Help me pick my next mountain bike! I'm trying not to get stuck three years from now with limited parts compatibility, as tends to happen in the MTB world.
My old bike (26", front/rear QR, 135mm rear spacing, 3x9) is giving up the ghost. I don't want to put a ton of money into upgrading individual obsolete parts. No room for argument here, I don't have any beef with 26", I just want to follow the market.
My trails (southeast US) are more XC than anything and have plenty of climbing. No such thing as an "easy" ride. If I ever race, it'll be XC-oriented or XTERRA tris.
Here's my main choices. I tried to pick similarly spec'd models:
1. Cannondale Habit SE 27.5" ($4,500) -- test rode this weekend, was a good ride, reasonably light and fast. Would be purchased at my long-time shop, and I would almost feel bad about NOT buying from here. Is 650B the future? Does it offer a big improvement over my 26" or should I go full wagon wheel?
2. Trek Fuel EX9 29" ($4,000) -- haven't ridden, but consistently praised as one of the best all-around bikes on the market. Is Boost the future or will it fizzle? I want choices when it's time to upgrade/replace. Also, free tune-ups at the Trek Store.
3. Rocky Mountain -- tested an Instinct BC edition, it was a little too much bike but thanks to the spec, it was still lighter and faster than I'm used to. No shop loyalty. Would look at other models too. I like the 29".
My old bike (26", front/rear QR, 135mm rear spacing, 3x9) is giving up the ghost. I don't want to put a ton of money into upgrading individual obsolete parts. No room for argument here, I don't have any beef with 26", I just want to follow the market.
My trails (southeast US) are more XC than anything and have plenty of climbing. No such thing as an "easy" ride. If I ever race, it'll be XC-oriented or XTERRA tris.
Here's my main choices. I tried to pick similarly spec'd models:
1. Cannondale Habit SE 27.5" ($4,500) -- test rode this weekend, was a good ride, reasonably light and fast. Would be purchased at my long-time shop, and I would almost feel bad about NOT buying from here. Is 650B the future? Does it offer a big improvement over my 26" or should I go full wagon wheel?
2. Trek Fuel EX9 29" ($4,000) -- haven't ridden, but consistently praised as one of the best all-around bikes on the market. Is Boost the future or will it fizzle? I want choices when it's time to upgrade/replace. Also, free tune-ups at the Trek Store.
3. Rocky Mountain -- tested an Instinct BC edition, it was a little too much bike but thanks to the spec, it was still lighter and faster than I'm used to. No shop loyalty. Would look at other models too. I like the 29".