Bike Recommendation $3 to $4k
09-20-18, 10:26 AM
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Bike Recommendation $3 to $4k
So I have an old 1994 Yokota--no front or rear suspension and want to upgrade. I spent $700 back then. I keep my bikes for a long time so at age 55, this will probably be my last mtn bike I will ever buy. My '94 still runs fairly well with Shimano LX group.
My budget is about $3500 to $4000. Maybe a bit higher if the value is there. I want a carbon front triangle. That is non negotiable. I like titanium but cannot afford it seems; Litespeed seems to makes bikes twice my budget! Crazy. I have bought bikes since 1978 and it seems my salary cannot keep up with the rise in bike prices!
I like a nice groupset. So SRAM GX Eagle or equivalent. I am in good shape and can handle a bike well but I am not interested in going over big rocks. I am interested in trail riding with smaller rocks, ravines, roots, maybe some small logs, etc. Sort of like the Applachian Trail if bike riding was allowed
So far my research has led me to Canyon and Santa Cruz. I am undecided between 27.5 and a 29. Part of my indecision has to do with the varying tire widths. For example, Canyon Spectral has their CF LTD 9.0 equipped with 2.6. And their other Spectrals are 2.6. But the 9.0 Pro on sale is equipped with 2.4! Why? Did they have extra 2.4 tires on inventory and thought to build a Spectral with them and put them on sale? The Canyon Lux 29'ers do not even mention tire width on the site (interestingly enough) but I believe it is 2.2.
Santa Cruz models all are 2.6 for the 27.5 models I believe. Their 29'ers are 2.4. LBS stores never seem to have the right size frame for me to properly test drive.
Canyon seems to give you a great value for the money. I can at least go up one groupset in quality(weight) for the same price as many other mtn bikes.
Any advice appreciated. My main questions are: 1) how does tire width on a 27.5 or 29 affect handling and how important is it when choosing a bike 2) should I focus on an all round bike with 130 to 150mm of travel or should I look at trail that has more like 100 to 130mm travel and 3) other bike brands/models for my budget.
Thanks!
Mark
My budget is about $3500 to $4000. Maybe a bit higher if the value is there. I want a carbon front triangle. That is non negotiable. I like titanium but cannot afford it seems; Litespeed seems to makes bikes twice my budget! Crazy. I have bought bikes since 1978 and it seems my salary cannot keep up with the rise in bike prices!
I like a nice groupset. So SRAM GX Eagle or equivalent. I am in good shape and can handle a bike well but I am not interested in going over big rocks. I am interested in trail riding with smaller rocks, ravines, roots, maybe some small logs, etc. Sort of like the Applachian Trail if bike riding was allowed
So far my research has led me to Canyon and Santa Cruz. I am undecided between 27.5 and a 29. Part of my indecision has to do with the varying tire widths. For example, Canyon Spectral has their CF LTD 9.0 equipped with 2.6. And their other Spectrals are 2.6. But the 9.0 Pro on sale is equipped with 2.4! Why? Did they have extra 2.4 tires on inventory and thought to build a Spectral with them and put them on sale? The Canyon Lux 29'ers do not even mention tire width on the site (interestingly enough) but I believe it is 2.2.
Santa Cruz models all are 2.6 for the 27.5 models I believe. Their 29'ers are 2.4. LBS stores never seem to have the right size frame for me to properly test drive.
Canyon seems to give you a great value for the money. I can at least go up one groupset in quality(weight) for the same price as many other mtn bikes.
Any advice appreciated. My main questions are: 1) how does tire width on a 27.5 or 29 affect handling and how important is it when choosing a bike 2) should I focus on an all round bike with 130 to 150mm of travel or should I look at trail that has more like 100 to 130mm travel and 3) other bike brands/models for my budget.
Thanks!
Mark
09-20-18, 11:36 AM
#2
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All depends on your style of riding, the trails you ride, and your personal preference between 27.5 and 29.. Overall Trance Advance, Santa Cruz Bronson, and Salsa Redpoint. are all great do anything bikes in the mid range of suspension. But you would be better off test riding as many bikes as you can, try to find a few demo days and ride them on trails to see what fits you and feels good to you. There are a ton of great bikes that all feel different.
09-21-18, 12:14 PM
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Santa Cruz will replace the bearings every year you own the bike for free, so you only have to pay for the installation unless you can do it yourself, so that is a good savings.
09-21-18, 04:16 PM
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https://intensecycles.com/ highly regarded usa boutique brand. I have one of their aluminum 27.5 bikes and think it is a great ride. Have not ridden a 29er full suspension so can't compare.
