Show me your bike!
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From: Waterloo
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From: Come see me after class.
Hard choice... especially b/c the Norco link doesn't work.
My only complaints on the Rocky Mt. are the brakes (sub-par compared to the Hayes) and the pedals. I always hated SPD's; or course, if you already have some clips to swap them out, no biggy.
The Fox Float is very nice, as is the front fork - I'd like more travel though. The wheelset has got to go.
Drivetrain is nice - XT discs get a
as does the crankset (kinda sorta).
Still leaning towards the Norca... Give me a link!
My only complaints on the Rocky Mt. are the brakes (sub-par compared to the Hayes) and the pedals. I always hated SPD's; or course, if you already have some clips to swap them out, no biggy.
The Fox Float is very nice, as is the front fork - I'd like more travel though. The wheelset has got to go.
Drivetrain is nice - XT discs get a
as does the crankset (kinda sorta).Still leaning towards the Norca... Give me a link!
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From: State of Confusion
My $.02 is a nod to the Norco. First of all, I've been a fan of Norco for several years. Second, I think Rocky Mt. is much the Canadian equivalent of Ellsworth and tends to not be a great value (though typically quite good quality). Norco is equally good, but doesn't quite have that boutique nameplate.
Components be damned...you can always replace them. In the end, go with the frame that has the ride type you want. I never go for top of the line equipment. I go with one to two levels below that, as it usually has the best value and is MUCH cheaper to replace if/when it breaks.
Components be damned...you can always replace them. In the end, go with the frame that has the ride type you want. I never go for top of the line equipment. I go with one to two levels below that, as it usually has the best value and is MUCH cheaper to replace if/when it breaks.
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From: State of Confusion
I've never used a chain guide on an XC bike...don't see the need in most cases. If I had a DH bike or rode more freeride stuff I would probably get a Mr. Dirt as they are pretty stout and work well...
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From: Waterloo
The link works fine on my side
http://www.norco.com
Go to X-Country then XC Team and you're there. Try the link again. It works
http://www.norco.com
Go to X-Country then XC Team and you're there. Try the link again. It works
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From: State of Confusion
Either the XC Team or the XC Fireball look good to me. It'd have to be a screaming deal for me to step up to XTR...but I can't complain with the spec job they did on either Norco.
The spec on the Rocky Mtn. seems to be the middle ground of XT which I like.
So, whichever frame fits your riding style best and has the least lateral flex is the starting point and then just determine component spec from there...
The spec on the Rocky Mtn. seems to be the middle ground of XT which I like.
So, whichever frame fits your riding style best and has the least lateral flex is the starting point and then just determine component spec from there...
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From: Doh!!
(to answer Alex's question & to continue Brant's answer)
I don't use chain guide on my XC bike either. I don't do gonzo downhills anymore since I need my hands for work (can't crash hard and must have good hand sensitivity for delicate work) so my chain stays right where it is. I get an occasional chain suck if try to shift too much during climb (don't know if chain guide would help this).
I don't use chain guide on my XC bike either. I don't do gonzo downhills anymore since I need my hands for work (can't crash hard and must have good hand sensitivity for delicate work) so my chain stays right where it is. I get an occasional chain suck if try to shift too much during climb (don't know if chain guide would help this).
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From: State of Confusion
I bought a Lizard Skin neoprene chainstay wrap to save my chainstays from the occasional chain suck, but it really hasn't been an issue for me even on some reallu sketchy terrain...
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From: Come see me after class.
Dude... Sooo get the Norca. I just checked the link and it is by far the better choice.
As for the chain guides, guys, I was referring to a DH bike. Or actually a freestyle bike. I ride my Dare on-campus a LOT and find myself setting the chain more often than I'd like. A Mr. Dirt is the obvious choice but they're still rather pricey. Are there any generic chain guides?
And as Brant pointed out, XTRs are not that much greater than an XT. With brakes, the XTs already provide more than enough stopping power; the benefit I find with my XTR discs are their ease to modulate braking pressure - no more endos for Alex!
Also, as Brant pointed out (
), go with the bike with less flex. Components don't mean shit, you can always upgrade and sell the outgoing parts.
As for the chain guides, guys, I was referring to a DH bike. Or actually a freestyle bike. I ride my Dare on-campus a LOT and find myself setting the chain more often than I'd like. A Mr. Dirt is the obvious choice but they're still rather pricey. Are there any generic chain guides?
And as Brant pointed out, XTRs are not that much greater than an XT. With brakes, the XTs already provide more than enough stopping power; the benefit I find with my XTR discs are their ease to modulate braking pressure - no more endos for Alex!
Also, as Brant pointed out (
), go with the bike with less flex. Components don't mean shit, you can always upgrade and sell the outgoing parts.