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So here’s my dilemma…I am thinking it’s finally time to hope on board the disc brake and/or FS bandwagon. I guess they’re not really fads.
So here’s my dilemma…I am thinking it’s finally time to hope on board the disc brake and/or FS bandwagon. I guess they’re not really fads.
So do I try to track down a 4 banger (I live in Indianapolis and don’t get to travel around much for riding so I don’t really need much travel) or get something a bit more modern? If I go newer I’d like to have something US-made if possible but also I need to keep this relatively inexpensive (under $1500 retail for frame, cheaper is better).
I figure this is a good place to ask around as I’ve been out of the MTB groove for a bit so I don’t really know what’s what. You guys all know and love the Homegrown ride so I’m hoping to find something similar.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
I don’t know what your budget is, but the ‘modern-brand-new’ bonustomato.com ride might be a Castellano. http://www.castellanodesigns.com/ He’s been selling Fango for a while and supposedly has a single-pivot full suspension bike. http://www.castellanodesigns.com/Zorro.html IMHO, that Fango is an excellent compromise that is mostly hardtail rather than the widely available full-cushion 2-wheeled ’69 Cadillac eldorados sold by the major brand names.
Otherwise, it all depends on your budget. I bought an old ‘sweet spot’ and a more modern fork and switched my old equipment over. I am quite satisfied with that and I’m still plenty fast (muhahahaha!) on such ‘old’ equipment.
I was in a similar situation after taking a 10 year break, and opted to get a 2000 Homegrown Frame with disc mounts. I decided to stick with a hardtail, because it’s a bit more ‘classic.’ Too much of a weight trade off on fullies for my taste.
Thanks for the feedback, guys. I definitely am having a hard time considering something with 4 inches of travel and weighing in around 25 pounds to be an “XC race bike.” Some of the geometries stray a bit from what I’d want as well but I guess I have to get out of 1997 at some point.
I’ve definitely thought about the Castellanos and have been wanting an AS-R for a long time, but I don’t think the wifey is going to allow that one. The ARC is definitely a bargain (at least to me-never should have sold mine). I hear they’re made in Taiwan nowadays but that’s not really so bad.
The Epic is definitely intriguing; I’d like to ride one again as I rode one when they first came out and was less than impressed, but it sounds like they are very much improved relative to the early models.
Anyone got any time on an Ellsworth Truth or Giant Anthem?
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