mrbmeisen

I am currently looking to purchase or build a new All Mountain mtb. I currently ride a 03 specialized epic and love it but I a look for more travel. I have looked at the SL Specialized Enduro and looked into Turner or Ventanna. I am new to the FS seen since the Epic is my first. Any suggestion on what frames or full bikes to buy. I don't have all the money in the world. I love specialized but I would like to look into brands too. I have ridden Trek, specialized, Haro, klein, and cannondale. Thanks.

pinkrobe

You're going to get a LOT of different opinions. Give us some more info:
Skill level?
Where do you ride?
What do you like/dislike about your current ride?
Actual budget?

mrbmeisen

I ride the midwest/ west coast /a little east coast if possible. I want to go to BC and ride whistler. I am not the extreme rider but want plenty of bike for rough areas. Mostly in the midwest I ride kettle moraine Emma carlson or John mur trails. I have a specialized epic, I don't plan on getting rid of, I just want to build a nice bike that can handle almost anything. I am not a free rider so I am not jumping at great heights. I just want a bike that can kick my butt on some cool epic rides. Do I look at the specialized enduro? I was looking at rockymountain/ventana/turner. I really don't want to spend 5000 dollars but I want a good frame with XT Fox shox just a hefty bike. I am also looking for my friend who is a newbie that wants a dual suspension used if possible. Any help?

Thanks

DylanTremblay

Take a look at the Rocky Mountain Slayer. Wicked bike! The Enduro is also a really nice bike but personally I don't like what they did to it. I prefer the old ones a lot more.

pinkrobe

It sounds like you want an "all-mountain" bike, maybe 5" of travel at both ends. The market is flooded with bikes in that range. Giant, Kona, Jamis, Specialized, Trek, Rocky Mountain, Titus, Turner, Ventana, Felt, Scott, etc. all have something. They all fit and feel a little differently, so you really need to test ride as many bikes as you can. If you like the fit of your Epic, the Enduro will feel similar, as will the Trek and Giant bikes [in theory]. Full XT and a good fork will likely cost $2500-$4000.

Maelstrom 

I would double that. The slayer (although ugly) is a great all round bike. Not even that heavy for a tough dually. And it will easily handle whistler and the shore.

none

I'll kick in my vote for a Santa Cruz Heckler. Love it.