OK, here is the deal. I am an ubernewbie. I am still two notches below "poseur". I really want to take the plunge and get a nice bike. Today (tomorrow it may change), I am set on a Santa Cruz. I know, their customer service may leave something to be desired, but I have been brainwashed by The Santa Cruz mystique. And since I just moved to the East Coast from CA, they were very popular there and all I ever heard were how much people loved theirs.
Anway, I am a big guy - 6ft, 250 (on a good day) and 37 years old. I used to ride mostly urban on an 01 Kona Scrap (first and only mountain bike). I also logged some very fun urban miles on my Marin Novato. I have since sold both bikes back in Oct. My days of idiot launches and broken bones are about done. I still like to catch air, but more in 3-4 feet (max) range. I hope to ride at least 4 days a week. My riding will likely be broken down into 2 days of mild urban assault and 2 days of aggressive trail and/or XC (newbie level).
I have already been to my LBS (and others not so local) four times in the last week for back to back test rides and I am still unable to figure out which frame will be best for me. I am not so much worried about the components, since I can switch out (as I learn more about what I need). Usually when people explain the components, I have no clue what they are talking about. I hope to buy a bike in the next week.
Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Anway, I am a big guy - 6ft, 250 (on a good day) and 37 years old. I used to ride mostly urban on an 01 Kona Scrap (first and only mountain bike). I also logged some very fun urban miles on my Marin Novato. I have since sold both bikes back in Oct. My days of idiot launches and broken bones are about done. I still like to catch air, but more in 3-4 feet (max) range. I hope to ride at least 4 days a week. My riding will likely be broken down into 2 days of mild urban assault and 2 days of aggressive trail and/or XC (newbie level).
I have already been to my LBS (and others not so local) four times in the last week for back to back test rides and I am still unable to figure out which frame will be best for me. I am not so much worried about the components, since I can switch out (as I learn more about what I need). Usually when people explain the components, I have no clue what they are talking about. I hope to buy a bike in the next week.
Any feedback would be most appreciated. Thanks.