Mountain Bikes Question

[Engmomma]

Yes I know this is the tri forum but figured bike folks may sneak in here more often then not.

http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Cycling/GhostBikes/PRD~5031-125/ghost-se-2970-bicycle-unisex.jsp

I was doing some comparison shopping between middle of the road mountain bikes. This one stands out as a good deal when I look at the components. To get the comparable components in Rocky Mountain, Scott, Jamis or Trek I would have to add about $500 to the cost.

Thoughts????

[HCcD]

Just spoke to my Mtn Guru at my Shop and comments, as follows:

Ghost - German made ... SLX components -- good price points, based on the specs ... no comment on the frame, etc.

Something comparable, at around the same price point and specs:

Rocky Mountain Vertex 29'er 930
Jamis Dragon 29'er Sport

If you are able to splurge a bit more for a better frame/components ... Rocky Mountain Vertex 950 ....

With regards to Trek and Scott, at your price point, you would likely be getting a lower/inferior bike ....

[Engmomma]

The Rocky and the Jamis you mentioned are two that I used as comparison. Just saw a Rocky at a LBS of course they only had my DH's size but the price was awesome at $1199. If they had that in my size I may have bought it. Normal price was $1700.

Makes me think the Ghost is a really good deal. Only problem is they don't seem to have any in stock anywhere right now. Likely because of the season. I may call one of the stores to see if they can get it in anywhere.

[HCcD]

My shop is an authorized Jamis Dealer ... he checked the 2011-12 Clearout Inventory, but was not able to find any in stock ... though, for the current models (2013) ... could probably get you one within your price range ... say, around $1,500 or so ... Though, you may have to come to Ottawa for pickup and fitting ...

Unfortunately, the only 29'ers in the showroom at the moment, are the Carbon Pilots, starting in the $5,000+ range ...

Another brand that you may want to consider, as well, would be Norco, if there is a dealer in your area ....

[Engmomma]

We have several in the area. Brand choices are pretty extensive including Trek, Jamis, Norco, Brody, Rocky...but no MEC Ghost

Thanks for asking your guy.

[ultraslacker]

I paid only around $800 for my cannondale, and it's great. If I am paying more than $1000 I want full suspension, not a hardtail. :/ For most people, especially on ontario trails, is there a functional difference between an $800 bike and a $1200 bike?

[Engmomma]

The difference is in the components only really. I hear what you are saying Holly...I don't really need the top of the line components but I don't want the low end. For me it is a compromise. I don't need a full suspension but to go to a full suspension I would be back to low end components for my budget.

[HCcD]

We have several in the area. Brand choices are pretty extensive including Trek, Jamis, Norco, Brody, Rocky...but no MEC Ghost

Thanks for asking your guy.

He also commented that the lower end of the spectrum, the one's with lower components, also carries a bit of extra factor on the frame, and yes, the cheaper components may require more frequent maintenance and upgrading down the road .... As with any other bike purchase, determine your budget and find the bike that best fits you and meets your requirements ....

[Doonst]

I'm no expert but I heard about this place in Guelph with deals on Marins.
http://www.royaldistributing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108:2012-palisades-trail-29er&catid=15:2012-models&Itemid=279
http://www.royaldistributing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:2011-indian-fire-trail&catid=16:2011-models&Itemid=279

[ultraslacker]

The difference is in the components only really. I hear what you are saying Holly...I don't really need the top of the line components but I don't want the low end. For me it is a compromise. I don't need a full suspension but to go to a full suspension I would be back to low end components for my budget.

mine's not anywhere near low-end, and it's still way cheaper than what you're looking at. ;)

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike ... Oe7DndBmcY

(I have the 2009, these specs are for the 2010.) It handles north shore trails just fine (still wish I had a duallie).

[Engmomma]

I'm no expert but I heard about this place in Guelph with deals on Marins.
http://www.royaldistributing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108:2012-palisades-trail-29er&catid=15:2012-models&Itemid=279
http://www.royaldistributing.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74:2011-indian-fire-trail&catid=16:2011-models&Itemid=279

Thanks!!! Those do look awesome.

[Sir Crashalot]

What a timely thread!!!
I have always been curious to try a mountain bike race & have had an eyeball out for
Specialized Carve http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/carve/carvecomp or
Specialized StumpJumper http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/sjht/stumpjumpercomp29
& run a mountain bike during 'cross season....

Then again, never really owned a true road bike & was curious about the speed demons like
Specialized Venge http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/venge/vengeexpertmidcompact, the red one!
Specialized Venge Pro Force http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/road/venge/vengeproforcemidcompact

Or another cyclocross bike,
Ridley X-Fire http://www.ridley-bikes.com/us/en/bikes/4/75/cyclocross/x-fire-1202b, in red! This one possibly from Andy's shop!!!

[Engmomma]

Those Venge's...love....

[Engmomma]

There is a 2012 Rocky Mountain Vertex 930 that lives at my house right now and a Ghost SE 2970 that is on order (in my size).



Ghost and Rocky...good names me thinks.

[Sandra]

There is a 2012 Rocky Mountain Vertex 930 that lives at my house right now and a Ghost SE 2970 that is on order (in my size).



Ghost and Rocky...good names me thinks.

jealous

[HCcD]

There is a 2012 Rocky Mountain Vertex 930 that lives at my house right now and a Ghost SE 2970 that is on order (in my size).



Ghost and Rocky...good names me thinks.

Congratulations, to the addition to your new 2-wheeled family ... I've heard positive things about those bikes ...