opinions if y'all would

[jack]

i've been building me an "all mountain" style bike in keeping with the discussions i've been having with my doctors and co about my future as a mountain biker. basically, everyone (myself included) has come to the conclusion that falling off and hitting my head would be a bad thing seeing as this could (inspite of their titanium construction) damage my cochlear implants!

at the moment its shaping up nicely with a freshly powdercoated hardrock frame and drop-off forks. i've been given a promotion of sorts at work though, meaning i can clock ALOT of hours during the holidays now. so i've been looking at upgrading to my first full bounce rig.

bearing in mind my budgie (haha) the top of which is about £800 do you think i would be better off going for this (or similar) and using my fairly decent parts package?
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/ElectroPeach/Gallery_PrestonFR1small.jpg

or this, which leapt out of mbuk at me with a good review and of course the fact that i could get 10% off at rasen bikes?
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f95/ElectroPeach/GOOSE.jpg

so what you all think?

[Hatchleader]

welcome to my dilemha!! been looking at the preston fr meself and it looks great!! only problem is that with those drop offs front end might be a bit steep for any extreme stuff you fancy having a pop at!! ment for 150mm fork really but might be ok!! love the mongoose tho and it ment to be a bit more friendly towards extrme end of riding!! if you fancy something abit more 4xish then have alook at the kona howler frame or avent arson both got 4in travel but with that fork would give you a good all round bike!! let me know what you decide on as after something similar!!

[jack]

quite like the look of both those alternatives there, but still prefer the preston. still open to suggestions though.

[jack]

oh and i'll be selling frame&forks plus lots of extras so bear in mind if anyone wants it. dont want to list it yet though as i havn't had a chance to strip it and dont know when i will.

[Baker]

I can't help you on that sorr mate. I like the look of both but then the transition best so that might be a bit of help! I have never seen any one riding either, either.

[Hatchleader]

preston my favorite too and after looking at geometry on the website it looks like it got a very slack head angle with a 150mm fork so you might get away with the drop offs!! might get one for my new frame???;)

[Ben]

thaught about an option after you had gone from the shop jack, the giant reign, light, strong (gee's snow jump to prove) ideal for your drop offs but i am affriad its £10 over your budgie at £810 (£900 rrp with 10% discount)

Click pic for full effect

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/images/_upload_uk/bikes/models/zooms/2006/Reign%201S%20%20Flat.jpg

[Meep]

The video of the preston on the transition sites good too :)
Coiler would make a nice all mountain frame aswell, i think all the owners swear by them neway.

actually, giant reign all the way.........ummmm sooo gorgeous

[jack]

okay, i've begun to strip my chase (with a few tears for fond memories lol) so its going on trailblazerz presently.

i do like the look of the reign and the funky pedaling technology sounds very appealing as i will be putting in the miles on it! but that preston is screaming at me hmmmm, tough choice, i have a while to make my mind up though.

what shock comes standard on the reign, looks like a fox but cant tell from that picture. the preston comes with a romic twin tube or manitou 4-way as standard.

i've just been looking at the geometry aswell on the preston and you're right, i thin i will get away with it, but it'll take a helluva lot of gettin used to after what i've been riding!

[jack]

DEAR GOD, am i seeing things? http://www.dotbike.com/Products/ProductsS18C64P1145.aspx?Track=FGL

[jack]

the yellow ones (i dont have a problem with yellow) dont seem to be as popular and are sub £700!!!

[Hatchleader]

sweet!! mountain cycle are meant to be great bikes!! but £700 seems like alot for a bike.... i'd rather pay about £350 for a suspension bike!!! lol ;)

[jack]

o shurrup you lol. seems like a sweet deal for that frame tho.

[jack]

i think i might just stick with my hardrock for now. and buy some swanky parts for it.

[jack]

sooooooooooooooooooo, swanky parts. i was thinking som ex721's on hope xc hubs, some xt or lx cranks. to get me started? an maybe look for some raceface deus or atlas stem and bars on ebay?