Looking for new XC ride
 

I'm looking for a new ride and I have $2K to burn.

Oh - I'm 6'3" and about 225# and I don't huck or freeride. I'm looking for a competent XC bike with little bob.

I'm currently looking at:

Jamis Dakar XC Expert

Santa Cruz Superlight

The Jekyll you see below has been sold, leaving me fat-tire free.

I would go with the Superlight. I did a lot of riding and racing on one and it never let me down. It is a great bike.

Also, I spent quite a bit of time riding it when I weighed in at 220 pounds.

From another large guy, may I suggest the Trek Fuel EX line. they are nice and stiff, and hold up well to our girth.

And may I steer you away from the Jamis Dakar. They are very flexy, and I had myself a nice $3000 knee surgery two years back when a Dakar flexed hard after a 2 foot drop and bucked me. Now the it was not entirely the bikes fault, but when I landed, the rear wheel flexed so hard to one side that it contacted the side of the seatstay and bucked me. I have not had that problem with other bikes.

I'm a 6'3" 230# guy and I love my Stumpjumper FSR frame - no problems with flex or bob and it is pretty active (benefit of the Horst FSR design). For the $2K you can get in to the Comp or a deal on an Expert if you can find one around. I have a buddy with an '05 Comp and it's a very capable XC bike. At that price point, most of the bikes will be quite capable and it will come down to what suspension design you prefer for the feel.

I hope the search isn't too painful - there are a whole bunch of choices out there - but enjoy the sweet ride when you get it.

just to throw in another option: the iron horse azure series is supposed to pedal very well. if you are concerned about bob, maybe you can keep the azure in mind to test ride. happy shopping!

I can't resist any longer - just stay away from his buddy Neil!! - unless you're into that kind of thing.

Yes, I'm a juvenile 32 years old.

Now back to your regularly scheduled thread on sweet XC FS bikes.

you got that last bit right :D :beer:

If I had 2k to burn, I would certainly go for the Santa Cruz. I am 6"5", currently 250lbs, (normal season weight is 235-240), and was saving up for a Heckler, but came across a great deal on the 05 NRS.
Which by the way, I am really happy with, 65 trail miles so far.

Check mtbr.com - useful reviews on both. IIRC, Dakar is heavy? Can't remember...

Anyway, I chose the Superlight because a) Santa Cruz rep, b) pedigree of bike (SL has been around for a long time, and was very successful in XC racing), and c) Santa Cruz has great deals on what are typically expensive bikes if you buy their complete bikes.

I bought mine with the D kit (lowest-end), figuring that a) I don't race much so the diff in weight isn't that important, and b) I can replace components as needed. And I paid $1,549 including the RP3 shock, which is a spankin' deal.

so sayeth Mr. Serious! jeez, lighten up old timer. :p

Oh, i vote for santa cruz also.

Is not on your list but i've been lusting for a Specialized Epic disk for a X/C speed machine. With the Brain shock, you will have no bob whatsoever.

T.J.

FatBomber,

If you haven't yet, consider making a trip to your local bookstore. Tis the season for all of the bike mags to have Buyer's Guides on the shelves. They might help you out at least a little bit.

Okay, I've now added a 2005 Iron Horse Azure Expert to the mix. What to do, what to do!

It'll probably come down to suspension design.

Dw Link
Jamis Dakar
Single pivot

Your thoughts?

I just can't understand why people like that bike so much. I rode one for a couple of weeks when I was bikeless (had shipped mine to Moab) and I didn't like it at all. Different strokes for different folks I guess.

get the azure! and then send me a picture so i can jer.., uh, okay, this part is none of your business, just send me the damn pitcher!! :p

Climb/sprint with Hard Tail efficiencies but is forgiving in the bumps. The terrain here(Kananskis) consists of a lot of climbing and all the trails are predominatly very rocky. Good match I think. The Enduro is a bit heavy and too squishy sometimes.

To each thier own.

T.J.