Does it really matter which Kool Aid you're drinking!

[InspectorGadget]

I recently had a conversation with a friend about which bike he should buy. And which bikes not to buy. He made a comment about the importance of having the right component mix. When I was deciding what to buy last year, I considered the following bikes:

Cannondale Prophet 2000
Titus MotoLite - I still want one
Yeti 575
Santa Cruz Nomad - OK, the Nomad was more a case of lust.
Marin Attack Trail
And a few others . . . .

In the end, I bought the Marin. It doesn't have the g-wiz factor of the Titus or the Santa Cruz. In fact, it was my last choice. Bottom of the proverbial barrel. But it was also a thousand bucks less than the others and had all the right parts. Most importantly, I like the way it rides.

I know there are many people on this board that have a very good feel for their bikes and how they respond - or don't respond - to the rider. However, there are just as many, and probably more, that do not have that level of expertise or feel. Joe and Jane Average, if you will.

Whether you are partial to a 4 bar, single pivot or virtual; in the end, does it really matter. Don't most high(er) end bikes ride great as long as they have the right parts installed? How much of your bike buying decision process is based on getting a proper name on the frame?


Please pass the Kool Aid Reverend Jones.

[bagtagley]

While you can argue preference all day long, the fact of the matter is, nothing even comes close to Cherry. Grape's pretty good, orange isn't bad, but Cherry is in a league of its own.

[kidwoo]

Name has very little to do with my purchases. Hell I bought two intense frames based soley on how they ride and before their new designs, 'intense quality' was a synonym for 'detatched headtube' or 'floppy broken chainstay'. I bought them soley based on ride performance.......but made sure I bought them new with a warranty card

I pretty much know how I want my bikes to ride and I buy them based on that and how the company deals with warranties and/or mistakes. Name does play a role I guess.......but only in as much as that name has a history based on their product.

Other than that, my first mtb was a rigid steel tank and I had fun on that too. But I couldn't ride that bike the way I like to ride now.

[flowtron]

Bikes and suspension designs are like skis. What works for one person may not click with another. Whether its fit, geometry, or the way the suspension works with that rider's style, its up to the individual no matter how much time their friends spend on interweb mtb forums.

Grape is the best, hands down.

[JoshP]

Kool-Aid sucks, Flav-R-Aid is clearly better.

I like the blue best. Is it raspberry flavor? I am not totally sure.

[marshalolson]

i like orange DRINK!

what the fuck is juice?

[Arty50]

While you can argue preference all day long, the fact of the matter is, nothing even comes close to Cherry. Grape's pretty good, orange isn't bad, but Cherry is in a league of its own.

I can't argue with this at all, as long as we're talking about Tootsie Pops. I haven't had Kool-Aid in years.

[bagtagley]

I can't argue with this at all, as long as we're talking about Tootsie Pops. I haven't had Kool-Aid in years.

Neither have I. That doesn't change the deliciousness of Cherry.

[Particle]

My favorite Kool-Aid is Foes Red

[Tap]

doesn't matter at all.....as long as you're out riding and having fun

[Particle]

p.s. as for the Marin IG, I've heard really good things about those bikes aside from not being on top of the 'chi-chi' list.

[InspectorGadget]

p.s. as for the Marin IG, I've heard really good things about those bikes aside from not being on top of the 'chi-chi' list.

The Marin isn't on most people's chi-chi list. I am not complaining, it's what I own and ride for now.

I might be drinking the Yeti Kool Aid sooner than later. And I guess it would serve me right for trying to bump the bidding on your AS-X.

[str8line]

Name don't mean shit. How it rides and what it costs are the most important to me. I trust reviews and friends opinions also.

Oh, and grape for me.

[MELSNOW]

i've been working in bike shops for over 5 years, and i've seen a lot of cool bike designs come and go. the VPP is cool, so is the traditional single pivot (if placed correctly) each design has its own trait that performs better in different situations. don't buy a bike cause it has a name brand on it, test ride every bike that fits your price range, and has what your looking for. i would never push a bike on someone that didn't fit it correctly. i'd rather they walk out of the shop with their money then sell them a bike they won't ride due to bad fit or parts.

as far as kool-aid?
grape drank....nuff said.

[cpj.slc]

Grape is legit. That is a fact, but I want some opinions on a Turner 5 spot versus a 575 flavored Kool-Aid. I will be getting one of these soon I think.

[Particle]

I might be drinking the Yeti Kool Aid sooner than later. And I guess it would serve me right for trying to bump the bidding on your AS-X.

Hah! Thanks dood I'm sure it'll jump in price at the end of the auction...you should be safe unless you want to get in a bidding war w/ the rest. The AS-X is a GREAT bike, I just have gear ADD.

[InspectorGadget]

Hah! Thanks dood I'm sure it'll jump in price at the end of the auction...you should be safe unless you want to get in a bidding war w/ the rest. The AS-X is a GREAT bike, I just have gear ADD.

Considering I promised the Marin to Mini Gadget next year, I wouldn't be too upset if I wound up with an AS-X project.

[shmoesmith]

who needs kool-aid when there is tang to be had.

[uncle crud]

I'm not so sure that "chi-chi" is a reason to buy or ride a bike.

Who cares what label is on the bike? I would have to guess that the ones who care are those who look to project an image of chi-chi, rather than simply riding their bike and letting their riding do the talking.

If you like the Marin then that's all that needs to be said or done on the issue.

It's definitely NOT about Horst/FSR, VPP, Maestro, dw-link, singlepivot, linkage-driven singlepivot.

It's about what complete design works best under you with your own riding style and your own strengths and weaknesses.

So if the Marin works, we can stop discussing the kool-aid flavors and return to...

The adventures of POOTIE-TANG!

[Crinkle]

i'd rather have a mint julip than kool aid, call me old fashion

[Particle]

I never said 'chi-chi' was a reason to buy or not buy a bike. But I think you have to acknowledge that it influences a lot of us. I still remember being in kollidge in SoCal and seeing a big lifted Dodge pickup drive by with a brand new flaming red Foes Mono and a Foes Fly in the back. They looked so absolutely amazing and unattainable. And ever since then I've lusted after Foes. I finally got my fix a few years ago w/ my FXR, but I've still got a thing for the Fly and Mono. Lots of people on here have the same fixation with Turner. I dunno...it's not 'important' per se but there is something cool about owning a bike you've lusted after. And the cool thing is, although the difference between a bike like that and the mass market bikes isn't huge, it is noticeable.

p.s. I wish I could weigh in on a kool-aid flavor but I can't remember the last time I had the stuff.

[MELSNOW]

i will agree full heartedly that it is sweet owning the bike you've lusted over for a while. ever since the intense tazer came out i've wanted one. now with the help of natedogg and vicious i shall have my cup-o-kool-aid!

ps. tang is legit, but only if you bump lines off the urinal during lunch period.

[kidwoo]

The adventures of POOTIE-TANG!

Wha dah tah ma damie

[uncle crud]

I never said 'chi-chi' was a reason to buy or not buy a bike.

I agree. I was responding to Inspector Gadget's original and subsequent posts in which the chi-chi factor was emphasized.

[shirk]

Gi'me a grape or orange, none of that stinkin root beer.