Here's a new question, doing more research, I've considered moving to a straight mountain bike. I'll need a hard tail with front suspension lockout any suggestions?

There are lots and lots of options. I have a 2007 Specialized Rockhopper Disc that I picked up for $300 used. Hardtail w/ front lockout. Works great for me. For about 8 months it was the only bike I rode. I just swapped out tires depending on the riding conditions (MTB, Commute, Touring). I've since picked up a dedicated commuter (Trek FX 7.5), and use the Rockhopper only for off-road and mixed riding.

Or you could just get an older non-suspension mountain bike. The non-suspension forks will shave quite a bit of weight.

My wife's old (1994?) all steel StumpJumper is an AMAZINGLY comfortable bike to ride.

Trek Marlin 29er

How is the handling and the ride on the Marlin 29er? They have one in stock at the bike shop in Warren. I don't know much about them. Are they a passing fad or is a 29 inch wheel here to stay?

I'm going back and forth on what type of riding I'll be doing. I'm really not sure.

Really like the ride and handling. I have never really used either of my mountain bikes "off road." I never felt like I could cruise with the antelope on the roads like I wanted. The 29er rides like a cruiser in comparison. I have a bunch of dirt roads around my house, and primarily what I ride. Usually keep shocks on, but occasionally turn them off for paved stretches.
Would love to try a GAP ride with it. Have a planned ride for Redbank Valley Trail. (Clarion & Jefferson Counties)

cmrtn7: I didn't notice this on your signature until now, the 1992 Antelope 820 is the Trek I pounded on for nearly a decade.

I looked at the Marlin last night, nice bike. I just don't know how much "dirt" riding, I'll be doing. I've never been this indecisive before. There are just so many options now.

I appreciate your help!

Sounds as if a Cross bike might be in order. Good for trails (not true Mountain Bike) and roads. If I know I am going on a "B/C" ride and want a workout I can take the cross bike out. I do most of my ridding on that now just because it's heavier and has a 36 little ring up front.

Mr P howdy from Central PA!! (Shamokin to be exact). I have an aluminum forked Specialized Cirrus. That beast is great on road, A little stiff and slightly hard on the hands. It has the stock Spec 28"s on it. I rode a gravel road in the local watershed last weekend. Liked to want to shake my fillings out. I have a carbon framed and forked Fuji road bike. It is night and day. From you're posts I would highly recommend a carbon forked Hybrid.

Do not fear the weight issues on an FX. I weigh just under 200#. The Fuji has 16 spoke fronts and 20 spoke rears. No issues what so ever on them. And their aero spokes to boot. Forget the first shop, their idiots, just looking for a quick big buck sale. If you like Trek buy one. The FX series of bikes are very well regarded everywhere. Great bikes, they will do the job for you.

One last thought look for a Performance Bike store in you're area. They are having a huge sale to the end of the month. Give them a look. They sell a few brands including Fuji. You may be able to get a great deal. I was at one of their stores yesterday. Prices were very attractive.

I wish you well on you're search.

Mark Shuman

I'm going to go back to Warren tomorrow to look one more time. Two shops to chose from - I wasn't real happy with the owner of the trek shop. The younger guy is working on Saturday. He started helping me yesterday and then they swapped, he had to go look at a bike that needed fixed. The other shop is really neat. I'm planning on spending a few hours looking tomorrow. We'll see what happens. I think I want an FX. I'm not going to do any dirt riding except for refined dirt paths. I won't be doing the stuff I did when I was younger. If the ride didn't kill me, my wife would.

I have narrowed it down to two bikes either the 7.2 fx or 7.3 fx. I'm leaning towards the 7.2 and it is not a money issue. I do not like the upgrade grips of the 7.3. I prefer the old fashioned grips on the 7.2. The grips on the 7.3 are uncomfortable enough for me - broken thumb playing softball a few years ago and arthritis in my left thumb - that I'm thinking about passing over the other upgrades: alloy fork vs steel, upgraded rear derailleur, hard-case tires: actually like the tires on the 7.2 better - and the handlebar stem change. Any thoughts? I'm sure I could get use to the grips of the 7.3 is the extra money worth it - 499 vs 629.

One thought. Most bike shops will upgrade parts and equipment at little cost when buying new. See if they will upgrade the 7.2 with what you like from the 7.3. Tires are cheap so that should not be the decider. See if they will swap the rear derailer for a small cost. I hate the Sora on my Cirrus. It will go this winter. Probably for a 105 medium cage. The front will probably become a Deore LX.

Anyway on the fork, I think the steel would be slightly more forgiving. I still think the upgrade to carbon is worth it. But it's you're money, spend it wisely. I hope you end up with something that suits you're needs and makes you happy. In the end that is all that matters.

Mark Shuman

PS: Components can directly affect the peformance and enjoyment of you're ride. Do not skimp on components. As I said, I hate the Sora components on my Sirrus. At time of purchase it is cheaper than upgrading later. Buy the best components you can afford. I have ridden Shimano Sora,Tiargra,105, and Ultegra. I have ridden some SRAM, mostly Apex. The difference is noticable. My Fuji roadie has Ultegra. It just flat out works. Shift under a hard load, it just shifts and you keep going. Not so with Sora, you have to fiddle with it under a load to shift. It misshifts sometimes. I know a new chain would help. I will replace it this winter.

What I'm trying to say is buy the best you can. Especially in the rear. You will be using the rear derailer far more than the front. So at least spend the money in the rear. Yo'll be glad you did down the road.