MTB78
Edmonton
Age: 32
Posts: 1
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pothead wrote: There's a general consensus among experienced mountain bikers that if you’re unsure which bike to buy, then buy Specialized. They always get good reviews and are rated among the best there is with unbeatable bang for a buck. However Specialized bikes will likely cost $1000+
Specialized also make best tires for mountain bikes. End of story.
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I disagree. Not that Specialized has bad bikes, but if you're unsure of which bike to buy then you haven't received professional service by shops that have properly fitted you to a bike. A proper fit is THE MOST IMPORTANT factor in buying a new bike. There are several things an expert will look for when sizing you. First, frame size is the first step in the sizing process. If the frame isn't the right size, no amount of saddle/stem/bar adjustments will work. Then they will properly adjust your saddle height and saddle position (and a good shop will swap a comfortable saddle onto the bike for your test ride). Demand that they check the riding position of your torso and arms. Again, a good shop will change the stem, if need be, to a shorter/longer/lower/higher stem to ensure efficiency and comfort. But these should be minor tweaks at most. After all this, it is likely that the brand/model/color that you intended to buy is not the proper bike for you at all. There are many excellent brands on the market (including Specialized) but that doesn't mean that all of these brands are right for you. Go into the buying process with an open mind, take the time to learn and don't be pressured into buying quickly.
Regarding Specialized tires, this is a personal preference and a choice suited to your riding style/terrain/conditions. Specialized accessories are generally not as highly regarded as their bikes, although that doesn't mean that there isn't a Specialized tire for you. I believe that there are generally better tires on the market, manufactured by companies that deal strictly in tires and accessories. Brand such as Schwalbe, Michelin, Kenda, WTB, Geax, Hutchinson and Continental all have excellent tires in their lines. I wouldn't issue a blanket statement by saying that ALL of their tires are excellent. I can't tell you how many times I've seen somebody buy a tire because they liked the brand and the look of the tire, only to find out that they've been riding a dry dirt trail with an inefficient mud tire. If you're unsure of which tread and size to buy, try visiting a smaller, service-oriented shop. These shops often have experienced racers on staff that are more than willing to share their knowledge. Racers are typically picky about tires and own different sets for every riding style/condition.
As far as the original question regarding "Best Stores to Buy Mountain Bike in Edmonton", I stand behind smaller shops. They don't have the ability to stock hundreds of models, so they've done a lot of the work in advance by carrying the best of the best. These shops live-and-die on the quality of their knowledge and service. I've never had a bad experience at Hardcore or Pedalhead. Both are owner-operated and stocked with knowledgeable sales and service staff. They retain their staff year to year and are full of knowledge. Many larger shops don't have this luxury. The goal at large shops is to build bikes as fast as they can be sold, which often compromises customer service and the quality of the build. And honestly, doesn't it feel like you made the right choice when you wheel into the shop a year later for a tuneup and they actually remember you?
But hey, that's just me.
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