Newbie to the board, not to biking!
OK, I am brand-new to "modern" mountain biking after taking the last decade off to start a family. Now, I need your advice. Ive been searching the forums, but I cant seem to get the answer to this one and Ive searched the Internet for weeks turning up nothing that sways me one way or the other.
I want to buy a new mountain bike in the $2,500 price range - and today's technology has me stumped (my price is based on the concept I will have this bike another decade, like my last one).
To help you help me, here is some background.
My current bike is about 13-years-old. It is a "ParkPre" (Chro-moly) hardtail with a "Mach 5" front shock - old school - XT components (Rapidfire, I think they call them). Great bike when I was in my 20s, but a harsh ride (and technically dated) these days for my now 38-year-old body.
My riding style:
I ride on fire roads, single-track, and trails in Southern California. No real downhill. No pavenment. I like climbing. I am not hard on my bike (no jumping off anything taller than 24"). I am 62 and weigh 195 lbs.
Where I am at:
My local bike store is suggesting the Gary Fisher Cake 2 DLX. Retail price is $2,149. Its nice, but Id like all XT components (I broke all my STX and LX parts on my last bike) so Id ask him for an upgrade (front derailleur and shifters) before I purchase. The Gary Fisher Cake 1 is all XT, yet it has less suspension travel (I have no idea why).
Is the Gary Fisher Cake a good bike? What about Cannondale? What else should I be looking at in that price range?
I understand asking about bikes is like asking about shoes - everyone has a personal preference. I still would appreciate some suggestions.
Thanks in advance, really.
OK, I am brand-new to "modern" mountain biking after taking the last decade off to start a family. Now, I need your advice. Ive been searching the forums, but I cant seem to get the answer to this one and Ive searched the Internet for weeks turning up nothing that sways me one way or the other.
I want to buy a new mountain bike in the $2,500 price range - and today's technology has me stumped (my price is based on the concept I will have this bike another decade, like my last one).
To help you help me, here is some background.
My current bike is about 13-years-old. It is a "ParkPre" (Chro-moly) hardtail with a "Mach 5" front shock - old school - XT components (Rapidfire, I think they call them). Great bike when I was in my 20s, but a harsh ride (and technically dated) these days for my now 38-year-old body.
My riding style:
I ride on fire roads, single-track, and trails in Southern California. No real downhill. No pavenment. I like climbing. I am not hard on my bike (no jumping off anything taller than 24"). I am 62 and weigh 195 lbs.
Where I am at:
My local bike store is suggesting the Gary Fisher Cake 2 DLX. Retail price is $2,149. Its nice, but Id like all XT components (I broke all my STX and LX parts on my last bike) so Id ask him for an upgrade (front derailleur and shifters) before I purchase. The Gary Fisher Cake 1 is all XT, yet it has less suspension travel (I have no idea why).
Is the Gary Fisher Cake a good bike? What about Cannondale? What else should I be looking at in that price range?
I understand asking about bikes is like asking about shoes - everyone has a personal preference. I still would appreciate some suggestions.
Thanks in advance, really.