Just starting my search into a new mountain bike for fall riding. The last mtn bike I bought was back in 98. Im looking for a hardtail nothing crazy I spend enough on my tri bike. So far I’ve looked at the trek 8500 and the entry level felt. Any others I should check out?
What’s your range? $$
I like the specialized - they come with really nice Fox forks - IMO, a good fork is more important than a good frame.
If you like steel, check the Jamis Dakota XC.
Another vote for the Steel Jamis bikes.
Me 3 on a Jamis steel bike! I just got mine last month and I’m afraid I won’t get back on my tri bike now.
Where are you going to ride. If you don’t need full suspension for your terrain, how about a cyclocross bike isntead - not for racing but for fun.
Why the hardtail? You’d have to work very hard to convince me a hardtail is better than full suspension for the vast majority of people. A little extra spent will probably equate to a lot more enjoyment in the long run.
FS technology is becoming very good even at the lower $$ range.
I’ll have to think a bit more about this one. Have you posted on any mtb forums?
Lehmkuhler
I would like to keep it under 2k.
Haven’t posted anything on mtn bike forums, just started my search.
I’ll check out jamis bikes.
You can get a nice fs rig for that $$. XT components, nice frame, good shock and fork. 2k is a pretty big window in the mtb world.
Lehmkuhler
Yeah, I need to start doing my homework and test riding. I mostly will be riding single track technical rides but no major downhills. Looking to maybe try some xterra races next year.
I did really well with a used litespeed on e-bay. The add claimed that the owner bought it for his wife and she never got into the hobby. Of course I didn’t believe that but the bike came in such perfect condition that I think it may only have had the 60 road miles on it that were advertised. I just think a lot of people buy mountain bikes thinking that they’re going to get into the sport and then never do so deals are available.
Good luck,
Pat
I will qualify it by admitting I work for the company but our bikes are the best. American Made too. Our HQ is Solar powered and built into the ground so we dont need heat or air conditioning and no wood was used in the construction. Gotta save the forest for riding!
The Giants are very hard to beat for value. The XTC2 disc model is very good value.
My other half and myself were just in your boat about 3 months ago and posted on here for advice too. I’m sure you can look at the past threads.
We ended up getting dealer pricing through a friend and got 2 great bikes we would recommend to anyone.
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Specialized Stumpjumper Expert with dual suspension (red one)
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Specialized Stumpjumper Expert 120 PRO with upgraded components and pro pedal(black one)
Highly recommended…just got back from Breckenridge, CO last month and they were perfect for all types of trails and singletrack.
Have fun…
For what its worth I just got the Trek 8000 and love it! Great bike, not super expensive, hard tail, disc brakes, good components, everything I need and want.
Is the Enlightenment released yet?
What is the front fork spec, 100mm?
I’d REALLY like to build another long-travel (100m) hardtail for XC racing. Unfortunately, it seems the only current “decent” bike is the Fisher Ziggurat. Otherwise, I’m stuck with a lessor-end mid-range frame (Bianchi, Giant, etc) that specs 100mm.
urghhhhhh…I’d hate to have to take the plunge into a FS bike. Just adds way too much hassle. I like simple.
Same thing I was looking for. I like simple.
Now I just need to find one.
Here’s my simple…but now the complex part if finding it. Seriously…I’ve been searching ebay for months. I did find a Specialized, but the guy had the wrong fork on there.
Fisher Zigggurat, Rocky Mountain Blizzard seem to be the only 2005 that somewhat meet my criteria.
I might break down and buy a Cake DlX 1. Not sure.
Typical 19.5 frame, preferrably a sloping downtube and tight chain stays - don’t really care what brand.
100mm fork with mechanical lock-out (thumb would be nice)
Full XT…including Disc
SRAM PC59 chain
SPD 540
Crossmax SL Disc
Thomson Stem
Monkey lite low rise
Thomson seat post
SI SLR
I’m on the Jamis bandwagon. You get a great setup for the money, and the bikes consistently earn great reviews. I’m thinking of picking one up at the end of the season(I’m bummed they aren’t red anymore.)