Trek '07 vs '08 or other

[splitcrow]

My brother is just getting into the good mtn biking and is buying his first bike. Is it worth him holding out for the '08 Treks (price range $350ish) or should he steal a deal on an '07? Are there any improvements he would miss out on? Is there another brand for that price range that would better suit him (light trail/non-commuter bike)?

Thanks a bunch,

SC

[DaveG]

My brother is just getting into the good mtn biking and is buying his first bike. Is it worth him holding out for the '08 Treks (price range $350ish) or should he steal a deal on an '07? Are there any improvements he would miss out on? Is there another brand for that price range that would better suit him (light trail/non-commuter bike)?

Thanks a bunch,

SC

Most brands are pretty much the same, and don't change much year to year. I'd say shop around between Trek/Specialized/Giant/Kona etc etc and see which ones fit and which ones have the best deal on 07 models.

Dave

[jon_baler]

The shop should be able to answer that, or check the specs online or in a catalog.

When I bought my trek fuel ex8, the '06 didn't have the features of an '05 (remote dual suspension control).

[Auger N]

While most brands have incremental improvements from year to year, in the price range you are talking about I think the differences would be negligible.

However, I would take advantage of end-of-year closeouts so he gets a better '07 bike with those $350 than he would with a full retail '08.

Also, I've found that in that price range you will likely get a better bang for your buck by going with a non-major brand name bike. For example, something from REI (Novarra) or Performance.

[punga]

My brother is just getting into the good mtn biking and is buying his first bike. Is it worth him holding out for the '08 Treks (price range $350ish) or should he steal a deal on an '07? Are there any improvements he would miss out on? Is there another brand for that price range that would better suit him (light trail/non-commuter bike)?

Thanks a bunch,

SC
In most cases, things don't change very much from year to year, but...

I saw some Trek ads in the latest Dirt Rag which look like they've redesigned their full suspension design. They've moved some pivots around the chain and seat stays in an attempt to fix the worst aspects of Trek's design (stiff suspension while braking, chain length changing through the range of travel). Not warding you off the 07s, but you might want to check out the 08s to see if Trek is on to something.

p!

[FIX_BKS]

I think in that price range definitely go with a deal on an '07. The only major differences might be what make/model suspension fork is on it. You'll likely be able to pull off something like a Giant Rincon, Kona Caldera, or Specialized Hardrock for that price if there's a good sale on '07's.

Plus, he'll likely get a better frame by buying a discounted bike which would better suit some upgrades next year!

[DaveG]

In most cases, things don't change very much from year to year, but...

I saw some Trek ads in the latest Dirt Rag which look like they've redesigned their full suspension design. They've moved some pivots around the chain and seat stays in an attempt to fix the worst aspects of Trek's design (stiff suspension while braking, chain length changing through the range of travel). Not warding you off the 07s, but you might want to check out the 08s to see if Trek is on to something.

p!


Not sure they'll be any of those new Treks for $350 :)