No bike park riding?

 

There are far far more miles of trail that the Occam would excel at. Yes, there are a few famous, beat down, steep runs with shuttle access in the basin, but the trails where an Occam would be the right tool go on for days.

iMO to ride the bike park is not to ride 'Lake Tahoe' 'cause that's pretty much the same everywhere, but if that's your holiday plan, bring the full face and big bike.

DT

 

I bring my Epic Evo 7 (120/110) when I go to the north shore / Truckee area and it does fine but I’m more into trail riding and not taking the big hits. There’s lots of climbing so take that into consideration if you plan to earn your downhill.

What part of Tahoe are you staying?

 

Take the Occam to rip around the extensive trail network and hire a DH bike if you hit the lifts. I rode my Occam (150/140) in Tahoe a handful of times while I owned it and it was always a blast. There is a lot of really great pedaling in the area.

 

Orbea. Assuming you are trail riding, you have to climb. Base elevation is 6200 feet, highest trails go to about 9000 feet. Carrying that extra weight does not help. Also, as Dave said, there are very few trails where a bigger bike is needed, and those people generally shuttle. Trails like Toads, Rim Trail, Christmas Valley, and Big Chief are all trail bike trails.

 

I lived outside Truckee for a few years. I'd say Occam for sure.

 

Yep. Bring the small bike and then rent a bigger bike if you really feel that need.

 

My last trip to the area I took my SB130LR and it was all the bike I needed so I'd vote for the Orbea. I rode the bike park ~10 years ago and you should just rent a DH bike if you'll be visiting for a day or two.

 

There’s not a trail in Tahoe that the Occam won’t handle, and you’ll enjoy it a lot more than a big heavy enduro bike. (I have both types of bikes and rarely ride my big bike anymore).

Be sure to check out the Tahoe Rim Trail and the trails off it, both South and North Lake have a ton of great trails. West shore is mostly closed for riding due to Wilderness designation, and the east side is good but partially closed for maintenance this summer.

Check out TAMBA for trail info.

 

Hi all,

Really appreciate the responses! Unreal feedback, will definitely take the occam as I am not too fussed on the bike park & as most highlighted I can easily hire something.

In terms of best spot to stay I was thinking truckee. Although if I was to say breweries, good food & proximity to trails as the primary focus I am open to any suggestions.

Cheers

 

Hard to go wrong with Truckee. Plenty of bars, multiple breweries, too many golf courses, a few small lakes, and whole ton of singletrack. The drive into north lake tahoe isn't too bad, either. Totally doable to go ride there for the day, or to drive there in the evening for dinner.

 

I was going to fly from Australia to stay in Lake Tahoe, I would stay at the lake. Truckee is great and all, but it's just not the lake. If you have the means, staying in a cabin where you can ride from the front door, and swim in Lake Tahoe is just too good.

 

Tahoe City is my default when I visit the area.

 

Just be ready for sticker shock wherever you stay.

 

And cold shock trying to swim in mountain lakes

 

I'd also recommend the Orbea, but be warned that Tahoe can be a zoo with the summertime crowds. I've never had a problem once I'm out on the trails, but have spent my fair share of time sitting in traffic. If I was visiting the area I'd try and split at least some time in Downieville/Quincy/Graeagle. They've got well-maintained trails and shuttle options and the towns are much less crowded than anything around Tahoe.

 

Heard that. 89 in the summer between Tahoe City and Truckee isn't too bad once you are clear, but there can be some serious delays along 89 south of Tahoe City and along that whole west shore. Ugh. Especially in the middle of the day.

Only thing missing in Quincy is a giant lake. I'm hearing good things about Everstoke tho.

 

Only thing missing in Quincy is a giant lake. I'm hearing good things about Everstoke tho.

And the other thing that is missing is a decent hotel. Plenty of camping within 30 minutes, including Everstoke (though it looks like that's ending).

 

(though it looks like that's ending).

It is? Didn't it just open?

 

I've only camped in the Downieville area, but yeah, there doesn't seem to be too many hotels. While there aren't any lakes as big as Lake Tahoe, there are some pretty decent-sized and nice ones like Gold Lake. The Sardine Lakes are also beautiful. I'd take any of them over waiting for a parking spot to open up at say Sand Harbor.

 

Makes sense. They need to raise funds to make it work financially. Will have to go back again this year before they close

 

Many years since I have been there, but my 140/130 bike at the time handled most everything. We rented DH bikes for a day at Northstar. We didn't have a week but did both divides at Downieville and hole in the ground, along with Northstar. Did some trails down low as well on the way up and down. Don't remember the names of them. It was a fun trip. Enjoy.

 

Sounds like you decided on the Occam which is a good decision for Tahoe. I visit Truckee/Tahoe every summer, and just returned from a 2-week stay. September should be a good time to go because the tourist season will be winding down. Truckee is a great place to stay--still has a mountain town feel with great access to trails. Tahoe City is another solid place to stay if you want to be in Tahoe. Check out Dirt Gypsy Adventures in Truckee if you want to shuttle or rent a bike with more travel. FYI--The altitude is no joke if you're coming from seal level.

 

Looks like Dirt Gypsy Adventures is only doing curated tours in 2025, no casual shuttles.

 

I find a 150/160 travel bike to be the best all round Tahoe riding bike. I’d lean towards your lower travel bike as there are some epic long distance rides and all can be quite fun on a lower travel bike, more skill than point and shoot.

 

I’m gonna be the contrarian guy in this thread,, I guess. I bring a long travel bike for my Tahoe trips - trails and park - and I love it. I don’t mind being a bit slow to the top. It mostly comes down to tires anyway - put something a bit faster rolling in the back, firm up the shock, and you’re good (or do a wheel swap if you’re fancy).