Mountain Biking - Which Specialized to get?

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splitboarder
04-04-11, 12:37 PM
Newbie , well haven't ridden since they invented full suspension. I need something to get me back in shape, and I have chosen Mountain Biking. Due to foot issues I cant run anymore.
Riding would be southern california, San Diego area. Both easy cruising and things like Nobel canyon.
Choices

Stump Jumper FSR - most popular, every shop wants to sell me this bike

Pitch Pro - What I think I want , but is it too heavy for good all around?

Epic?

Enduro? camber?

Just cant choose

frankenmike
04-05-11, 08:03 AM
Is cost a factor? For xc I personally would get a carbon 29er hardtail. For a full boinger 26er, the stumpy is hard to beat. If you want a race bike get the epic. Try to narrow down your intended use and budget and we can give you an even better idea.
crazyotte
04-05-11, 10:00 AM
If it's not a racer, I wouldn't go carbon...

JonathanGennick
04-05-11, 10:42 AM
Stump Jumper FSR - most popular, every shop wants to sell me this bike


Yeah, it's funny. I was standing the other day admiring an Enduro when a salesperson came over and tried to redirect me towards a Stumpy. Maybe it's the way I dress, I dunno.

Some thoughts on the different models:

Stumpjumper = Excellent all around trail bike. The Stumpy is a good, "default" choice given no other inputs.

Camber = Poor man's Stumpjumper.

Enduro = So-called "All Mountain" bike. Get this if you like to slam into rocks and logs on purpose. The Enduro is also better than the Stumpy for aggressive riding, including jumps and drops.

Pitch = Poor man's Enduro. The Pitch would be my default choice for a typical teenager. I like the Pitch, and it would be on my short-list if I did not already have an Enduro.

Epic = Cross country racing bike. Get it if you like to wear spandex and talk about how a bike climbs. ;) IMHO, the 29er Epic this year is one of the best-handling, cross-country bikes I've ever ridden. I have been thinking about whether I can manage to buy one this year. It's not the bike for jumps and drops, but if you want to just lay down some miles and/or race, you wouldn't go wrong.

So there you have it. Others may disagree.

Good luck in deciding. Ask your shop whether they have any loaner or rental models. Some shops do.