My Two Favorite Toys

Yes, I drive a truck, and yes, I always will!  I have always been a GM guy, but man this Toyota is awesome!

The Giant is pretty bad ass too!

New Bike-Giant Yukon

Stopped by the local bike shop today to pick up a new tire for the old hardtail.  It seems I crumpled the last one on our ride a couple weeks ago.   While visiting the store, I noticed a bike on sale 40% off.  I thought what the hell, why not check it out.   Turns out, it was a 2010 Giant Yukon FX, full suspension mountain bike. I had previously done some research on this particular bike, and it was actually rated very high for a full suspension, entry to mid level mountain bike.  Outside of a few complaints about the front shock, it seems that everyone was in awe of the quality of bike that was available for slightly less than a grand.  When I saw this bike on sale for $600 bones, I could't resist.  Add in some Cranks Brothers Candy Mallet pedals, and I am in business.  Although I cannot really ride yet due to the fact that it raining like a monsoon and all of the trails are closed, I did get to ride a little around the neighborhood.  It is most definitely heavier than my hardtail, but I knew it was going to be.  However the ride was so smooth, it was awesome.  I did have to take the bike back to have the front Derailleur adjusted, as I have never been any good at adjusting the front. Nothing major and part of the deal.  Couple things I liked most about this bike..

1. The price was awesome
2. Bike shop is close
3. Lifetime warranty (free)
4. Crash warranty (free)
5. 4 inches of travel on rear shock
6. Rear AIR shock
7. SRAM components (although not the top line
8. Decent quality  mechanical disc brakes (will upgrade eventually)

I would say the one major flaw I could find so far is the front shock.  The Rox Shck Dart 2  might not be strong enough for my 220 lb frame.  However, so far, nothing major yet, but we will put it to the test soon enough.

So, here it is....

Question of the Day?

Cross Country Bike or All Mountain Bike?   Pros, Cons?   What do you have?  Why?  Is there any difference any more?


Let me know your thoughts.   I need help!

Next Bike?

As I continue my search for my next mountain bike, I was directed toward this beauty by a good friend of mind. This is a Fezzari Alta Peak (2010 model) available for about $1500 on the web.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Fezzari, it is sweet bike made in Utah and primarily available on line only, unless you live in Utah!  I thought I would share the specs and get some feedback as to whether I should purchase or not. This particular model is not the highest quality of the Fezzari line, but it is one of the top 3.  Any feedback would be awesome.

FRAMESET
Frame	Fezzari Racing Design Technology F6A 150mm Travel, sealed cartridge bearings on all pivots, replaceable derailleur hanger, water bottle bosses
Fork	RockShox Recon 335 Solo Air, 130 mm travel. 3-way adjustable with Preload Adjust, Rebound Adjust and Lockout
Rear Shock	RockShox Ario 3.2 air shock. 3-way adjustable with Preload Adjust, Rebound Adjust and Lockout
Sizes	S, M, L, XL (15", 17", 19", 21")
Headset	FSA, Integrated Aheadset, oversize bearings
DRIVETRAIN
Shifters	Shimano M-530 Deore Mega 9 STI Lever Set
Front Derailleur	Shimano Deore M-591, 34.9mm clamp
Rear Derailleur	Shimano XT M771-SGS
Cassette	SRAM Powerglide II PG-950 upgrade 11-34T, chrome plated
Crank	Truvativ FireX 3.0 GXP, all-mountain
Chainrings	44Ax32Sx22S, 4-bolt 104/64mm pattern, replaceable chainrings
Bottom Bracket	Truvativ GXP with external sealed cartridge bearings
Chain	KMC Z9000 9-speed
COCKPIT
Handlebars	Fezzari Racing Design Alloy, 31.8mm x 670 mm (customized sizing through 23-Point Custom Setup)
Stem	Fezzari 3D forged 31.8mm alloy, 7 degree, 4-bolt bar clamp (customized sizing through 23-Point Custom Setup)
Tape/Grips	Velo MTB grip, black, double density Kraton
Saddle	WTB Rocket V performance saddle
Seatpost	Alloy, blast black, 31.6 x 350-400 (customized sizing through 23-Point Custom Setup)
Pedals	Wellgo Ultra Narrow, CNC spindle, BMX-Style with Ultra-Grip Pattern
WHEELS
Rims	Mavic XM117 Disc. 15Gx32H alloy, diamond-shaped doublewall, black anodized
Hubs	Front Hub: disc, 32 hole, high-grade loose ball bearings, alloy Quick Release. Rear Hub: Shimano® M-475 disc, 32 hole, loose ball bearings, alloy Quick Release
Spokes	1.8mm (15g) black stainless, brass nipples
Tires	Maxxis Larsen TT 2.35 World Championship Tires
Tubes	Fezzari All-Mountain
BRAKES
Brakes	Avid Juicy 3 hydraulic discs, 160mm rotor
Brake Levers	Avid Juicy 3 with adjustable reach