Product DescriptionMens 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.comAmazon.com Product DescriptionThe 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
ReviewsI picked this up for $100 even, its an ok bike. I find the tires/rims combination to be awkward, the deep V rims are so very narrow compared to the wider knobby tires. there is a very noticeable wiggle (from the tire flexing side to side) when on slanted surfaces or after hitting small bumps.
Like most people have commented, the brakes will almost certainly require adjustment, and the rear calliper does rub (just adjust the large retainer nut on the spoke side of the brake calliper, this adjusts the stationary pad). I still only ride this bike for short distances due to a flat tire i got on my first ride (the puncture was spoke side, so wasn't road debris). I might purchase a wider rim for the rear in the future.
I paid for overnighting my package, which didn't arrive for two days, but that's besides the point. The assembly was simple. It took me some time figuring out how to adjust the disc brakes and get them aligned, but once they were, they work great. I've had the bike for a couple of weeks now and taken it on road and trails.
Pros:Awesome look, good suspension, smooth ride, nice brakes.
Cons:painful seat, heavy(its makes a big difference when you're trying to go uphill), shifters kind of crapy. I was surprised how they jump in and out and have a hard time staying on the right track. I might need them looked at and pay for them to be aligned.
All in all, I'm happy and will have a nice ride for a year or two. I probably won't buy a bike online again. I think it's more important to be able to ride the bike and feel how it rides and handles vs. just getting a good price and selection. Thanks Amazon!
I got this bike for my husband for his birthday. I put it together in about 2 1/2 hours myself, and test rode it, seems to be working well. The toughest thing was adjusting the disc brakes, which I had never done before. I found it easier to adjust like this: loosen all four bolts holding the caliper assembly on, then lock the brake, tighten the two bolts attaching the assembly, release the brake, spin the tire while manually fine-tuning the position of the pads while looking head-on to see a little daylight on each side of the disc and hear no rubbing, then tighten the remaining two bolts a little at a time while maintaining the position of the caliper by hand. I also had to tweak the inside pad 1/4 turn counter-clockwise, but it worked well! Just need to see how my hubby likes it. The bike looks great, but is heavy. I will try to update this after he's ridden the bike for a bit.
UPDATE: He likes the bike, it handles well and is a good fit for him (he is 6'2"). I thought the handlebars seem a little low, but he hasn't mentioned this as a problem. I had to adjust the front brake one more time after he'd ridden it a few times, but now seems to be just right. Seems to be a good investment, I recommend to anyone looking for a good quality, dual suspension mountain bike at a very affordable price. Also, I just uploaded some photos of the bike so that you can see more detail, look for them to show soon on the product page.
The rear disc disc brake was found to always touch the disk, slowing down the bike quickly. Loosing the brake pad to make some space resulted in rear brake not functioning. An enclosed manual was very poor in its content, so I could not figure out how to resolve this problem. Very disappointed. I am going to return it.
First, based on my experience, don't rely on the specifications posted here for the GMC Topkick Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike; actual parts used and their specifications may vary. Kent does not publish the same specifications.
Second, the original inner tubes for this bike are short on MTB durability and replacements are rare. The tubes on mine have a 48mm or "Long" Schrader valve stem rather than a standard length Schrader, which will not extend through the deep-v rim used on this bike. You can order replacements directly from Kent, use a Schrader valve extension, or convert to inner tubes with 48mm Presta stems.
In a little over three months of ownership, various components and assemblies have needed repair or replacement, including the inner tubes, pedals, brake discs, hub, and cables. Kent International has been very courteous in my dealings with them.
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