Conference noted::bicycle

< Note 1037.0 by DELNI::S_HELMREICH >
                       -< What price ATB? / Panasonic? >-

When I was shopping for an ATB, I rode a Panasonic (I also previously owned 
one) as well as Univega and Specialized Rockhoppers.  I liked the Rockhopper 
much better than either of the others.  The Panasonic was last.  I liked the 
Rockhopper's lightness and responsiveness, esp on the roads.  This was in 
1986, so all the bikes may have changed since then.  

What size do you ride?  I'm looking to sell both of the Rockhoppers I own 
(never ride them... they've got less than 500m on them, mostly roads).  See 
note 1007 if you're interested in saving some money on Deore equipped ATB's.

Kevin

I need a 20 - 20.5 " frame - if anyone has an ATB to sell, I could deal 
with used.


Steve

    
    
    I know people who have trashed frames on specialized bikes
    from normal mountain bike riding. sure the frame is garenteed
    but my friend had to wait the whole summer to get a new one.
    
    Suggest looking into Cannondales, if you plan on doing any
    major off-roading.
    
    Albert
    

    re: -1
    
    My Specialized Stumpjumper has a couple of THOUSAND miles of HARD
    riding, and has NO problems. Specialized bikes ARE serious bikes.
    Look in who's who in this notefile to see how many serious riders
    ride Specialized bikes. Specialized, Cannondale, Fisher (sp?),
    Diamond Back, etc. ALL make serious bikes. 
    
    doug
    

    RE:-1
    
    Yes, I do realize the seriousness of a Specialized bike, but I do
    know a serious rider, who was a regular at the shop where he bought
    the bike. One of the bike mechanics there bet him that he could'nt
    break the frame on the specailized bike, two weeks later he returned
    with the broken frame, the shop got him a new rockhopper frame 8
    weeks later. Now he said he would'nt dare get real crazy with this
    frame, because he knew the front fork would go....I saw him a month 
    later with bent front fork. he bought a Fat Chance fork and now
    uses that on the Specailized frame.
    
    If you are wondering about his size, he is about 165 lbs. He used
    to be a BMX competitor, and now races mountain bikes, and does trials
    
    I am personally biased towards Cannondale, because I've owned my
    mountain bike 2 yrs. thrashed the hell out of it, and the frame
    is still like new........I weigh a solid 200lbs.
    
    We could discuss the advantages/disadvantages about certain bikes
    a long time, I beleive the bottom line is, if you spend $400+ on
    a mountain bike, and maintain it, they will out-live us.
    
    Happy MOUNTAIN biking,
    
    Albert 
                                              

I bought the Panasonic MC 4500 from Lincoln Guide Service - an excellent
shop in my opinion; not a bunch of flash, but very competent people who
are bikers themselves.   

Steve

    
    Does anyone have any experience with Fisher Mountain Bikes?
    They are not well known here (Ireland) and I was intrigued
    by some comments we have described their model CR-7 as
    "the best". More hype or worth considering?
    
    I am currently sniffing around for a new bike with quality a 
    priority, although titanium is a bit out of my price range.
    
    	Any comments appreciated.
    

    
    
      Fisher makes excellent ATB's.  If I had the money they would have
    been one of the bikes to for me to consider. But, alas they were
    in general abut $200-$300 more than I had.  The plight of the beggar
    strikes again.
    
     John C.
    

    
    Thanks for the info John,
    
    	It looks like a choice between two American brands:
    	Cannondale or Fisher, both of which I've heard good things
    	about.
    
    	Unfortunately, the choice in Ireland is generally limited to:
    	Raleigh (UK not America), Dawes, Peugeut (spelling) or
    	some cheap and nasty bike.
    
    	The top range of UK moutain bikes tend to go for
    	Reynolds tubing (531 I think) and Deore components,
    	while the specs of the cannondale (SM 1000) shows that
    	they use an aluminium frame.
    
    	I hope to try out both the Cannondale and Fisher while in the
    	UK on holidays and maybe order my choice when I get back to Galway.
    
    	Given a price range :800-1,200 pounds sterling which one would
    	you experts recommend?
    	
    	Gonna use it for commuting, bit of off road, bit of touring.
    	Bear in mind Irish roads can sometimes resemble tracks you would
    	see in third world countries.
    
    		Cheers,
    			John. (Not a bike expert)
    
    

    I have a 1989 gry/blk CR-7, 20 inch.
    
    OUTSTANDING bike!  XCD 18 Speed/XCD ft derailer/XCD r derailer, Shimano 
    hubs/petals/headset, Diacomp cant in front/PowerCam in back, sealed BB,
    standard headset, 24-34-46(all round), 12-28, 170 cranks.  
    The mix of equipment has always been a mystery but the package works
    quite well.
    
    I have ridden in Colo, Ky, Mass and lots of Fla.  Never a wimper
    from the bolt on components.  It particularly likes singletrack and
    fast downhills.  Very civilized on washboard and similar irregular
    surfaces.  NO PROBLEMS WITH ANYTHING after 1500 miles - mostly
    off-road.
    
    Changes that I made which have helped:  Ground Control tires(tyres),
    Control Block brake pads, Stainless steel 24t front ring (replaced the
    alloy 24t), Rock ring, added 30 and 32 rear cogs, Flex-stem 90.
    
    Additional changes which will help more: Stainless 34 chainring,
    Porcupine tires (tyres), 175 cranks.
    
    It don't travel too fast on the hiway but it *DO* climb the cliffs
    
    Price in Florida for the 1990's is about US$1400.  I got my 1989 for
    US$850.     
    
    Don't likes: Power Cam brakes-mud catchers!  Install the PC protector
    plate that is available.  Normal headset-not the 1990 EVO headset. 
    Cable routing-under the BB instead of on the side.  Cables scratch the
    IMRON paint down to the Aluminum at the headset.
    
    All in all, Love the bike!
    
    bob

    
    Seems like Fisher's CR-7 gets a real vote of confidence!
    
    Bob, on the Fisher 1990 model they have left the headset
    (in think thats the right term) bear metal, probably to
    save the scratching you mentioned.
    
    After browsing through various shops and mags I have discovered
    two novel mountain bikes:
    
    1. Moulton has a mountain bike with small wheels and independant
       suspension front and rear. The bike comes apart in two halves
       for easy storage.
    
    2. Pace RC-100 has a frame made of rectangular struts instead of
       metal tubing. Frame is Aluminum BTW. The bike also has
       hyraulic brakes, first time I have ever seen these!
    
    
    Bikes have certainly changed a lot since my 1977 Chopper!
    
    		John Browne.

    I've been doing some research for an ATB purchase also. Suspensions
    seem to be the rage for 90, 91. Cannondale is coming out with one
    (or more) later this summer. At this stage, I can't see paying
    n hundreds more for a suspended bike however. Your adding probably
    2 pounds of hardware, and making use of it only in the worst
    conditions. I'll go conventional, and add a pair of Rock Shox if
    I find myself getting that serious.
    
    John