stump-jumper
 

Really quick, anyone have reviews or recommendations about the Specialized 2013 Stump Jumper (not even sure if I have the name right). Saw one yesterday, carbon, am interested and will be test riding in a few days.

Other recommendations for a middle level mt bike, hard tail?

Where I live, Wisconsin, Trek has a HUGE bike sale Friday-Sunday with over 2,000 bikes up for sale, so I will be checking this out first. Any Trek recs?

thanks.

Benny

Sorry, I was in a massive hurry when I initiated this post.

I have been a Road rider for the past three years and really enjoy it. Looking to change directions and get into mountain biking. Rented a bike last year and hit some trails and totally love it, it was like being a kid on a ride at Disney.

Like road biking, I tend to get into the sport and go all in, so looking for a middle of the range price, $2,000-$3,000, hardtail bike. If I get an entry level bike, I know I will be back in a few months to upgrade.

Went to local bike store and liked the Specialized, will be riding it soon. Also interested in Giant (sorry I forget specific names).

In addition, the 7 local bike stores that specialize in Trek, and Trek itself (I live in Wisconsin and Trek is based here), rent out a huge space and bring in over 2,000 bikes, guest speakers, etc, for a 3 day Bike Expo. The lady who runs the spin class said she got a $4,000 tri bike, slightly used, for $1,400.

So I want to hit this Expo first.

6 feet, 170 pounds.

Benny

The Superfly range from Trek would be the direct competition for the Stumpjumper -- both being XC race oriented bikes. There are tons of options in that category, so check out everything you have available locally and take demo's out to the trail if possible. Getting into the season where a lot of demo days start popping up...well, maybe a little early for you in WI, but it's going to hit 80 here today.

Your budget puts you in a great position, so you'll be stoked on whatever you end up with. Definitely go for something slightly used to get the most for your money. That expo sounds like a great opportunity to grab something.

Thank you NCFisherman,

Yes, still way cold here in Wisconsin, worst winter weather-wise that I can remember.

A local bike store, Wheel and Sprocket, has 6-7 WI locations and one in Illinois, and they specialize in Trek. So this store and Trek itself comes to the Bike Expo at State Fair Park. If anyone is within a few hours drive, it would be worth checking out (I am not associated with Trek or the bike store).

There are again over 2,000 bikes, keynote speakers and workshops every hour, and places to sign up for groups etc, and a whole bunch of gear. Free admission, this Friday through Sunday.

I will check out the Superfly, thanks again.

Any Giant recs for that price range??

Benny

The XTC would be the comparable model from Giant. Another bike in that price range is the Santa Cruz Highball. Also the Niner air9 carbon or Pivot Les, if you can find a good deal.

I was in the same situation and I bought the Giant XTC 29er composite and it is awesome !! I test rode a lower model aluminum frame Trek Superfly and it didn't really speak to me. I know I wasn't comparing apples to apples but the geometry is the real factor. Every bike I have bought said buy me as soon as I rode it and I passed on the ones that I didn't get that feeling from.