Back in the market for a bike...

[Fly Rod]

I finally realized I really, really miss mountain biking. I also realized I am really, really out of shape. So it is time to buy a new ride. My friend who owns a bike shop is going to list my old Yeti Ultimate on ebay. I am going to sell it with all of the original parts to do a retro job on it. I am going to miss that bike I have owned it since new in 1989!

On to the bigger and better, for my back, bikes. I have ridden the Kona HeiHei Deluxe 29'r and the Specialized Epic Comp 29'r. The Kona was a really sweet ride but it is too plush for me. I am considering the Specialized Epic Comp (carbon?), Salsa Spearfish and the Yeti Big Top. The Big Top is probably at the bottom of the list simply because of my back issues. The Salsa seems like the best bang for the buck. The Specialized is a great ride.

I will be getting serious about being on the bike again. This ride will have to climb really well. If I can get my butt in shape I may attempt the Creampuff again.

Any thoughts, personal favorites in 29'rs?

 

[zornff]

Santa Cruz tall boy would be a top pick. My next one will be a big top.

 

[Kent]

I don't have a Spearfish myself but a couple friends do and they love theirs. I have heard them comment on how well it climbs. It is a nice looking bike and seems like an excellent platform for crosscountry racing/riding.

I don't have a 29er at this point but the Spearfish is one I would seriously look at if I make that change.

 

[bugsnbikes]

getting in shape = singlespeed - no pain no gain- reaching for gears makes you weak.

 

[trainrech]

getting in shape = singlespeed - no pain no gain- reaching for gears makes you weak.

I'll vouch for that. Ran some local trails for the first time yesterday, on my SS, and it was nice just pedaling and not thinking about gears. A couple of the climbs kicked my butt, but all-in-all a great time.

 

[Fly Rod]

getting in shape = singlespeed - no pain no gain- reaching for gears makes you weak.

I used to be a good strong rider. I rode with a good strong ss'r. No f'n way I was going to do that to my body!

 

[phsycle]

For Full Sus, also check out either a RIP or JET9 (Niner).

 

[spike6901]

I ride a Scott Scale Elite 29er...I love it and bang for the buck.

I ride a Trek hardtail for 10 years with the 26" wheels...the 29er is worth it.

 

[paleoguy]

I've been partial to Titus but they have just changed hands again. The founder of Titus now heads up Pivot Cycles in Tempe. I've ridden the Mach4 and it has a lot going for it. They are closing out the 2010s on some models and sometimes you can get a deal on a bike from their demo fleet.

 

[gearguywb]

My favorites for squish bikes are the TB and the Pivot 429. Pivot weighs a bit more (1lb or so) but the suspension (IMHO) is superior.

Really depends on what you want to do with the bike and what your riding style is like.

 

[mcewan13]

those who know, ride a mojo.




flyrod, aren't you coming to MBO? There are plenty of big names coming this year and you get to demo a different bike each day on killer trails. This is the best way to let the right bike find you.

 

[Mr. Toad]

those who know, ride a mojo.

I must agree.

Sent from the drive thru lane

 

[mcewan13]

...so Flyrod, did you get on a Mojo? ...or any of the other 10 diff bike companies' offerings?

 

[Fly Rod]

...so Flyrod, did you get on a Mojo? ...or any of the other 10 diff bike companies' offerings?

Friday I rode my bike on Lardesty. Saturday Rode a Niner Jet 9 on Alpine, Aubrey and Larrison Rock. Sunday I was a floater and was able to blow out early.

I rode a Niner Air 9 Carbon yesterday locally. An amazingly smooth and fast riding hard tail.

I will be demoing more bikes at the August MBO.

 

[Mr. Toad]

I checked out a Pivot Mach 5 the other day. Nice. I don't know anything about the company or quality though ...