Hi,

I went into my LBS to check out some 29er hardtails, specifically Trek's, Mamba, Cobia and X Caliber. I love Treks. I told the LBS that my price range was 1K-$1200. This would be my first mountain bike, but I have no plans to upgrade components. I'm 51 and in shape, but not like I used to be in my prime. She looked for leftover 2012 Cobia's and X Calibers to get within my price range but had none. I did take out a 2013 19" Mamba, $929, but the bike felt a little heavy (weighed in at 32.5 lbs) and I didn't care for the Hayes hydraulic breaks. The 2013 X Caliber 19" was priced too high at $1529 or so. I took it out anyway, and liked it, but not the price. She said she did have a 2012 leftover Trek 6500 in my size (18.5"). I'm 5'9 with a 31.5 inseam. Never considered going with a 26"er, but the specs on the bike were incredible for the $1200 they are now asking. The bike definitely was easier to handle in the turns and the brakes, gears and front suspension were the best of all the bikes I was considering. The bike came in at 27.2 lbs in a 18.5. I know for 2013 Trek stopped producing the 6500. Was this due to demand? Are 26'er a thing of the past?. Are 29ers becoming the new standard for mountain bikes. The deal seems good and a 29er with those components would be close to 2K. Is there anything that the 6500 can't handle that a similarly priced 29er ($1200) could? LBS did say if I had plans for any hooliganism jumps for example that a 26er would serve me better.

Thanks






From the archive:

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/2012/archive/6500