FS bike suggestions?

I am looking at getting back into Mtn Biking. I used to own a hardtail Marin but recently rented a Full Suspension Kona Four and...WOW... I gotta have a FS bike. I'll be riding single track trails and Forest Service roads, mostly to take our new pup out for exercise. No racing, but I am a fairly aggressive rider (downhill:) and we have lots of fun trails in our area.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a nice "upper entry level" bike? I am a bit of a bicycle junkie, and know bikes, but I've been out of the market for awhile.

The Trek FuelEX 5 WSD, 16.5" looks good in spec's, but none in stock at my LBS. They are backordered. Anyone have any experience with this bike?

Thanks, Sally

I love my Specialized Era, really really adore that bike. A fantastic climber, quick, accurate, light, I could go on. Check it out, http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...enuItemId=9247
Sorry, haven't looked at the trek.
Have fun, I love bike shopping!

You could look at Specialized Mykas. They don't fit me but have a wide range of components which might fit what you are looking for.

I didn't try the Trek but it was one I was considering, I know my LBS is pretty keen on them but I would be leery to buy without being able to ride it. Can you try the one that is a little more expensive to see if you like the geometry?

They aren't making the Gary Fisher I have this year or else I would sing it's praises!

Thanks for the info... I haven't checked out Specialized (except online). Guess I'll need to take a trip and find a Specialized dealer. The Era looks fantastic, however a bit out of my price range. I need to stay around $1500.:o

LBS handles Trek, Kona mainly but supply on bikes is low this year. I have only been able to try the Kona's.

It is fun looking... and you're right, I really need to try before I buy.

If you can find a last years model they're often way cheaper. My LBS had my bike marked down $1000 (ouch). I keep telling myself it was worth the cash to have it last season!

Mykas would be a good package for your budget. The one thing I didn't like about Specialized is the short top tube, so for me I would I test ride. The Gary Fisher geometry is very different and many people cautioned me against it, then I loved it. So definitely try. Are you sure you need a WSD? I ride a 15-15.5" so many of the non-WSD don't go small enough. Since you are an admitted bike geek you can do my method and pour over geometry charts. I knew I didn't fit Specialized well so I compared the parts that didn't work to Trek and Fisher. I was sure I wanted to buy from LBS but I was lucky that my shop started a mountain shop so we have a good selection. Oops that got a little long!

When you say FS, what exactly are you thinking? 4" XC bike, a trail bike in more the 5"-6" travel range, or something completely different? Also, what's your price range on something like this?

In my area, FS is almost overkill, but I like it. My GT Marathon has 4" of travel and works great for what we have here. I suggest visiting a few local shops, tell them the trails you're riding, and see what they recommend. You can then search around for similar bikes in your size and start test riding.

One more thing: I really really like having an air-sprung fork on my bike. Coil forks are almost always too heavy for me, and I have to swap to lighter springs to get any usable travel. Air allows me to set the fork just right for me. Well worth the additional expense IMO.

have fun shopping! :)

I took all your advise and looked tried other models. I really wanted to buy at my LBS, they had a Trek Fuel EX 8, 15.5", matte black, that met my geometry (i didn't really need a WSD) and I bought it:p Of course they fit it to me.
Yes, it was more then I had wanted to spend, but I LOVE IT. LBS is selling my hybrid Kona for me to defer the cost.
Took my first real ride today with my 9 month old puppy Remington. We both had a great time. I had him at a full run, he runs to the left side of the bike by the rear wheel (gets in a zone). Unless I slow down, then he takes the lead and occasionally tests my braking skills. He doesn't run way out like when we are walking... it's a great workout for both of us.

I love my new ride and my biking buddy.
Downside to a black bike, I'll be washing it after every ride.

I feel like a little kid, can't stop grinning. WHHEEEEE!:):):)

Very nice!

I just bought a Trek EX8 also, but yours must be the 2010 model because mine is the weird root beer color. Wasn't too fond of the color, but it sure rides nice. :)

WOO HOO another MTB is born! Many happy dirty miles! My bro has an '09 EX8 and loves it; it's a very good trailbike. He's always riding it and it's been very reliable. He only had to get a tire with more 'bite' up front as he found those Bontrager tires slip a bit too much in sand or in a lean. Looks like 'Biking Buddy' is as happy about your new bike as you are.

I don't have a 'biking buddy', I have a 'couch-buddy', a 12 year old Choc Lab who's hips have seen better days. But we camp and he likes to sit in the dark and stare at the stars, and 4x during the day and watch the hares and ground squirrels run by... The smile is priceless. Sometimes I take him walking on the trails I ride and he gets that 'I'm so happy I could burst' face.:D