Decisions!

[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.

[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]

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.

[limewave]

I'm going in to get a fitting and look at a Specialized tomorrow and they may try and adjust the stem and bars on the X-Cal to see if that will work afterall.

I called and passed on the Superfly a few moments ago. With no warranty on the frame, I just couldn't chance it.

I'm also waiting on a dollar amount for the Salsa Mamasita. That may be just out of my price range tho.

[limewave]

I spent a couple hours at the bike shop today getting an official "fit." Turns out I'm right b/w a 15.5 and 17.5" frame.

They put a significantly longer stem on the 15.5 Trek X-Cal and flipped the handlebars. Then they raised the seat to what the computer told them would be the "ideal" height. Now it was looking like a race bike Those adjustments gave it a much more aggressive feel and look.

Then they adjusted the 17.5" to similar set-up.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!!!! (not between the 2 frames, but from how it felt before the adjustment).

I road both of them around the parking lot and in the grass, up and down the drainage trench and both frames felt very good. But, the 15.5" felt more nimble!

They are letting me take the 15.5" demo bike again. They said I could have it for awhile, knowing that I just sold my bike.

Friday they will have a Specialized Stumpjumper in that I can test ride.

I am pretty certain I have it narrowed down to 2 choices:

Trek Paragon
or
Specialized Stumpjumper Comp

Both are a smidge above my price range. But just a smidge.

[Catrin]

Sounds exciting! Looking forward to find out what happens next

[jessmarimba]

I think we must be built pretty similarly. I'm kind of between framze sizes, but I tend to size down for a 29er and up for 26.

I'm loving the suspense...bike shopping vicariously! (and haha, I typed "suspension" and stared at it for a moment before I realized that wasn't the word I was looking for!)

Have fun with those demos!

[limewave]

The Salsa dealer called me and said they could have a Mamasita frame for me in July (not October as they previously said). And that they would do a build on it the same as the El Mariachi which would bring the price of the bike nicely into my budget.

How did this get so stressful?!

I am determined to make a decision this weekend. I think I will feel much better once I sign the dotted line so to speak.

[limewave]

Salsa Mamasita it is. It will have the same build as the El Mariachi components to bring the bike down into my price range, but will x.9 shifters instead of x.7.

Fingers crossed the frame comes in July. Please! Please! Please!

I was hoping to feel better after I made the decision. But I'm actually feeling still stressed about it

I'm going into the bike shop on Monday and we'll hammer out the details.

Here's what the frame looks like:


Click here for a BIG picture.

[jessmarimba]

Well if you regret the decision i'll buy it from ya I loooove the mamasitas. Beautiful!

[Becky]

Nice bike! I think you'll really like it- Salsa makes wonderful frames.

I'm in love with my Salsa El Mariachi

[zoom-zoom]

Oh, that is sofa king hot!