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10 Posts
Hi Everybody, first post. Please go easy on me.
I've been borrowing a 2011 s-works Epic 29er FS with 100MM front and rear and a 70.5 degree head tube angle. I've been all over and still going... So far Marsh Creek, White Clay/Middle Run, Harmony Hill, Sawmill, Bear Creek, and Brandywine. Tomorrow I am checking out the Wiss. Hope to get to Nockamixon and French Creek soon too, but still working on improving my cardio base and recovery from blood donation. It's worth noting that I grew up riding bikes and got into BMX pretty good too, I am very comfortable on the MTB in technical sections even though I am new. Still mastering some of the techniques, but comfortable and far from a complete noob. I can't borrow this bike forever and have been researching bikes for a few months now. I will mostly be riding for fun and an easy way to stay in shape, I will not be racing. That said, obviously most of these places are XC focused with a lot of up and down.
Since I can only afford one bike, I've been led that maybe I shouldn't go with 100mm travel. I personally don't have any problems with it and thought it did just fine in Bear Creek but I don't have a good comparison. Since I'm being led for more that brings me to 120mm. The options here aren't crazy plentiful, but there are some. However, the head tube angle at 120mm starts to go from 68.5-70.5 down to 66.5 on some bikes. On top of that, I'm trying to avoid proprietary parts and keeping costs and maintenance down.
Is 66.5 too slack? Is 130mm front/rear too much travel for these trails?
In no particular order some bikes I've spent a good time comparing are in the $4,000 range such as the 2021 Trek Top Fuel 9.7, 2021 Specialized Epic Evo, 2020 Canyon Lux CF SL 6.0, 2021 Intense Sniper Trail, Scott Spark 920. But then I'm intrigued by something like the YT Izzo Pro at 130mm and 66.5 HT angle but worry it's too much travel and too slack for climbing and the riding around here. It also seems 34mm stanchions are better than 32 for an only bike? Of course then there's the trying to get the right size over the internet problem since I can't find any demos and the used market is dry, I'm willing to try though. I ride a Large epic but most of the bike sizing questionnaires put me squarely in a medium at 5' 10.5" including the Epic Evo.
First and foremost I like to get a good value out of my purchases. If buying new this is very important. I'd hate to wait until winter to try and find a good used/new deal. As far as components I like the GX or SLX, and want to stick to Fox Per. Elite or Rockshox Sid. My Uncle really doesn't like the consumer direct brands and is pushing me to stick with something local, but I'm not sure if I agree, especially since I'm so value focused. The Epic Evo seems like good components but a 66.5" head tube angle, whereas the Top Fuel 9.7 doesn't really seem to have great components but a better geometry. I really could use some help and advice. I'll be checking on if anybody has any questions to help point me in the right direction I should be able to answer them fairly quickly. 32 and Male if it matters.
I've been borrowing a 2011 s-works Epic 29er FS with 100MM front and rear and a 70.5 degree head tube angle. I've been all over and still going... So far Marsh Creek, White Clay/Middle Run, Harmony Hill, Sawmill, Bear Creek, and Brandywine. Tomorrow I am checking out the Wiss. Hope to get to Nockamixon and French Creek soon too, but still working on improving my cardio base and recovery from blood donation. It's worth noting that I grew up riding bikes and got into BMX pretty good too, I am very comfortable on the MTB in technical sections even though I am new. Still mastering some of the techniques, but comfortable and far from a complete noob. I can't borrow this bike forever and have been researching bikes for a few months now. I will mostly be riding for fun and an easy way to stay in shape, I will not be racing. That said, obviously most of these places are XC focused with a lot of up and down.
Since I can only afford one bike, I've been led that maybe I shouldn't go with 100mm travel. I personally don't have any problems with it and thought it did just fine in Bear Creek but I don't have a good comparison. Since I'm being led for more that brings me to 120mm. The options here aren't crazy plentiful, but there are some. However, the head tube angle at 120mm starts to go from 68.5-70.5 down to 66.5 on some bikes. On top of that, I'm trying to avoid proprietary parts and keeping costs and maintenance down.
Is 66.5 too slack? Is 130mm front/rear too much travel for these trails?
In no particular order some bikes I've spent a good time comparing are in the $4,000 range such as the 2021 Trek Top Fuel 9.7, 2021 Specialized Epic Evo, 2020 Canyon Lux CF SL 6.0, 2021 Intense Sniper Trail, Scott Spark 920. But then I'm intrigued by something like the YT Izzo Pro at 130mm and 66.5 HT angle but worry it's too much travel and too slack for climbing and the riding around here. It also seems 34mm stanchions are better than 32 for an only bike? Of course then there's the trying to get the right size over the internet problem since I can't find any demos and the used market is dry, I'm willing to try though. I ride a Large epic but most of the bike sizing questionnaires put me squarely in a medium at 5' 10.5" including the Epic Evo.
First and foremost I like to get a good value out of my purchases. If buying new this is very important. I'd hate to wait until winter to try and find a good used/new deal. As far as components I like the GX or SLX, and want to stick to Fox Per. Elite or Rockshox Sid. My Uncle really doesn't like the consumer direct brands and is pushing me to stick with something local, but I'm not sure if I agree, especially since I'm so value focused. The Epic Evo seems like good components but a 66.5" head tube angle, whereas the Top Fuel 9.7 doesn't really seem to have great components but a better geometry. I really could use some help and advice. I'll be checking on if anybody has any questions to help point me in the right direction I should be able to answer them fairly quickly. 32 and Male if it matters.
