Thinking about buying a mountain bike

[BadgerGirl]

Thank you for all of the input. I have considered the SC Juliana too. I wasn't sure if I could get it to fit me since I am 5'11" and all legs...Since I just moved, I have not had time to check the shops out here. If I went with Giant, I would go back to my old shop in Boulder! (I am too loyal to them. And no Giant shops w/in 150 miles!)

Thank you for the input about Michigan. I have not visited MI in a long time! Thank you for the link Bear.

Bounceswoosh, you have a good point. We are all different. I was just worries I would get a mtn bike that was too much suspension for a flat WI! He he. Alright, I need to be nice to WI...it has some good traits!

Thank you everybody for the help.

[rocknrollgirl]

I have a FS Titus and I love it. Nuff said.....

[sundial]

The Titus is a great looking bike and looks ready for any challenge.

I've been chatting with Running Mommy about FS mtbs, specifically the Santa Cruz Blur. She recommended Giant and I'd like to give a Trance a test ride.

[BadgerGirl]

There are a lot of good bikes out there! Which is always good because you can find something to fit you, your style, and budget too. Anyone have any experience with Maverick? Thank you gals for all of your help!

[bounceswoosh]

Bounceswoosh, you have a good point. We are all different. I was just worries I would get a mtn bike that was too much suspension for a flat WI! He he. Alright, I need to be nice to WI...it has some good traits!
Thank you everybody for the help.

I ride my full suspension bike on trails that need it (for comfort over lots of rocks, not so much for drops), and I also ride it on flat dirt roads sometimes. Sure, you'll always get some bob, but what is your major worry in terms of going FS rather than hardtail?

You can also get lockout for front and back shocks. I had front lockout on my last mountain bike and found it a little weird, but both might be okay. For my current bike, I opted to believe the manufacturer; they claim their suspension design is so superior that lockouts aren't necessary ... I could have replaced the non-locking shock they used for the rear, but decided not to, and so far, I certainly haven't missed it. Not that I'd ever had it to compare.

Speaking of demoing -- you could demo a hardtail and a FS and see what you think on those WI trails.

If I had infinite money and room, I think I'd want a hardtail in my garage, just to have that option ... but with only one bike, FS can do more (comfortably) than hardtail.

[atombessy]

I have a Julianna as well, love love love it. One of the only things I wish I'd gotten (and will probably upgrade to in the future) is a rear shock that locks out. Definitely something to keep in mind, depending on the variety of trails you'll be riding...

[BadgerGirl]

I do have a hardtail, but it is going to get converted to a commuter bike. Yea! I should test the trails here with a bike I am looking at but two of the three manufacturers are not in this state. Santa Cruz bikes are one that I can test here, so I think I will do that soon. The others will have to wait...

[SalsaMTB]

Ah....the old HT vs FS debate. I live in MI, so I can't comment on WI terrain, but it it's anything like metro detroit, FS is not necessary. BUT...you mention you want to go on some bike trips, so I would get a FS.

The only reason I would recommend HT over FS is if you plan on racing (assuming terrain is similar to MI of course). If you don't plan on racing and plan trips out west, stick with FS, maybe something like 4-5 inches of travel.

Depending on your budget, some bikes I'm digging right now are.....

Turner Flux or 5.5Spot
BMC Fourstroke or Trailfox
Salsa El Santo

My husband had the Klien Palomino for a while (uses Maverick suspension design) and he loved it. It was one of his favorite bikes, so based on that, I would think the Maverick would be a good choice also.