After I move this winter I think I am going to get a new mountain bike. Don’t plan on doing any super-technical riding, some easy trails, maybe some light adventure racing and an Xterra tri or something like that. Don’t plan on doing any really technical mountain biking. I’d like to stay below $2,000 and think for my needs a hardtail is the best bet, getting a hardtail with good components as opposed to a heavy entry-level FS with lower level components (I know some people will recommend used, but for now I am just comparing hardtails). Any info or thoughts on the bikes below?
As I said, I am leaning towards the Trek unless someone can absolutely convince me that the only way to go is a 29er. I like the bike, the components and the price. Any advice would be appreciated.
A side note about 29ers… I actually ride an On-One Inbred 26" but one of my friends is a local fabricator of 29ers specifically. He had me try one and I noticed a large difference in the balance, handling, and clearing obsticles. He said the differences and benifits are much more pronounced for the taller riders. I am 6’2" and could instantly tell the difference between my On-One and his 29er (Engin). I really liked it, more than my current ride (not willing to buck up right now), but he also said for smaller riders around 5’4" and below he actually recomends standard 26" unless they are super agressive because the geometry they used wouldn’t suit smaller riders. Don’t know if it is total BS but i am relaying what they told me and what I experienced.
Honestly, I don’t think you have to spend nearly that much money to get a good hardtail mtb. It’s one of those areas in the bike industry that seems to be a bit topped out. A couple of years ago I bought a K2 Team Zed hardtail and spent a grand total of $850. The component list isn’t quite as good as the bikes you’re looking at, but mtb components tend to need pretty regular replacing if you’re riding hard. I’d put the K2, performance wise, up against any other 26" hardtail.
What’s the deal with the two Gary Fisher’s at the same price point? It seems the Ferrous has a steeper head tube angle. Is one built for something that the other isn’t? I see you sort of recommended to Paragon, why that over the Ferrous? I don’t know enough to recognize the difference there. Thanks.
I recently had the chance to try two hardtails back to back. One was a Cannondale 29’er 1 and the other a blinged out Carbon hardtail, the Taurine team. Despite the fact that the Taurine was carbon, and much lighter there is no way you would get me to ride a 26" wheel hardtail after riding the 29’er. It felt smoother and the rear end didnt jump around as much and pound my kidneys. In full suspension its a different story (I’ll stick with my 650b converted Cannondale Rush), but for hardtails go with the 9’er.
You’d need to know someone in San Diego to pick this up for you, but Trek San Diego is selling the Elite 9.8 full-carbon top-of-the-line hardtail, for $1999. Normally $4K.
(I still have my old Dakota from 2003. I almost think I’ve ridden this bike more than all the other bikes I have and have had combined. It now serves as a winter commuter, with rigid fork and studded tires. Good bike, although sizing is difficult. Few sizes, short top tube. I’m 178 cm, on a 19" with 90 mm stem, straight seatpost and flat handlebars.)
I just purchased a Specialized Stumpjumper Comp from the shop where I work. It is about $1850 and it comes in at 19 lbs. out of the box. It’s light, responsive and a really good ride. Good component spec: SRAM x-9 RD, shimano slx fd and crank, fox float fork, DT swiss wheels. http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=39218&eid=99
26" wheels are like the old Scott aero bars, they work, but others are better, just like a 29’er. Salsa make awesome bikes. The GF’s tend to handle very slowly with the new G2 geometry. See the Mamasita below - you can buy as a bike, or as a frameset and build it up to your own specs…