So it would appear that the Gods have been good to me and come bonus time next Thursday I may be in the market for a new mountain bicycle. As such the amount I can spend on said new bike is TBD, but I am doing my research now, reading reviews, poring over specs, and seeing who has what for how much. Sadly I haven't even done so much as contemplate purchasing a new dirt machine in a very long time so my knowledge is outdated.
Current situation:
I am on a 2002 Turner RFX with 5" rocker plates and a Fox 36. 1 x 9 drivetrain, 26" wheels. Heavy, but predictable.
Height = 5'7"
Weight = 165 lbs
Desires:
5-6" bike
11 speed drivetrain
Dropper post
27.5"
Aluminum (I would go carbon but I'm not a dentist)
Budget: Realistically up to $3K
It will be used all up and down the Front Range and CO, Moab, and must be suitable for East Coast Rox too. I am a competent climber and competent descender but am neither good nor fast at either. I do not have any bro deals or hookups, so my loyalty to any particular brand or shop is nil. Obviously the cheaper the better but it would appear that I will be holding onto this one for a while so I don't mind paying a little bit extra for something durable and able to weather the constant tide of changing standards.
Bikes on the to check out list at the moment:
Trek Slash
Specialized Enduro
Knolly Endorphin
Transition Bandit, Scout, and Patrol
And go! Rain your collective knowledge down upon me Ridemonkey.
Current situation:
I am on a 2002 Turner RFX with 5" rocker plates and a Fox 36. 1 x 9 drivetrain, 26" wheels. Heavy, but predictable.
Height = 5'7"
Weight = 165 lbs
Desires:
5-6" bike
11 speed drivetrain
Dropper post
27.5"
Aluminum (I would go carbon but I'm not a dentist)
Budget: Realistically up to $3K
It will be used all up and down the Front Range and CO, Moab, and must be suitable for East Coast Rox too. I am a competent climber and competent descender but am neither good nor fast at either. I do not have any bro deals or hookups, so my loyalty to any particular brand or shop is nil. Obviously the cheaper the better but it would appear that I will be holding onto this one for a while so I don't mind paying a little bit extra for something durable and able to weather the constant tide of changing standards.
Bikes on the to check out list at the moment:
Trek Slash
Specialized Enduro
Knolly Endorphin
Transition Bandit, Scout, and Patrol
And go! Rain your collective knowledge down upon me Ridemonkey.