FS for an old timer...

[Fly Rod]

I have been off the bike for too long! I pulled my old Yeti Ultimate out of storage and went for a ride the other day. I loved it! Now I am thinking of going to a FS to protect the old back.

Background: I have owned and raced mountain bikes for @ 25 years. I have been off my bike for the last 7 years. Bikes I have owned include GT Zaskar Le, LTS DH and LTS Thermoplastic. Yeti Ultimate, ARC and ARC Ti. I like bikes that climb. I learned to DH prior to shocks so use skill to be fast DH. My needs are for an xc bike with moderate suspension. I used to be a weight weeny but really can't afford to be one any more.

I am considering going the used route because $$ is non existant. What is on the used market that is worth considering? What should I be able to get away with for a budget? Should I be looking for a 29'r?

 

[ravewoofer]

There's plenty of dualies by different manufacturers that are well equipped for around 2K brand new. You'll get between 4-5.5 inches of travel and you won't have to worry about weight as these models will push between 28-29 pounds. Check out the latest issue of Mountain bike Action as the magazine did a six bike shoot out in this category.

If you're going second hand, you should be able to find a comparable bike (just older) about 50% of retail.

 

[Mr. Toad]

IMHO -- for someone who likes climbing and not spending too much $$, look for a used, Brain-equipped Specialized. (Epic, S-Works)

 

[Fly Rod]

IMHO -- for someone who likes climbing and not spending too much $$, look for a used, Brain-equipped Specialized. (Epic, S-Works)

Interesting, I just tuned a clients Specialized and it looked like a nice bike. It was way too small for me but I had to test ride it to make sure the shifting was gtg under a load. I'll take another look at it the next time I am on the property.

I will admit I am a Yeti fan from the old days. Nothing climbed like my ARC or felt as good in single track as my ARC Ti. I would love to find an XC worthy frame of thiers. I have most af a full XT group sitting around. I could build one up.

Always interested in opinions.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Look for a good solid 06 Yeti 575 or ASR. Last year they were made in the states, 4-5.75" of sweet travel and easily had for $500 or so for a frame or very well spec'd for $1400. Yeti's are superb bikes.


Clint

 

[GREENPEA]

No affiliation but this is what is going for used in SLC

ksl.com - Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming

I have always been very impressed with Yeti. They pedal very well uphill and flat out fly when gravity kicks in.

I drank the 29er Koolaide and love it but FS 29ers get spendy fast. The KHS Flagstaff is a FS 29er and seems to get good reviews. It can be build up for a reasonable price.

 

[EWheeler]

Look for a good solid 06 Yeti 575 or ASR. Last year they were made in the states, 4-5.75" of sweet travel and easily had for $500 or so for a frame or very well spec'd for $1400. Yeti's are superb bikes.


Clint

I love my 575.

 

[Fly Rod]

No affiliation but this is what is going for used in SLC

ksl.com - Classifieds for Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming

I have always been very impressed with Yeti. They pedal very well uphill and flat out fly when gravity kicks in.

I drank the 29er Koolaide and love it but FS 29ers get spendy fast. The KHS Flagstaff is a FS 29er and seems to get good reviews. It can be build up for a reasonable price.

Wow, that is a screaming deal if you need a large. I normally ride frames in the 18" - 20" size depending on the design. All of my Yeti's have been Mediums IIRC. They tend to have long top tubes and fit me really well. I have always been a believer that a smaller frame with tighter triangles is better.

I need to look at the specs for the 575 and keep watching for one.