Hot bike related bargains

[Varaxis]

If anyone's looking for an entry level bike (29er HT) with decent parts spec, perhaps for a friend interested in getting into the sport, and fit one the only two sizes left (5'7" - 5'9" for size 15.5 or 6'3 - 6'5" for size 21), I think this one's worth a look at $699. It's got name brand brakes, a decent fork, and real wheels and tires, which should qualify it for real trails.

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/29point4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gra ... point4.htm</a>

(click for larger pic)


If anyone wants a high end carbon UST 15 QR front wheel for their 26" trail/AM bike, check out this Easton Haven Carbon for $370+tax. Once it's gone, it's gone. The other shops refuse to even match this price. The rear wheel is an okay deal too, but it can't be converted to 142x12, unless you send the wheel to Easton for a hub swap (covered under their 2 year No Questions Asked warranty) and buy the axle kit, which would cost $30ish + all the SH costs. The hubs on these don't require the bearing spacer upgrade.

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.jensonusa.com/Easton-Haven-Carbon-UST-26-Wheel-2012" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.jensonusa.com/Easton-Haven-C ... Wheel-2012</a>

If anyone finds deals on hot "trendy" gear that people are looking for as upgrades, such as clutch rear derailleurs, short stems, wide carbon bars, dropper posts, tires, high end suspension, etc. please share! Or if you can find better deals than what's posted, please share!

 

[Varaxis]

Drivetrain worn out? Is it slipping when you apply torque, skipping gears, dropping chains, chain sucking (jamming between the ring and frame), making a loud racket when going down rough trails? Upgrade to 10 speed on the cheap:

Shimano SLX 10 speed 11-34 cassette + SLX HG75 chain deal at Merlin Cycles for $42 (or 11-36 for another $11)

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-slx-10-speed-cassette-49512.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-slx ... 49512.html</a>

Shimano Deore Clutch RD at Merlin Cycles for $32

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-deore-m615-shadow-rear-derailleur-62709.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-deo ... 62709.html</a>

Shimano Deore 10 spd Shifters at JensonUSA for $24

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bike-Shifters/Shimano-Deore-M591-Oe-Shift-Levers" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bike- ... ift-Levers</a>

Can keep your existing crankset and FD, but better to replace rings if they're worn out. Maybe simplify and go 1x, with one of the new "Narrow Wide" chainrings:

<a class="postlink" href="http://www.bikeman.com/CR5241.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.bikeman.com/CR5241.html</a>

^ Note that you can get Jenson to price match that.