Originally Posted by
atombessy
Hi ladies! I'm in the market for a new FS mountain bike. Currently I'm riding a Julianna (2006) size medium (21.5" toptube).
I rode a fancy Niner at a demo this weekend, the Carbon Jet 9 RDO - why do they let people try out a crazy expensive bike! It was very very nice, and now I have a bike shopping bug, but that price point just ain't gonna happen. What I'm looking for:
29er
22" toptube (so somewhere in the xsmall/small department for non WSD bikes)
full suspension - the stiffer the better? I think Julianna's older suspension is losing me a LOT of energy on climbs, she's great on rock gardens and roots, but I think overall I want a much less squishy rear shock.
prefer Shimano parts to Sram
Price point: $3k give or take
So what do you think ladies? What the best bang for your buck in that price range?
I could be wrong but I don't think that there are any brand new Carbon Full Suspension 29ers that are in that $3000 price range. I think that you have to aim more at the $4000 price range for a new carbon full suspension 29er unless someone is getting rid of prior year models. There are plenty of carbon hardtail 29ers and aluminum full suspension in your < $3000 price range. Maybe search for a used one?
Also, can you put in more air in your Juliana's rear suspension so that it is a "less squishy" rear shock or possibly buy a newer model rear shock?
2014 Liv Lust
2013 Specialized Fate Expert with carbon wheelset (sold)
2012 Specialized Amira Elite
2010 Santa Cruz Juliana with R kit and Crampon pedals (sold)
2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle (sold)