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.
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Thread: Bike Options?
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09-02-2011, 09:22 AM #1
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09-02-2011, 10:15 AM #2
Can't never could!
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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.Last edited by Aggie_Ama; 09-02-2011 at 10:17 AM.
Amanda
2011 Specialized Epic Comp 29er | Specialized Phenom | "Marie Laveau"
2007 Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road | Selle Italia Lady Gel Flow | "Miranda"
You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan
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09-06-2011, 04:15 AM #3
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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! 
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09-06-2011, 05:03 AM #4
What's over that hill?
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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!Last edited by Catrin; 09-06-2011 at 05:08 AM.
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09-06-2011, 07:06 AM #5
Meow!
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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!
Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
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09-06-2011, 12:09 PM #6
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Indy - Lol yeah I was NOT into the whole white mountain bike thing, I mean it's a mountain bike it's supposed to get dirty right?!?! Just wasn't feeling it with that color scheme. Catrin helped me eliminate that particular one from my list of possibles. I loved the Lexi but just couldn't get a very good deal on it. The Cypher has a lot better components and I have also heard very good things about the maestro suspension too. Let's hope I chose well :-)
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09-06-2011, 12:39 PM #7
Meow!
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Brian's Redline 29er is white with black and red details. It's neat. The white Cypher though with the blue scroll work. Well, it's just not as need as the red one.
Originally Posted by WindingRoad
In any event, I tend to think you choose well. That bike appears to be speced very nicely. I'm glad you got a deal, too. That always helps.
Happy (and safe) riding!Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.
--Mary Anne Radmacher
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09-08-2011, 04:23 AM #8
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Bike is gonna be here soon..... can't wait
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09-08-2011, 04:33 AM #9
What's over that hill?
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Yes, it was a fluke kind of thing, just put her foot down wrong. Originally Posted by WindingRoad
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 Originally Posted by WindingRoad
Bike is gonna be here soon..... can't wait
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