowing your situation, it is tough. When I got my road bike I was very boxed in with my budget. Luckily with my mountain bike I took the time to find what I wanted and would make me happy. There are some good quality aggressive bikes without totally breaking the bank.