XC K2 or Proflex?

[Dave_Wilson]

I've been enjoying my K2 Animal here in south Florida for the past six months.  But yesterday I went to my first mountain bike race, and I noticed that nobody else had a bike with a big swingarm and lots of travel.  Plus their bikes weighed  about 15 pounds less.  My Animal really makes for a comfy ride, but I'd like to try something a little lighter.  But there's brand loyalty to consider.

So does K2 make anything for XC riding?  Something with a light little swingarm with a couple inches of travel?  And that weighs about 27 pounds?

thanks,
Dave

[Ionit]

Of course they do Dave. You should really look into a Razorback. They have all the travel you need for XC and it is much lighter then the Animal. There are so many you could buy on E-bay.
I don't get why you want to be so loyal to K2. If you really want to do well at your local race try looking for a bike that will suit you. Find your measurements or go to a bike shop where they can recommend a bicycle that will accommodate your body type. The Brand of bicycle should come second.
Hey! if the bike that suits you happens to be a K2 then that’s just Dandy.

[Matno]

Hey, the Razorback just happens to be one of the better, lighter, and cheaper XC racing bikes out there. Plenty of great deals to be had. The newer ones even come with a Fox rear shock (which is better than the older Noleens). The higher end Razorback actually came stock weighing 23 lbs! Not bad for a 3" travel bike with remote lockout on the rear shock.

[dan hager]

 ;)proflex practically invented the light f/s xc bike. you could find a '97 proflex that has a noleen shock. but the best deal is the razorback. there are a lot of grassroot team frames/bikes out there for real cheap. the razorback was a highly praised copy of an expensive turner design.
check ebay and the mtbr marketplace. i've seen all sizes for sale, cheap. and you can use discs on the razor.
my '01 large razor weighs a little over 25lb. and that's with discs and a heavy duty wheelset.

[k2biker]

Dave,
Like you, I own one of those big swing arm babies -- a '98 Beast.  I raced it until about 3 weeks ago!  Several standard races, and (5) endurance races. I'm now on a Zed 4.0 and couldn't be happier  [smiley=laughing.gif].  

For the last few years, my friends have been telling me to ditch the Beast, but no- I've had to stand by the bike and look stupid pushing this thing up climbs. Now, I can actually ride the bike -- the new Zed that is -- up the hills.  Much better grasshopper!

However, if you want to stick with a fully and with K2, go with the RB.  If you want something that can handle a bit more, I have a brand new Evo frame with Risse shock I'm willing to part with for cheap!  I have pics of frame and shocks if you're interested.

If you ever get up to Atlanta, look me up.  If you do any 12 or 24 hour races this year, look me up -- I'll prolly be there.  

What part of South FLA are you in?  There used to be some decent riding in Ft Pierce.  The old K-Mart trails in West Palm got bulldozed not long ago.  I hear that the Gulf coast has some decent riding -- near Tampa-- although I have not made it there yet.  Also very good riding in Ocala at Razorback Mtn Bike Park.  you should check it out!

[smiley=beer.gif]

[Dave_Wilson]

I'm glad I posted here.  I was thinking of a Cannondale Scalpel or Jekyll purely for the cool factor of the Lefty fork, but after reading the responses here I started looking at the Razorback.  I may just buy a frame and build it up.  It will make for a nice comparison with the '98 Animal.  Will report back here if I do it.

I'm in West Palm Beach.  We've got Jonathan Dickinson Park with about 10 miles of single track.  Also Quiet Waters and Markham further south.  Me and a friend are looking at a short road trip to north Georgia in May.  What is good to ride outside Atlanta, or north of there?

thanks,
Dave

[Phillip]

I've heard good things about the Ft Pierce trails from riders who have been there. Here's a link from mtb review:

http://tinyurl.com/34bhe

20 reports with an average of 4.2 is a pretty high rating. Of special note to you, there is NO sugar sand like Jonathon Dickinson!

If you go there, please email me with your assessment. I would consider making the 1:15 hour drive if it's any good.
Phillip
Orlando

[bayarearider]

Hey k2biker,

can you send me some details on the evo frame.  I might be interested.

PM Me

later

[k2biker]

The Ft Pierce trails are pretty good, at least for when I was there.  There was a cool teeter totter too  [smiley=beer.gif]

As for trails in the ATL, take your pic -- Olympic trail at Conyers, Gainesville has several trails, Dausett Nature Center south of town (in Jackson, GA) is schweet, then you gots the mountains about an hour and a half north of town.  

Drop me an email when you're finalizing your trip plans and we can try to get together while your here.  If you have a road bike and you're coming during the week, bring it as well and I'll get you hooked into our group rides.  Good training for the trail my friend and there's about 100 + in the group, depending on which one you do.