Mountain bike shopping

I sold my Specialized Myka HT 29er this past weekend. I bought it used of CL and had it for about 1 year. Initially I loved it but, recently realized I prefer a 26er. It was great for dirt roads and paths but for tight single track I hated it. DH and I went up north and rode Grand Island last year. We had a blast on the fire roads, and we plan on doing another mountain bike type vacation next summer. This one will be more technical...somewhere around the Porqupine Montains MI. We ski there a lot and want to bike the trails too.

DH also does some off-road (car) racing and we will be traveling out West next summer (Nevada, Arizona, Texas) and I really want to do some biking there too. maybe, I can talk him into going to Moab while we are out that way ;)

To get DH to ride more with me- I go Mountain biking. He prefers it to road riding and I enjoy it too so, I asked if he minded if I sold the 29er to upgrade to a new 26er and he said "go for it". Sooooooooo, I sold it for 75$ more than I paid for it!!! I did add a few things (pedals, quick release set clamp, grips) and think they got a good deal.

I am looking at Cannondale's and Trek for now. I do not like they way Specialized fits me (26 or 29)

Try as many bikes as you can get your hands on. Jamis, Giant, and Santa Cruz also have some bikes worth looking at--just to name a few. Santa Cruz has just partnered with the woman behind their "Juliana" model (the bike that I have) for a new line of bikes called Juliana.

You guys might consider riding the White Rim Trail in Utah's Canyonlands National Park. There are some tour companies that offer 3 and 4 days supported tours.

Oh! How exciting! I too, am looking for a new mtn bike, and because of rave reviews, think I will buy the Cannondale Scalpel 29er.(I already own a couple of 26" wheel bikes) Have fun figuring out what you'd like, that's always lots of fun!

Are you looking for a HT or FS? I loved my Jamis Dakar Comp but they have downgraded that bike for 2013, sadly.

I love my Jamis, but I'd pick Santa Cruz if I had a choice.

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Originally Posted by ridebikeme

Oh! How exciting! I too, am looking for a new mtn bike, and because of rave reviews, think I will buy the Cannondale Scalpel 29er.(I already own a couple of 26" wheel bikes) Have fun figuring out what you'd like, that's always lots of fun!

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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Scalpel 1! It is, however a 29er.

You may also want to look at some of the offerings available now in 650b/27.5. I've seen some good reviews on these as well.

SheFly

I can not find a Jamis or santa Cruz dealer close by that has anything in my size to test ride :( I really was a full suspension but can only afford a hardtail on my budget. But, living in MI I think a decently outfitted HT will be fine for our terrain.

I will be looking for used bikes as well.

I am having so much fun shopping and test riding.