2011 Windsor Cliff 4700
Assembly
Out of the box it took 20 minutes to assemble. I removed the stock tires (Kenda Kobra 2.1) I opted for Kenda Nevegal 2.35 front and Kenda Excavator 2.35 rear. I was surprised at how tall the 2.35's are! it almost looks like a 29er now:)
* Update I gave this bike to my son and removed the Nevegal and Excavator 2.35's and installed a 2.1 nevegal up front and a small block 8 in the back.
This bike is still lighter than my Fantom Trail by about 2lbs. My son is 6' 2" 275 lbs and alread squashed the stock wheels. We replaced them with the WTB speed Discs that come on the Fantom Trail. They were about 135.00 from Bikeisland.com.
First Impressions:
Weld and paint quality - very good
Preassembly - Very good
Stock tire selection - Poor
Components - Good
Parts fit - Good
The bike feels very solid. I weigh 235lbs and have hopped some curbs and taken some small jumps so far so good. Bike weighs approx 28 lbs
The shifting out of the box was perfect but, with more use and cable stretching I'm sure it will need adjustments.
The disc brakes are confidence inspiring and amazing compared to v-brakes. I needed to adjust them a bit though.
I have taken it on one muddy rocky sandy trail and it seems to be agile and perform well. I will update as I go on more rides.
Windsor Cliff 4700
Commentary:
I did a lot of research on mountain bikes and found there really are only two maybe three main differences that affect cost - frame/frame material and components. Frame geometry is important too depending on how you ride but, I haven't seen it affect cost in my research except the more radical the geometry the more radical the bike due to purpose built full suspension bikes rarely have entry level parts.
You could be riding a race inspired frame, a racing frame or a purpose designed frame. With various levels of components all impacting the cost.
Somebody considering a mountain bike purchase should know the quality of the frame and the level of components to get a good value. Most folks will immediately buy a name brand bike to be safe although this may not always be the best value except when it is sold on Craigs list. Others will go to the large discount stores and buy a inexpensive bike and wonder why they hate riding it.
Various component manufacturers will also have component levels like SRAM, Suntour, Truativ etc. Making things even more confusing and complicated.
Shimano Mountain Bike Component levels
LEVEL 1 (Least expensive usually found on discount stores bikes)
SIS-5 speed/6 speed/7 speed
ALTUS-7 speed
ACERA-7 speed/8 speed
LEVEL 2 (Usually found on name brand entry level bikes)
ALIVO-7 speed/8 speed.
DEORE-9 speed
LEVEL 3 ( Usually found on intermediate bikes)
DEORE LX-9 speed
LEVEL 4 (Usually found on intermediate to advanced bikes)
DEORE XT-9 speed
LEVEL 5 (Usually found on high end bikes)
DEORE XTR-9 speed
Tips:
Know that caged bearings are the cheapest oldest technology and the least expensive.
Look for sealed, cartridge or contact bearings (these will increase the cost!)
Check
- Hub bearing type
- Bottom bracket bearing type
- Headset bearing type
Use common sense unless you can afford it no really. Just like $200.00 basketball shoes won't make you a professional basketball player a, race bike will not make a beginer a downhill racer. Of course you will look really cool when you crash that expensive bike.
A little tire tech:
What is TPI? Threads per inch
Threads Per Inch this is how much/many fibers of thread are encased in the rubber. The more thread the lighter and more pliable the tire. The less TPI the heavier and less pliable the tire will be. So for example a race tire might have a 320 TPI level and weigh mere grams.
Most mountain bike tires I have seen are 60 to 120 TPI.
Just like other components, tires have various levels too for all levels of biking. The expense will depend on the characteristics you desire from being puncture resistant, grip, weight and tread type.
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