Buying an MTB - Indian Conditions

renegade334

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of deciding what cycle to buy. I'm getting back into cycling after a very long time, and thought I could use some help in deciding which to go with.

Now, given that I'm in India, there aren't a lot of brands available here in comparison (at my budget, that is.)

What am I going to use it for: Biking around, weekend trips. Roads are frequently bad, so an MTB is a natural choice. Soon, I will graduate to trails and hills. Its also worth noting that it rains frequently where I am, so rust is a no-no.

Going through various forums on the internet, and checking availability (and my wallet), I've decided on choosing one of the following

1) Fuji Nevada 3.0 : http://c4cycle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_64&product_id=128
2) Schwinn Frontier Elite : http://c4cycle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_64&product_id=207
3) GT Avalanche 1.0 http://www.trackandtrail.in/product-details.asp?pid=128
4) GT Avalanche 3 http://www.trackandtrail.in/product-details.asp?pid=127
5) Mongoose Tyax Sport http://c4cycle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_64&product_id=201

The next one isn't strictly an MTB, more of a hybrid, but the Bianchi name is very tempting, and I'd love your opinion about this as well:
- Bianchi Spillo Rubino Altus Suspension: http://c4cycle.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_67&product_id=178

The Trek 3700 is an option as well, but I've heard that it's upright seating position doesn't make for very good handling. Let me know what you think about this. I also realise that picking the right cycle depends on the individual (5'11, 70kg), so if you could give me your top 2, that would be brilliant!

I look forward to hear from you, your help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Arv
renegade334

jairaj

Are you able to try any out or even just sit on them for size?

I've heard that it's upright seating position doesn't make for very good handling

That's why you need to try them out. might turn out that you prefer an upright position? What's good for someone else isn't always good for you.

Also no need to worry about the rain rusting your bike. As long as the bike is stored somewhere dry and you do some simple but regular maintenance should be OK.

The Rookie

What's your Budget in Rs?

Firefox market the Treks in India, but they tend to be expensive, although the Marlin compares well http://www.firefoxbikes.com/Hardtail_Ga ... HOO26.html

The Rockrider 5.1 is also available, either through Decathlons or permitted stores, no idea of prices though.

Of the ones you linked to the Mongoose is the best value for money.

I visit India quite often (Mostly Pune in Maharashtra) and know the Indian conditions well.

renegade334

Thanks, Jairaj and The Beginner!

Jairaj - I did try them out, today, as a matter of fact. They didn't have test rides, so I just sat on the cycles in the showroom - Honestly, I don't see too much of a difference in seating positions. I mean, there is a difference, but I couldn't detect enough to have a clear preference.

The Beginner - My budget is a max of Rs. 30000. I quite liked the Mongoose as well. The Wahoo D 29er is pretty impressive, don't know why I didn't check it out earlier. Will definitely do that the next time at the bicycle store.

As it turned out today, a shopkeeper was willing to give me a sweet discount on a Cannondale Trail 5, bringing it rather close to my budget: http://www.cannondale.com/ind/2012/bikes/mountain/hardtail/trail/2012-trail-5-20792

I'm going to be looking at the Mongoose Tyax Sport definitely, but between the Cannondale Trail 5 and the Wahoo D 29er, which do you think would be better?

Again, thanks for replying!

supersonic

Try and find a bike that has a hydraulically damped fork.

renegade334

Thanks, Supersonic. I'm trying to find a bicycle with a hydraulically damped fork in my budget, but no luck so far.

renegade334

Anyway, I'm trying to find out if any of you have ridden a Cannondale Trail 5, and what you thought about it. I'm going to pick my bike up Saturday, and getting to know will be really useful!

renegade334

BUMP!

The Rookie

The dale looks good, hydro brakes and the fork says its HLO therefor hydraulic......so best bike of the options posted!