Quote:
Originally Posted by cracher
In my regular riding group of 5 guys, we have a rule: first person to request a stop on a climb buys post-ride food and beers.
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Wow your group sounds like no fun at all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by cral12
Because this thread is huge, tough to dig thru even with search feature.
Yet another bike recommendation (Cross-country) request. Got some tips from a friend on features to strive for, but still not sure where to begin the search:
"Get a carbon frame, full suspension, xc bike with 4 inches of travel front and back, and minimum Shimano xt or Sram X9 components. In stores that will run you serious money; consider used."
Thoughts welcomed!
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First question, ultimately where do you want to ride?
If your answer is within city limits or West Bragg Creek certainly go ahead and get the 4" travel bike. If your answer is anywhere else go bigger. We live near the Rocky Mountains and it turns out they're rocky. Go figure. Small travel bikes are cool when your trails are smooth but ours are not. One trip down Baldy or Prairie View on a 4" travel bike will make you question your life decisions. Riding a bike, even XC, is all about the down - may as well enjoy it right?
I'd also recommend a new bike. The geometry across most major manufactures has changed radically in the last few years. Short cockpits, long stems and steep head angles are an old school mentality. Even world cup XC bikes are getting slacker. A 2012 Giant Trance (pretty typical trail bike) had 120mm of travel and a 69.5° head angle. The 2015 model has 140mm of travel and a 67° head angle. That 2.5° is HUGE for someone starting out. This coupled with the shorter stems bikes are coming with gives instant confidence to even the most novice of riders going down.
You might be thinking you're going to sacrifice on the up but that's simply not true either. More travel makes for a smoother ride on the most technical of ups which not unsurprisingly makes climbing easier. Wider tires provide more traction which again makes it easier for a novice to get up the mountain. Unless of course every ride is a race. Then you might not want to be bogged down but for the average rider you'll have more fun on the climb when you're not spinning out and bouncing around. World cup XC riders overcome the bouncy ride by being out of the saddle for most of the climb. But since you will be sitting down may as well make it comfortable!
So with all that said at your price point I'd start off looking at something like a Giant Trance 2.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca/...2/20507/80076/
Super solid spec at a very reasonable price point. Keep a few hundred bucks on the side to get a dropper post right away. Dropper posts are a game changer. Getting the seat out of your way on descents does amazing things for your confidence which will have you riding faster and safer.
For the record I'm on a new Trek Slash this year (160mm, 65°) and it has completely changed my mind on what a bike can do. Compared to my old Fuel (120mm, 68°) I haven't lost a step on the ups and am cleaning technical climbs that used to result in a foot down or two in the past. And when the fun part starts it's most definitely the right tool for the job.
Bigger travel bigger smiles!