[danwade]

I live in Waco, Texas near a great mountain biking trail and feel like I am not taking advantage of it completely on my Giant that I ride to class. It is a full suspension DS3 i bought at home... around $700... looking to upgrade and willing to spend $2500... What should I buy?

 

[borregokid]

I have four bikes that I would probably look at. The first one would be the Specialized Stumpjumper 120 which is between all-mountain and xc race. The other bikes are the Giant Reign, Cannondale Prophet and the Specialized Enduro. Specialized has a nice test bike program so find a dealer and see if he has some test bikes that you can check out. I am not a fan of the 32 pound all mountain bike so I think the Specialized 120 would be kind of sweet. You might also check out the Giant Anthem even though its more reace oriented.

 

[Johnny Hair Boy]

You are a big guy

So I would go with a Specialized Enduro or an Elsworth Moment or Epiphany you could also look at the Nomad.

 

[Mike B.]

Take a look at the Iron Horse MKIII. Can't beat the DW Link and they pack a lot of value with very good component specs

 

[bespinct]

GF Sugar 292 or 293

Not that I'm trying to start a 26 vs 29 battle. But for that money you could look at a Gary Fisher Sugar 292 or Sugar 293. I'm about your size and although I bought a 26", if I had the available funds I would have gotten a Sugar. I demoed a 29" HT that I loved the geometry and ride, I can only imagine what a 29" FS would be like.

Here are links to the GF page:

Sugar 292

Sugar 293

 

[Techfreak]

I'm 6'4" and about 20 lbs lighter than you. I have no idea what the geography in your area is like, but I would definitely give the Spec. Enduro a try. The C'Dale Gemini is also a very underrated bike. I did not like the Prophet at all. The angles were just not right for me. I have mentioned this in other threads, but the Sinister Splinter is a great bike. Pricey though. The Large has a 24.5" top tube.

The IH MK III looks great, but the angles don't quite seem right to me. (Too steep for my preferences.)

 

[ihatebikes]

I live in Waco, Texas near a great mountain biking trail and feel like I am not taking advantage of it completely on my Giant that I ride to class. It is a full suspension DS3 i bought at home... around $700... looking to upgrade and willing to spend $2500... What should I buy?

I'm pretty stoked on my enduro. 6 & 6. kind of pricey though.

 

[danwade]

sounds good...

I'm leaning toward the Specialized Enduro then... thank you all for all of your input...i'll let you know how it works out!

 

[95Stumpy]

575 Yeti with the Enduro Kit.