Tra!l !

I've been riding for about a year and a half (the half was spent on a walmart bike). I got a Trek 4500 after that and have rode it since. I haven't upgraded it at all or anything mainly because its a great bike. I've found that I love this sport and its something I'd like to continue until I'm in a retirement home So anyways, I am thinking I would like to get a new bike. I'm looking between 1300 and 3000 and I love both hardtail and full sus. so it really does not matter which it is. I also ride mostly XC, but occasionaly like to head up to pisgah for some real riding. What do you guys and girls think. I'm also looking to do some races soon as well. I was looking at the Specialized Epic if that helps. Thanks

M_S

I'd go Stumpjumper over Epic if you're okay losing a little bit of racing efficiency in order to get a bike that can handle a wider range of riding. The new stumpies seemt to be getting great reviews. If racing is a very low priority but going a little bigger is, consider the Enduro. The sky is the limit, there are tons of bikes out there. Find something that makes you happy when you ride it.

Chris_F

I was in a very similar situation as yourself (fell in love with Mountain Biking, was riding a Trek Hard Tail, mostly ride XC). I went with the Cannondale Rush because I wanted a bike I could comfortably ride for very long periods (the Rush is made for 24 hour racing). I test rode a couple bikes and fell in love with the Rush. The saleswoman at the store is a Mountain Bike racer and she was eyeing the Rush as a replacement for her HT, so apparently the bike is "race-able", although that's not why I bought it.

Tra!l !

Cool thanks guys. It helps a lot. I'm gonna check those out at the LBS this week.