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GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
Equipment DetailsManufacturer: GMC Brand: GMC Model: 72670 Color: Black Product features: - 21-speed mountain bike features a full-suspension, strong aluminum frame
- Floating beam suspension design is mated to a Zoom suspension fork with elastomer/spring technology
- Microshift push shifters and Shimano TZ-30GS derailleur
- Strong aluminum wheelset featuring V-shape rim profile and high-flange alloy hubs
- Front and rear Promax disk brakes work great, even in adverse conditions
Accessories:
Sports reviews of GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain BikeCustomer Review: Excellent entry-level mountain bike Sport shop rating: 5 Stars
The bike is a steal for the price (I paid $250 in June 2010). It looks great, feels great and handles really well. I give it five stars because it works for me exactly/better than I expected. If you are a first timer or novice or have limited use, this bike works!
I did not assemble it - a friend did - so I cannot comment on that.
The bike rides as expected and as many have commented - it is heavy, but then again, you cannot compare it to a road bike. The shifter are good (occasional problems because of my errors). The ride is good. The front suspension is "very dynamic," i.e., it gives a little even on the smallest bump but you do not feel it (there is no way to compare with and without the front suspension and I do not know how to make it "less giving"). I have gone down a 30 degree incline rough trail and was not been knocked-off, so the dual suspension may be working (again, I cannot tell the difference).
The disc brake comments you may read elsewhere... I feel that those reviewers are expecting a lot for the money. First of all, most people go mountain biking it good weather and the advantage of disc brakes is moot (in this novice users opinion). Nonetheless, the brakes work fine.
My only gripe about the bike is that the front handle cannot be raised. I am 6'2" and need the seat to be higher to have a comfortable ride, and not being able to raise the front handle is a problem after long rides because of stooping down. I guess road bikers do it all the time and may be it is a problem for me because I am not active as I once used to be or I am not using proper posture during rest of the day. Also, the local salesperson was pushing a 29er. Maybe that is what I needed. Try out some bikes before you decide on the frame size (this one is 26").
Another thing that is not mentioned elsewhere is that the handle grip is pretty knobby. I wear some cheap weight-lifting gloves and that works out fine. I guess I will learn the advantage of that knobby-grip on a really rough hill someday.
I am not much into regular "exercising" and I have found a new way to get at least some cardio in every other day through this bike. There are some good trails close-by and I cannot wait to get on that bike. I have since bought at least $100 worth of accessories including a baby seat for my 2.5 year old daughter, helmets for us, gel gloves, computer, bike pump, etc.
All in all, if you are an avid mountain biker then this bike may not be for you. But if you are just starting like me, or are doing it for occasional use and light trails, and are not tall this is an excellent bike to purchase.
Description of GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain BikeMens GMC Topkick 26" Dual suspension Bike with Shimano 21 speed index gearing~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368) EST., for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information (or) www.services@kentbicycles.com Boasting a full-suspension, extra-strong aluminum frame, the GMC Topkick mountain bike is an ideal choice for both trail riding and rough city riding. The frame employs a floating beam suspension design mated to a Zoom suspension fork with elastomer/spring technology. This gives the bike a smooth, steady performance even on rough terrain. The Topkick's drivetrain, meanwhile, is outfitted with Microshift push shifters that control Shimano's tried-and-true TZ-30GS derailleur. The drivetrain also offers a strong aluminum wheel set with a V-shape rim profile and high-flange alloy hubs. And to keep you stopping smoothly in any circumstance, the Topkick boasts front and rear Promax disc brakes. Disc brakes are vastly superior to rim brakes, especially under adverse road conditions. True to its GMC roots, the Topkick mountain bike is rugged, good looking, and built for the long haul. Specifications: - Frame: 26-inch full-suspension aluminum MTB frame
- Fork: Zoom CH-386 suspension fork, 65mm travel
- Shocks: Kind Shock, adjustable to 650 pounds
- Chain: KMC Z51
- Crankset: Alloy ISA 335P, 28/38/48, L170mm
- Front derailleur: Falcon MF 31 T
- Rear derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS SIS, 7 speed
- Shifters: Microshift TS-50 ADII index L3/R7
- Brake levers: GP 30 AP aluminum
- Brakes: LCHI DSK-320 disc brakes, 160mm
- Rims: Alloy black 26 x 1.5 inches
- Tires: Kenda black with yellow band 700 x 25C
- Stem: A-head TDS63K-8, EXT: 100mm, 15D
- Handlebar: HL-MTB 153, W: 600mm, R: 30mm
- Saddle: Velo, black padded
- Seat post: Alloy micro-adjust 27.2 x 300mm with quick-release
The GMC Topkick 21-Speed Mountain Bike features a full-suspension, strong aluminum frame that utilizes a floating beam suspension design that is mated to a Zoom suspension fork with elastomer/spring technology. The Topkick's drivetrain starts with Microshift push shifters. These shifters control Shimano's tried and true TZ-30GS derailleur. The drivetrain finishes up with a strong aluminum wheelset featuring V-shape rim profile and high-flange alloy hubs. Stopping is handled by Promax disk brakes on the front and rear. These brakes are vastly superior to rim brakes, especially under adverse road conditions. True to it's GMC roots, this bicycle is rugged, good looking, and built for the long haul. GMC Topkick Mountain Bike Specifications - Frame: 26-inch full suspension aluminum MTB frame
- Fork: Zoom CH-386 suspension fork 65mm travel
- Shocks: Kind Shock adjustable 650 pounds
- Chain: KMC Z 51
- Crankset: Alloy ISA 335P 28x38x48 L170mm
- Front Derailleur: Falcon MF 31 T
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TZ30GS SIS 7SPD
- Shifters: Microshift TS-50 ADII index L3/R7
- Brake Levers: GP 30 AP aluminum
- Brakes: LCHI DSK-320 disk brake 160mm
- Rims: Alloy black 26-inch X1.5
- Tires: Kenda black with yellow band 700X25C
- Stem: A-head TDS63K-8 EXT:100mm 15D
- Handlebar: HL-MTB 153 W: 600mm R:30mm
- Sadle: Velo black padded
- Seat Post: Alloy micro adjust 27.2 X 300mm with quick-release
Amazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide Finding the Right Bike To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike: The Right Ride In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories: - Road and Racing Bikes--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain.
- Mountain Bikes--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine.
- Comfort/Cruiser Bikes--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family.
The Right Price A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability. - Entry-level--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use.
- Mid-range--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension.
- High-end--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultra-lightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action.
The Right Size Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips: - Stand-over Height--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height.
- Top Tube Length--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit.
- Bikes for Women--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance.
The Right Accessories When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons: - Helmet (this is a must!)
- Seat pack
- Lock
- Hydration pack, or water bottles and bottle cages
- Spare tubes
- Portable bike pump
- Gloves
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