Seeking advice on high quality bike.

[Barman1]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions:thumbup:

Not a lot of stocking dealers within 2-3 hrs of home unfortunately for some of the bikes i'm interested in. I might have to try out something similar in stock then go from there.

On a side note those Fat Bikes look like fun in the winter

Same issue here with stock. And it's winter and I'm 6'6" so forget about finding anything that will fit me... basically anywhere around here.
I always need to customize a bike to fit me anyway so I get something with the basic components that I like and start from there. Just picked up a higher end hardtail 29er GT and canned the front suspension for rigid carbon, got the bars up where I need them, pedals, wheels, brakes, bearings, etc. Upside is that I get a bike that fits and performs to my level plus I've got a pile of spares for when I inevitably break something.
Sorry, got off track. Point is that I order online. Better pricing and lots of closeout models this time of the year. Got mine delivered for free and over $400 off because it's a 2013 leftover.
I do frequent my local shop for accessories and things to keep them around and happy too.

 

[ron finkbeiner jr]

Can't go wrong with a surly. First I weigh 300lbs I do around 700 miles a year I have 2 surly's .
Nice thing is you can buy a complete bike or a frame and build it to what you want . This is my custom long haul trucker 54 c.m. 26 in tires I ride mostly paved trails but you could change to a more agressive tire and be at home on dirt trials that picture was taken 20 miles from my car

This is my surly steamroller it is single speed 56c.m. 700c tires it is great simple just get on and ride it can be configured as a fixie. I played with a couple freewheels til I got the gearing to what I wanted I run 46 teeth front cog 20 rear fast enough for me yet I can climb most hills

You have a trucker or Disc Trucker? I would to have either one of those!

 

[plumberroy]

It is a long haul trucker It was built new on a new old stock 2008 frame a couple years ago . I had some parts I had bought to some day build a trucker and by buying a frame setting in stock for a couple years plus some parts the shop had in stock a long time I saved a ton. Nothing on it is the latest greatest every thing is proven quality parts . I didn't let on It ended up being the exact bike I had planned on down to a no longer made color I have around $800 in it as it sets in that picture . If you ordered the parts off amazon it would be above $1600 in parts. The steamroller was bought off craigslist the guy added brakes carbonfiber seat post and a couple other things he had $900 in it. It set for 3 years and was rode very little I gave him $300
You can get some deals if patient
Roy

 

[Sean_K]

I would recommend a hard tail 29er with a carbon fork -- and the best components you can afford. Unless your doing drops or seriously rough trails, a HT will serve you well and cost you less $$ and maintenance aggravation. Direct your cash toward components rather than suspension. For $1500 you'll get a pretty good ride.

Steel frames offer a compliant ride, but some aluminum frames are very good as well. Surly makes a nice steel mtb frame with options for fenders and racks.

I ride a misfit psycles dissent, great bike IMO. Started as a single speed but I've converted it to 1x11 for my work commutes.

Buying from a local bike shop is safe, but you'd save some bucks buying from the classifieds in your area.

Re size: at 6', you would be a large or 19" (mtb) frame, but you really should try the bike on to be sure since cockpit length various quite a bit. Use your current frame as reference.

Good luck!

 

[crossada]

Thanks!

I'm looking at testing a couple of different models when I get a chance to hit a bike shop in Des Moines or Iowa City. The Surly Krampus is on my list right now to try and their new ECR.