Darn it...new bike blues

[SpeedyManiac]

I'll start off by saying I love my bike. My 2007 EC250 is a great bike that has worked flawlessly (minus an incident in Chile at the ISDE). That said, I got to ride a new EC300 at the GasGas demo in Squamish, BC over the weekend and all I can say is I have major bike envy. The 300 engine suits my riding style way better than the 250 and I like the 2009 chassis (sachs suspension is nice). I was worried the 300 would be too much motor, but it's actually easier to ride than the 250. I love the roll-on torque!

Now, I just need to figure out how to get one!

Oh, and by the way GasGas absolutely cleaned up at the Cat Scratch Fever harescrambles. 3rd pro/overall, 1st expert/5th overall, 3rd expert/9th overall, 1st intermediate, 2nd vet expert, etc, etc. I think pretty much everyone on a GasGas left with a trophy on Sunday! I was 3rd expert and ended up beating 6 out of 10 pros. Trials riders cleaned up, and anyone with a trials tire on the rear had a huge advantage!

 

[jhendr3702]

i hear ya... I know mine are not new, but I love my 300, easiest/best bike I have ever rode. period... now i bought that 250 for my boy to ride and i have to admit I have been spending some amount of time on it too and it is a blast.. way more snappier than the 300 and a wheelie machine, but in the end, the 300 fits my style better.
too bad i was not there, I could have been the only gg rider without a trophy...
too old, too broken down, too scared, take your pick of excuses but down blame the bike......

 

[tm_enduro]

Darn, I should have come up to Squamish for that ride. I agree that the 300 is an amazing bike, probably the best compromise of power / torque / weight / handling / etc ever.

 

[2 strokes 4 life]

You should wait another year so I can buy your 07 250 from you. I want a newer Gasgas for next season.

 

[hasslbri]

I hate to fuel the fire. But yes, the 09 300s are the sh!t. You could get a new one or wait and see what the 10' models do. You would get the new frame for sure. A couple of pounds less couldn't hurt. I totally agree on the 300 vs. 250. The 300 is such a no brain, easy to ride, work horse that can be riddin just stupid fast even when you are dog tired. The 250s have never been my favorite. That little bit of mid-hit throws me off in the technical stuff. You jet the 300 right and it is everybit as snappy and fast on top as the 250. Just thicker and smoother, and can be ridden to the point of stalling so much easier.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Any word on changes for the 2010 bikes? I'm starting to put away money for a 300 and will probably buy one in the fall. If there's major changes for 2010 I'll hold out for one of those, otherwise I'll probably look for a 2009 EC300 Racing.

 

[hasslbri]

I only know of the new frame. Not a huge change but will be a possitive one for sure.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

Hmmm. 2010s will be out around September-October so maybe I'll hold off until they're released.

 

[MattR]

Why not convert your 250 into a 300? This will give you some seat time with the 300 characteristics and get you ready for the next bike.

 

[GMP]

When I talkd to the Christini guys this winter, they told me GasGas was going to do some detailing on the frame like beefed up subframe mounts, captive fasteners, etc. to bring it up a level in fit and finnish.

 

[F_G]

When I talkd to the Christini guys this winter, they told me GasGas was going to do some detailing on the frame like beefed up subframe mounts, captive fasteners, etc. to bring it up a level in fit and finnish.

I just switched over from the "other" bike (orange, 12 years) and while the GasGas isn't quite as polished, be careful what you wish for, captive fasteners, while convenient, sure become a pain in the butt when the threads get buggered or stripped. Piece of cake to change out a nylock nut.