I already have a Kona Blast and I really like that bike however I now work four provinces away from my home and it's back in the garage with the motorcycles & ATV... Bringing it with me during a flight back doesn't look like it's going to happen anytime soon (for a myriad of reasons) so I'm considering buying a second bike. I'm interested in 29ers. I test rode one when I bought my Blast but for whatever reason that specific bike just didn't fit me - I don't recall the make but it wasn't a Kona. Anyway, here's my criteria: - strong frame (I weigh ~300lbs) - doesn't have to be the latest, trickest or lightest by any means - hardtail with front suspension - ~$700-800 range - I'd like to get as much value as possible - I've looked at the Kona Mahuna...any input from someone one who owns or has ridden one would be great - I'm open to other brands - I just already have a Kona and like it - type of riding will be urban pavement, possibly some mild offroad/trail riding. I don't want another Blast, once the current work situation changes and households are consolidated I'd like something a little different. My Blast has ended up being a road bike (for me) so I'm thinking a stout 29er will be a little more suited to mild offroad/trail riding - especially once I drop some weight.
Good 29er wheels that'll support 300# are going to be really expensive. KHS 606 650b would be a good compromise and they're pretty cheap too. I had one and it stood up to abuse by my 250#s. I went back to a 26" full sus but if the trails here were smooth like in CA I'd probably have kept the HT.
I've got a Marin Bolinas Ridge 29er, and it's huge. I think I have the largest frame though, but with the wheels, it seriously dominates the bikeracks. I don't know how it'll deal with 300#. I'd think for road and light trail it would work.
When I was focused on weight lifting I was around 250lbs. Folding wheels was a problem even with good 26" XC wheels. 300lbs on 29s seems a big ask. I'd build a bike with down-hill/freeride 26" wheels. I'm not sure you'll be able to get air shocks sag set at that weight either. You need to check the specs. Resprung coil shocks may be a better option. Or just go rigid.
Why get a mountain bike with suspension? Tires make the ride smooth enough for pavement and mild trails. Suspension just makes the bike heavier, slower, less reliable, etc.
I started two years ago at 318 lbs. I bought a brand new Specialized Hardrock Disc 29. It is still my only bike, but now I weigh about 212. Anyhow, nothing has broken yet, and I hammer on the thing. I just recently replaced the stock pedals with an alloy platform type. Trails, jumps (within reason), ledges, moguls; you name it. The thing has been a tank. No regrets at all.
I respectfully suggest that your price point needs to increase due to rider weight. Wheels will be your first problem. You need doublewall rims at least 25mm wide with DT Swiss branded spokes. Suspension is great but if you get it- bypass the suntour and rst brands and go straight to a Fox or Rockshox with a minimum 32mm stantion diameter. A crankset with replaceable chain rings will come in handy and look for a name brand rear hub that you can order replacement freehub bodies for in the future. A lot of bikes below 2k will have Avid brakes- avoid them or be prepared to replace in short order. Good luck- bikes are a great compliment to moto.
I weigh 270# and had a Windsor Cliff 4900. Loved that bike until it got stolen. Looking to replace it with a 29er as well. Bikesdirect.com has some good deals.
Gah. Some of the stuff you read on the internet... You can ignore a lot of stuff in the thread (except the post about the specialized- I'd check that out- looks pretty big dude friendly) Many, many cheap 29er wheels won't crumble to dust under 300lbs. 650b is the worst advice ever if you think 29" might be too expensive. Avid BB7s are the shit for cheap brakes. So are BB5s if you don't mind a more complicated adjustment procedure. Cheap forks are OK. (But a lockout ain't a horrible thing). Bikesdirect is not as good of a deal as it seems. I have a Kona Kahuna. I generally like it, but the 7005 "race light" frame is a little on the flexy side. Awesome for long days in the saddle. Unnerving, when you're really beating on it. Now, ignore all that (because I'm an idiot) and go buy something you like that makes you want to ride a lot.
Some good advice there. I have a nice hardtail Stumpjumper 29er that collects dust since my SB95 showed up. That's because the 95 just calls to me constantly. It's sooooooooooooo much fun to ride. I've gone from a weight issue to having to make a conscious effort to eat more fat & calories because I'm not taking in enough with a regular diet anymore. That's how motivating a really fun bike can be. Much luck at that price point though. When I was first looking for a 29er (2 winters ago) there wasn't much on the used market at decent prices. I'm sure things have changed a bit by now, but I'd still be somewhat surprised if you found the bike you're looking for in that price range without fun-robbing compromises. And that's only considering the used market.
If urban/pavement, mild off-roading suggests leisurely riding for exercise any entry level 29er is going to be just fine at 300#. Even if you start pushing it a little and start riding more aggressive terrain, I would just suggest replacing as needed (if needed). In the GTA, I suggest checking out the Jamis distributor that has a retail shop. You can pick up some really good deals. http://www.rbinc-sports.com/ Example http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1080862/ Beyond that, I'm not overly familiar with the entry level price points, but I think you are looking more in the $1000 range for a new, brand name entry level 29er. Beyond that, any of the major manufacturers (AKA any brand carried in a reputable shop) will have a descent entry level bike. Cannondale, giant, specialized, trek, kona, etc (and there are many other names)... Just check out shops and see who has some old stock lying around, probably the best bet on a deal. In terms of good shops in the GTA, there are many. Dukes, Cycle Solutions are two, that while I've never had any major dealings with, many friends are very happy with.
I'm 6'7" @ 260 (was almost 300 for a while) and just picked up a Fisher/Trek Marlin 29er disk, hard tail in a 23 inch frame. It was a little over $600. So far so good. Brakes are a little weak when I have my speed up, but I don't think they are even bedded in yet. Yes, I know it doesn't have the best components, but I'm also not the best rider. Came off a Fisher Tarpon that didn't fold under my weight.
And why not for Bikesdirect? Worked out well for me. I would have no issues using them again. Keeping in mind that I am not a world class serious mountain biker dude. Just an average guy that likes to ride some single track now and then and doesn't want to spend the same amount of money on a bicycle that I did on my motorcycle.
Any real reason for a 29er? I think that's what's gonna drive your price range up. I got into 'em because I found myself riding much rougher terrain than I was 2 years ago and wanted something to roll over obstacles more easily. I still have a 26er that I use for bike path duty and light trail riding...don't wanna wear the 29er tires on the pavement. I've seen some absolutely smokin' deals on 26" bikes lately too. I guess since 29 is becoming more prevalent, the demand for 26" is going down? Turning radius may be a compromise with many 29ers as well. My 26er handles more quickly and takes tighter turns than the 29ers - especially the SB. The wheelbase is so long on the SB that I can't make many of the switchbacks I could with the 26er. Tire selection for 26" is much better too.