Bike Options?

[Nick]

I'm new to mountain biking, so I have limited experience so far. However, I went from a hardtail to a full suspension this summer. I did a lot of research before buying and also considered a 29er as an alternative. I decided against that because of my size. I'm just barely 5'4, petite in build, and need to feel in control of the bike. A 26 inch full suspension gives me plenty of height, and a 29er was more than a tad too high for my comfort level.

There is a huge difference in feel with the fs vs hardtail. I have the Juliana RXC (Santa Cruz). This bike is much lighter than my hardtail, and very fast. She floats on trails and glides over glass and rocks. The Juliana actually feels "harder" on regular paths than on mb terrain. As soon as I hit terrain she seems to light up and start to fly.

[Catrin]

My FS Jamis Dakar XC Comp would fit in your budget! I HATE how she feels on pavement, but she feels just fine on dirt. I think there are a good number of other FS bikes that would as well, and you are taller than I so you would likely have more choices.

As far as PA being more technical than Indiana, I've been told that it depends on where you ride in Indiana, there are people who come from PA to Brown County to ride our single-track there. I've also heard the trails are much rockier further east because of the terrain.

That's about all I can contribute, but am glad to hear you are considering this again. Let me know if you want to ride the beginners loop at Fort Harrison, it is totally flat, no edges at all, just twisty-bendy through trees and across a couple of VERY low bridges.

[Becky]

It really depends where in PA you're riding. There's a lot of trail diversity. Generally, it's rocky and rooty. You'll see a wide variety of bikes....rigid singlespeeds to full-suspension trail bikes. For me, I think that the ideal "only bike" would be a short-travel (3"-4") 29er...something like a Niner Jet 9 or a Salsa Spearfish.

Do you have a shop in PA that you like? If so, I would ask the staff where they're riding and what type(s) of bikes they're riding for those specific trail systems.

[Aggie_Ama]

I love my 29er FS and have liked the 29er HTs I have rented but given you are trying to love the sport I would go with a 26" FS. The full suspension will help with the fatigue. If you aren't completely hung up on the speed then something plush with 5" of travel would be good but it is going to be heavier. You cannot get a FS 29er for your price but there are some 26er options that will fit.

My typical course is a mix of rock gardens, punchy climbs (ie short usually somewhat steep but not long), twisty, some roots but not as large as what I have heard the NE has. It is good to compare what people ride to see why they like what they ride.

[WindingRoad]

As much as id like to get a full suspension 29er I have decided to go with a 26er. I am having to curtail the budget a bit, decided to go with a Giant Cypher 1. It's dark red and has some really nice parts on it. Since I can't really tell much difference honestly between the bikes and they all seem rated good I decided to go with the one I could get the best deal on. I've ridden all the models I've been interested in several times and they all seem fine. I just don't think I have any idea what to feel for? They all feel good!

[Catrin]

The poor Canondale is going to pine away for you I certainly understand wanting to get a good deal, and I think it is great you decided to go forward with the FS. I know that I would be far less confident on a hard tail and would likely have problems walking afterwards - but I've a few years on you.

Let me know when you bring home your lovely new mountain bike and we will head over to the beginners loop at Ft. Harrison like we discussed

Is the red Giant the 2012 model? I thought it only came in white for 2011, but what do I know? Congratulations on the new ride!

[indysteel]

Good choice, WR! I've heard really good things about the rear suspension on that bike. I definitely like that bike in red. The white Cyper 2 isn't nearly as pretty. Let us know how your inaugural ride goes!

[WindingRoad]

Bike is gonna be here soon..... can't wait

[Catrin]

Oh no! What happened Catrin! Did she have a MB accident?

Yes, it was a fluke kind of thing, just put her foot down wrong.

Bike is gonna be here soon..... can't wait

Whoohooo! Oh yes, I need to come over and inspect it when you get it home....hmmmm... make certain all the parts are there....yeah...that's it! After all, I only live a half-mile away, that is the least I can do for a friend