Originally Posted by
Hot Potato
Yes, there are rentals. About $60 for four hours. I haven't shopped the bike stores yet to see if demo bikes are available. I also figure I need to know enough before I shop, I don't want to be completely at the mercy of whichever sales person happens to be there. Plus the "research" aspect of bike shopping is part of the fun.
I didn't notice what the riders were using. I was watching how the handled the terrain. Next time
AOA in Scottsdale has nice hard tail and full suspension bikes for rent. This might be money well spent in determining what you want. Keep in mind, the trails and terrain in the Valley are WAY different than what you had in Chicago.
When you are ready to buy- Check out Slippery Pig and Sunday Cycles in Phoenix. Good and honest MTB focused shops.