Conference noted::bicycle

    
    Ken, all the bikes that you mentioned are about the same as for
         components etc.. in that price range most will have similar 
         equipment too, or very hard to differentiate (sp?) their 
         preformance. What does make a difference is the frame wieght,
         angles and stiffness etc. This will all vary depending on 
         the type of riding that you will do. I tend to beleive that 
         among the three that you mentioned, Bridgestone will have a better
         quality frame. 
         So if  you have narrowed your choices to the ones you mentioned,
         take them for a ride, which ever is more comfortable to you and
         shifts easier, take it.
    
      Shaw
    

    
       Well I took them all for a quick spin, and they all felt about the
    same.  I'm going to try a longer/more aggressive ride next, but was
    wondering if that didn't differentiate the bikes what I should do.
    I too am leaning toward the bridgestones, both for the bike and the
    store (bicycle barn in northboro)
    
    Ken.

    Ken,
    
     I'm pretty happy with my Bridgestone mb4. Two guys that I ride with
    recently replace their bikes- one guy TOTALLY trashed his KHS frame,
    another guyh as ovalized his head tube on his Trek. My frame is fine,
    and it was BY FAR the lightest of the three.
    
     As far as components go, I'm on my 3rd rear derailleur, and have
    replaced each of the drivetrain components once. Looking at my
    second rear-axle overhaul. And these components are more expensive
    tahn the gruppos that you are looking at.
    
     I say go for the best frame, whatever that may be. And I do not
    think that you can go wrong with a Bridgestone, based on the many
    people that I know who ride them.
    
    have fun,
    
    Ed
    

    I have a Bridgestone MB-6 and its great.  The frame feels good and the
    gears shift well (although I felt the MB-5 shifting was much better).
    
    I went with the MB-6 because of cost (BTW, I got it for $320 in April
    at Cycle Loft in Burlington).
    
    Sameer

    
    re: .3 ....  ditto. Go for the best frame and wheels you can get. 
    I am also on my 3rd or 4th set of  shifters/derailleurs/etc.
    If you ride regularly and ride hard and crash (now and again) then
    you will probably/eventually replace the drivetrain. (My motto: if
    you don't crash occasionally, then you probably aren't pushing
    as hard as you should/could be). Components come and components go, 
    but the frame remains the same.
    If you plan on mostly road riding and will not be pushing your 
    all-terrain capabilities, then it may be a LONG time before you need to 
    replace anything. You would still want to go for the best frame/wheels
    in your price range, but components would be more of a factor.
    BTW, I have had Suntour XC-something or other, Shimano Deore, Shimano
    DeoreXt and (now) Shimano Deore LX/DX drive trains on my bike. They
    have all shifted very well at first, and worse as time goes on. The 
    Shimano Deore Xt components did last the longest. 
    
    doug
      

    
    	It's a major gripe of mine at the shops that when they sell
    certain good quality frames the gruppo is all wrong. The bridgestone
    the fisher are a couple of the worst for this. It isn't only a case
    of making a good frame available at a decent price because stripping
    off the gruppo and subtracting that value from the bike cost would
    be a nice price for the frame in some cases. It is difficult to
    negotiate that deal.
    	I crash and have had to bend everything into shape and replace
    stuff. I've gotten one inch diameter sticks caught up in the rear 
    gearset and chewed on them. I've got deore DX. I think the alloy
    is too light in the XT. The XTR is supposed to be strong and light.
    	It seems that maybe Cannondale and TREK do a little better at
    this compromise.
    	It also seems funny to be told an XT bike or a DX bike is that
    when I look at the Sakae pedals and a lot of mix and match on the
    brakes.
    
    	Roger

    
       Well I settled on a bike, 1991 Diamondback apex, deore DX
    components (everything except the headset).  1991 model on sale for $569
    Thanks to Eric (sorry I don't know your last name), for telling me that
    Chelmsford cyclery was having this deal.  This bike seemed alot more
    stable than the others I road, plus the good component group clinched
    it for me.  BTW, The chelmsford cyclery seems to have very good prices
    on everything they sell (compared to other shops and comprable to mail
    order in some cases).
    
       Thanks for all the input from everyone
    
    Ken.

    re .6
    >I've got DX.  I think the alloy in XT is too light.
    
    Still, be careful of sticks.  I didn't have much problem in snapping
    a DX rear derailleur in two recently. 

    
    	RE-1
    		I hear ya. Unfortunately careful is not a watch word
    	when we be cranking along.
    		What I meant about the XT is that lightness isn't so great
    	if it is weaker. I wish I had a stainless steel big gear in the
    	front right now. Titanium would be nice too.
    
    		Roger

	I bought the DiamondBack Apex, also from the
	Chelmsford Cyclery, and it has done very well,
	thru a coupla weeks of biking in the woods of
	Novia Scotia, and down a few ski hills...

	However, I am thinking of putting Rock Shox
	Mag 20s on it....

	-dick