I want to start doing some mountain biking for fun and for additional IM training. Next year, I want to do some Xterra races and possibly a 100 mile mountain bike century. Im looking for one bike that will work for all that and I have about a $2000.00 limit (give or take) any mountain bike gurus have any suggestions?? thanks.
-adam
http://www.feltracing.com/products/product.asp?catid=18,23,1446&pid=8569
IMO good all around MNT bike. Especially for Xterra and XC.
That bike is pretty nice, I like the component selection, Do you think a 29er is a good choice? I have never used one. What are the benefits of a 29er?
It’s a little bit of a different ride.
Rollover for roots and rocks are great on a 29er. Maintaining speed is also much better. On open XC type single track the bike is just simply faster and climbs faster.
Drawbacks are that it’s not as nimble and doesn’t accelerate as quickly . Tight switchbacks are a bit tougher.
To sum it up, if your riding highly technical trails with tight switchbacks you should go full suspension with a 26 inch wheel.
If the majority of your riding is roots and rocks with long climbs and less technical singletrack or open field your better off with a hardtail 29er.
I would recommend you ride one first.
thanks, ill check out some 29ers.
I am in the same boat as you…looking for a bike to cross train and maybe do some xterra races. I was up in Lake Tahoe last weekend and demoed 2 bikes the Specialized Epic and Stumpjumper. Really like the Epic! Going to go back up in a couple of weeks and demo a Gary Fisher HiFi. Trying to keep the total around 2000-2300…because i really want to get a new tri bike this winter. I’m pretty new to the mt bike stuff…but i could really tell a difference between the two specialized i rode so make sure you ride it!
I tested out a Cannondale Scalpel recently and OH IS IT NICE!!! Check it out.
I was in the same boat last January-- looking for a full suspension XC bike in the same price range. With only a few small LBSs, my options were limited to the “usual” brands. I tested the Specialized Epic, Giant (Anthem I think), a Fisher, and the Trek Fuel EX8. Being new to mtn bikes, I found it hard to tell a big difference between them. When I could tell a difference, I was still uncertain whether it was the bike itself or something adjustable like the air pressure in the shocks, etc. Nonetheless, I narrowed it down to the Trek and the Specialized. Went with the Trek because the shop gave me a decent discount— $1899 I think (by saving a few hundred bucks, I was able to justify going a little over budget on my new Felt B2 in March!).
I’m perfectly happy so far with the Trek (my first ever). Full suspension gives it a Cadillac ride over humps and bumps, which is just cool. It’s reasonably light and the shifting is crisp. Shocks are adjustable from plush to firm with “pro pedal” and lock-out features on the rear. Hydraulic disc brakes are something I’m glad to have, especially when I’ve got my 4 year-old daughter (40 lbs), her tag-along and loaded panniers in tow!
One thing to note, I don’t think 29ers are allowed in Xterra races (though I have know idea if they actually check AGers bikes). Also, if you’re planning to ever do any XC or rail trail touring, make sure your bike will accommodate whichever rack or trailer system you might use. I’ve got a seat post mounted rack with the side braces for carrying panniers (currently mounted on the tag-along). The Epic’s Brain might interfere with that rack.
Finally, neither the Trek nor any of the others will self-correct if you get simultaneously airborne and crossed up while bombing a single track descent. Oh, the agony and embarrassment!— but mostly the agony. BTW, the 4 year-old was not in tow and, yes, the bike is fine except for a torn grip.
Hope that helps.
I don’t think 29ers are allowed in Xterra races
29ers are permitted in Xterra races. I ride a HT 29er (GF Paragon) and know of at least one pro who runs the same setup.
Here’s a link to the latest rules I could find. Again, unless something has changed recently, 29" wheels are permitted.
http://www.xterraplanet.com/uploadedFiles/Fixed_Content/Races/How_it_Works/2005_xterrarules.pdf
TexTri,
Thanks for the clarification. I swear I read “no 29ers allowed” in one of the Tri mags. Glad you straightened me out.
Trihoo
i recently bought my first “real” mtb- was looking for fs,
went w/ a specialized fsr xc comp,
with your budget you could probbly go with the pro version,
main differences are fork, shock, sram x-9,
here’s the picture- (god i love posting my bikes),
.
From my experience, of the same process, the best thing you can do is talk to people from your area who ride MTB and see what they have to recommend. If you buy the best bike for riding in BC and take it to Moab you will hate every minute of your experience (slight exaggeration, but you get the idea). Also, if you buy a bike for the style of race you plan to do, and not the training that you will need to do to get there, you will wish you had another bike or just get burned out and be one of many people who bought a MTB only to ride it a couple times and have it rot in the garage. In MTB, it is all about the proper equipment and subsequent setup- for a given trail.
That specialized is cool, I know a few people around here who have similar setups and love them. Im kinda leaning towards a lighter FS bike just like that one.
IMO, Santa Cruz Superlight.
It’s been slightly re-designed this past year. It’s a very nice “platform” to upgrade as your budget allows. Very easy to get one under $2000 out of the starting blocks.
As for 29ers, they certainly have their place, but for racing and endurance rides, go with a 26" FS.
You are a brave brave man. My wife would rip my head off, kick me in the nuts and then finish me off with the spock move if I had my bike resting against the lightly colored sofa.
That bike is obviously brand spankin’ new. It will never likely be cleaner.
Also, the living room is where bikes belong.
Sounds like your wife needs some education… ;-p