You're all posting about your wonderful snow and making me jealous, so I'm keeping my mind off of it by looking at toys

"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech) 02/11/2019 at 15:57 • Filed to: None

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I really want a new bike. Full squish, mid(ish) travel , carbon, 1x12, etc. The works. These are my top contenders. Need to get out and demo. What would you choose oppo?

benjrblant > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:08

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Santa Cruz Hightower! I’d build one up with XT brakes and an XT der/XTR shifter, and maybe a Rotor crankset.

benjrblant > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:13

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Alternatively, Starling Murmur because steel is real. I think this is my #1 preference at the moment.

https://www.starlingcycles.com/murmur-29/

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:14

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Last years Yeti’s are on sale. Otherwise I think I’d look at what kind of ridding you are going to do. The new smuggler is really nice but it’s a lot of bike and more for hucking than climbing. I’d probably be looking at the Yeti SB 130, new Spec. Stump jumper in the expert trim, Santa Cruz something or nother. Check out Pink bike too.

Last year I got a 2018 stump jumper expert set up with 150mm fork and 135 mm rear travel. I have to say it’s a really nice bike. The problem with Specialized is that they make really nice bikes for ridding but they don’t shine in any particular kind of riding. I rode the stumpy more than my previous bike the year before, it was just so easy to put down the miles with that super compliant rear end.

https://www.pinkbike.com/news/video-recap-the-complete-2018-pinkbike-field-test.html

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:16

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facw > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:16

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Those seem expensive, especially for something that’s presumably going be subject to a lot of abuse (I clearly know nothing about mountain bikes).

How do the bikesdirect models compare (they usually seem to be good value for road bikes, but $3000 still seems like a lot, especially for something you can’t try before hand):

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/hal-cf-boost-eagle-29sl-carbon-mountain-bikes.htm

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/hal-cf-boost-eagle-29er-carbon-mountain-bikes.htm

Personally I’d sort of like this one:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/fuji/road_bikes/fuji-sl32-carbon-road-bikes.htm , but ultimately spending $1200 on a fancy lightweight bike seems wasteful, when I should be doing weight reduction on the rider for much less.

CB > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:16

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I have no helpful insight other than the fact that all of them look rad.

bob and john > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:17

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mmm, yetis.

O only like yetis because then i can yell YETI MA BAIETZI which in romanian basicly translates to: HOWDY Y’ALL BOYS

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > benjrblant 02/11/2019 at 16:19

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This is sorry of on the list too, easily available locally, will probably demo. Maybe Bronson. Maybe 5010.

The Ghost of Oppo > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:20

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Transition all day

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > benjrblant 02/11/2019 at 16:22

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That’s surprisingly nice! I didn't know anyone was still making top tier steel mountain bikes.

Textured Soy Protein > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:24

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Pssshhhhh whatever you know you just want to buy this off me since it’s hanging on my garage wall doing nothing. It has toe clips and bar ends! What more do you need?

PowderHound > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:25

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Out of those, probably the Yeti. I don’t really have any basis other than Pivot’s are stupid expensive and I know a rep for them that obviously won’t shut up about them and trash talks every other bike out there. Pivot’s are out due to my spite.

I have a Santa Cruz Bantam that I love but they don’t make them any more. Basically a single pivot version of the 5010.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 16:27

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That’s why I’m leaning towards SB5 instead of SB130. Can be had cheaper as a demo or leftover stock.

We have incredibly mixed terrain here. 30-40% is probably climbing, for me at least. There are technical root and rock sections, as well as flowing berms. Most everyone here rides bikes in the mid travel range, similar to my above list.

I might check out some specialized stuff, but it just doesn’t really call to me.

I have been on pink bike a bit. For sale section and reviews. Good stuff.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > facw 02/11/2019 at 16:27

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Motobecane are only worth the parts that are bolted to the frame. Not very good design or construction. 10/10 do not recommend. Fuji used to be good, got bought out, probably junk now.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > benjrblant 02/11/2019 at 16:27

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Not long enough or slack enough for me. I need a 63 HTA. S\

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 02/11/2019 at 16:28

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Do you ride!?

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > facw 02/11/2019 at 16:30

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For the money, for the abuse they will need to handle, no way. I'm sticking with something I can actually demo before buying, had a local dealer for support, and a trusted name. 

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:31

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I still follow the scene, and desperately want to get back into it. Can’t really justify the price though... That’s motorcycle AND snowboard money

Someday

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > bob and john 02/11/2019 at 16:31

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But switch infinity!!!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > The Ghost of Oppo 02/11/2019 at 16:32

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Maybe patrol, but need to demo...

benjrblant > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 16:32

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Wow, bruh

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:32

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I just don’t use that much travel, my stumpy is more than I need and I ride all kinds of stuff, roots, rocks, resort etc... Previously i was looking at the Yeti SB 4.5 for me that would be a do everything bike. According to some I’ve talked to the yetis are extremely good at going down hill and since it’s basically a single pivot frame the rear end is very stiff.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Textured Soy Protein 02/11/2019 at 16:33

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And rim breaks! (Yes, breaks, because that's how my bones would end up) so much sweet tech!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > PowderHound 02/11/2019 at 16:33

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I’ve found some sweet deals on pivots. But your reasons are totally valid.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 02/11/2019 at 16:34

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Just rent every once in a while! If you come down here at some point we’re going riding. I'll even pay for your rental if you can't afford $80.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 16:36

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I’ve bottomed out my 120mm fork a handful of times. Yes, with properly set up sag.

