If I was truly your wife, I would be telling you to bike 100 miles every day on the bike to justify the purchase

Too bad this argument does not work for my wife when I spend money on the Disco!

 

Good purchase. The key to any entry to mid-level bike is upgrading the rear derailleur. I have a 2013 Specialized RockHopper, came with a Shimano Deore rear derailleur...It's junk. That damn would skip and hunt for gears going over simplest terrain. Widely complained about on the RockHoppers. I picked up a Shimano XT and couldn't be more happy.

Jenson.com is a good place to find deals.

Don't forget a helmet

 

Well, got it last night, put it together.
4 hr ride, today. Not too terribly small for me. Smooth gear changes, overall very nice. But I do feel like I just got initiated into prison.
Questions for any of you that know about disc/hydrolic brakes (never had this fancy pants stuff); how often do I need to change the fluid/ mineral oil? How bout those little pads?

 

Hmmm, looks 'pretty' Dusty

A UK pal bought his mountain bike from the US, he paid either £12K or $12K for it (he's a seriously rich bast**d) and enjoys his toys (he races, develops and owns 3 historic Frazer Nash cars for fun) his bike is titanium and carbon fibre construction and is a superb piece of engineering apart from he broke the headstock welds he bought this some years ago via a guy who worked in the US in software development as does he in his own company. I paid $225 for my alu bike 5 years ago and I thought that was expensive then

PS. Just noticed, mine is a Diamondback with front and rear suspension but ordinary brakes not discs and 21 Shimano gears. The Motobecane company was originally French I believe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motob%C3%A9cane

 

Yeah Dusty, you could always ride to work and back everyday on it, good for the 'ole heart anaerobics and what a budget saver.

 

Dusty,

We are still waiting for the pic of you with the new bike and decked out in sweaty tights, shaved legs and a Powerbar gnarled between the teeth.

Changing brake pads is similar to changing the brake pads on a Disco. Check for wear from time to time. You simply take out the locking/crimp pins, remove the pads, insert the new pads and locking pins... and you are good to go.

I recollect Shimano uses mineral oil for their hydraulic system which is less impervious to moisture/water contamination. I would change it every year or couple of years depending on your usage. Since I assumed you are taking my advice and biking 100 miles each day.... an annual hydraulic fluid change is advisable.

 

thank you. and the mods will not let me upload my action biking pics....something about my riding speedo, being too tight or they don't understand the need for the aerodynamic pasties.