09-24-18, 04:51 PM
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I work at a Santa Cruz dealer so I’m probably biased, but the new Aluminum R builds are pretty stinking nice, and the frame will be easy to take care of for it’s lifetime.
09-26-18, 08:30 PM
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09-27-18, 07:51 AM
#7
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Available as 29 or 27.5+ . The bike gets rave reviews especially for it's climbing ability.
https://spotbrand.com/products/mayhem-29
https://spotbrand.com/products/mayhem-29
10-28-18, 09:43 PM
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Bikes: 2003 Litespeed Vortex 2016 Intense Spider Factory Build2008 Wilier Motorolio Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail 1986 Paramount 2014 Pivot Mach 429c
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So I have an old 1994 Yokota--no front or rear suspension and want to upgrade. I spent $700 back then. I keep my bikes for a long time so at age 55, this will probably be my last mtn bike I will ever buy. My '94 still runs fairly well with Shimano LX group.
My budget is about $3500 to $4000. Maybe a bit higher if the value is there. I want a carbon front triangle. That is non negotiable. I like titanium but cannot afford it seems; Litespeed seems to makes bikes twice my budget! Crazy. I have bought bikes since 1978 and it seems my salary cannot keep up with the rise in bike prices!
I like a nice groupset. So SRAM GX Eagle or equivalent. I am in good shape and can handle a bike well but I am not interested in going over big rocks. I am interested in trail riding with smaller rocks, ravines, roots, maybe some small logs, etc. Sort of like the Applachian Trail if bike riding was allowed
So far my research has led me to Canyon and Santa Cruz. I am undecided between 27.5 and a 29. Part of my indecision has to do with the varying tire widths. For example, Canyon Spectral has their CF LTD 9.0 equipped with 2.6. And their other Spectrals are 2.6. But the 9.0 Pro on sale is equipped with 2.4! Why? Did they have extra 2.4 tires on inventory and thought to build a Spectral with them and put them on sale? The Canyon Lux 29'ers do not even mention tire width on the site (interestingly enough) but I believe it is 2.2.
Santa Cruz models all are 2.6 for the 27.5 models I believe. Their 29'ers are 2.4. LBS stores never seem to have the right size frame for me to properly test drive.
Canyon seems to give you a great value for the money. I can at least go up one groupset in quality(weight) for the same price as many other mtn bikes.
Any advice appreciated. My main questions are: 1) how does tire width on a 27.5 or 29 affect handling and how important is it when choosing a bike 2) should I focus on an all round bike with 130 to 150mm of travel or should I look at trail that has more like 100 to 130mm travel and 3) other bike brands/models for my budget.
Thanks!
Mark
My budget is about $3500 to $4000. Maybe a bit higher if the value is there. I want a carbon front triangle. That is non negotiable. I like titanium but cannot afford it seems; Litespeed seems to makes bikes twice my budget! Crazy. I have bought bikes since 1978 and it seems my salary cannot keep up with the rise in bike prices!
I like a nice groupset. So SRAM GX Eagle or equivalent. I am in good shape and can handle a bike well but I am not interested in going over big rocks. I am interested in trail riding with smaller rocks, ravines, roots, maybe some small logs, etc. Sort of like the Applachian Trail if bike riding was allowed
So far my research has led me to Canyon and Santa Cruz. I am undecided between 27.5 and a 29. Part of my indecision has to do with the varying tire widths. For example, Canyon Spectral has their CF LTD 9.0 equipped with 2.6. And their other Spectrals are 2.6. But the 9.0 Pro on sale is equipped with 2.4! Why? Did they have extra 2.4 tires on inventory and thought to build a Spectral with them and put them on sale? The Canyon Lux 29'ers do not even mention tire width on the site (interestingly enough) but I believe it is 2.2.
Santa Cruz models all are 2.6 for the 27.5 models I believe. Their 29'ers are 2.4. LBS stores never seem to have the right size frame for me to properly test drive.
Canyon seems to give you a great value for the money. I can at least go up one groupset in quality(weight) for the same price as many other mtn bikes.
Any advice appreciated. My main questions are: 1) how does tire width on a 27.5 or 29 affect handling and how important is it when choosing a bike 2) should I focus on an all round bike with 130 to 150mm of travel or should I look at trail that has more like 100 to 130mm travel and 3) other bike brands/models for my budget.
Thanks!
Mark
I think more suspension is better my 429 works well but there are times I wish I had more. I would be looking at 4 inch being the minimum
A demo day or even paying to demo a bike at different bike shops is a great investment of time and well worth the money being able to ride on the trail is huge. If you have friends riding bikes you are interested in ask them for a test ride. Getting the right bike with the right feel is huge
good luck