Switch infinity is such a cool design. I've got a couple friends with yetis. Yeah, they're rad. 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:45

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I was using about 100 mm of travel on my fork, did a session at Spencer and saw the little rubber band at the top of the fork and realized that I really had not been pushing the bike to it’s potential until that day .

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:48

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Whichever one is easiest to bolt a DUI special to

https://www.gasbike.net/products/silver-slant-66cc-80cc-bicycle-engine-kit

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:52

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Have you considered Guerilla Gravity? Made in Colorado and t hey just recently went all carbon on their frames. “The Smash” or the “Shred D og” look right up your alley. They’re not exactly cheap though.

Snowrydr01 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 16:52

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D oes it have to be carbon? I still like me some aluminum, not too much heavier but i trust it more after a big bail. I love me some craigslist bikes, pennies on the dollar of new and you get to ride them before you buy, whats not to like. The only downside is the immediate preventative maintenance just like buying a used car but it saves a boatload.

Textured Soy Protein > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 17:00

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Look at all this super state of the art (for 1993?) hardware!

bob and john > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 17:12

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you know more then me man. I fell out of the cycling world 6 or  7 years ago.

AestheticsInMotion > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 17:39

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But if I rent one I’ll have to buy one! I know how this works. I’m down though. Honestly I’ve been looking at higher end 29" hardtails. I might have to go test a few out in the coming months

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 17:49

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The bike was thinking "yes! It's about time!"

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 17:51

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I think I will break myself before I break the bike.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Decay buys too many beaters 02/11/2019 at 17:52

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Nah. I'd go electric for ninja mode!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 02/11/2019 at 17:54

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I’ve heard a bit about them, good things. I'll look into them.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Snowrydr01 02/11/2019 at 17:58

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I like aluminum. But if I’m going to spend  the coin I want the nicest thing I can afford. I felt the same way about carbon but I've seen my friends bail with carbon enough it doesn't scare me anymore. I went the craigslist route last time. I've got a list of reasons why I don't really feel like doing that this time. I still might. Last time was a great experience, but I don't want the hassle of going through everything. I want it to be great right away, already set up by the shop.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Textured Soy Protein 02/11/2019 at 17:59

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XT!? Sweet! Only thing better is XTR! Those are Niiiice!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > bob and john 02/11/2019 at 17:59

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Look it up. It's super cool.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > AestheticsInMotion 02/11/2019 at 18:00

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A buddy just bought a Santa Cruz chameleon. Really nice bike. You can ride my current bike too if you want, then I'll demo!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 18:01

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Don’t do that! But at least you know the bike should last you a long time!

Decay buys too many beaters > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 18:03

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Spoken like someone who has never lanesplit in portland on a bike with a loud chinese 80cc 2 stroke bolted to the frame 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > benjrblant 02/11/2019 at 18:09

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Sorry, just poking fun at trends. Just look at this...

nermal > facw 02/11/2019 at 18:17

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Bikesdirect bikes are built in the same shitty factory in Taiwain as the big brands, just on older designs. Consider them comparable to buying a big-brand bike that’s about 5 yr old.

nermal > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 18:21

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Order from one of the bigger direct brands - Canyon / Commencal / YT.

Just pick the one that tickles your fizz-o-meter the most, based on pictures and videos, maybe specs .

Once you get it, you’ll force yourself to like it, since it’s a $3k+ purchase that you’re stuck with .

benjrblant > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 02/11/2019 at 18:27

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Dear lord. it’s like the front shock is horizontal. no wonder you need 3 50mm of front travel.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > nermal 02/11/2019 at 19:07

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I don’t want to force myself to like it though. I want to love it as soon  as I jump on. I want local dealer support. I want demo rides before I buy.

Textured Soy Protein > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 20:29

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The front one is only an LX though...

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Textured Soy Protein 02/11/2019 at 20:38

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No deal! And here  I was about to send you $5k! But I don’t want that LX junk!

nermal > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 02/11/2019 at 21:37

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The Yeti you posted is $6k + tax.

You could buy two direct bikes for that. Then put them both through a bizarre series of trials and tribulations to determine which is superior. Make sure one of the tests involves drawing a pentagram on the ground, lighting it on fire, and then jumping over it. Once it is decided which bike reigns supreme , you could then completely destroy the one that is deemed not worthy in a fit of rage.

The sacrifice would make your love for the remaining one stronger. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > nermal 02/11/2019 at 21:47

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 while that sounds like a ton of fun, I’m still going to pass. I might look at them a little more, but I suspect there are going to be areas where quality is not up to par. I ride pretty hard, on very rocky terrain, on the sides of very tall and steep hills, so complete trust in the bike is important to me. If after thorough research it makes to go your route, maybe I will. I’m still months, at least, away from actually buying.

Also, FWIW, I’ve found most of these bikes for much cheaper, usually in the 3-4k range. Slightly used, shop demos, or leftover stock. I don't need new; though it is a bit of a want.