Hello all from Sheridan, WY. Brand new to the forum.
I'm just starting to think about getting back into mountain biking. My last bike purchase was a Giant Sedona in about 1992 when I was in college. I still have it and it doesn't have a whole lot of miles on it, but I want to upgrade and start riding more.
I have been doing some research, and lots of reading here on the forum. But I would like some personal input as well.
I plan to spend somewhere in the $1000-1400 range and hopefully buy a pretty good bike to start out on. Most of my riding will be in the Bighorn mountains that are essentially in my backyard. I don't anticipate doing a lot of super technical trails. I really want an All-Mountain type bike that will do whatever I feel like on any particular day. I'm also a fairly big boy (6' 260lbs) and not as young as I once was (36).
I have talked to my LBS a little, and they are definitely recommending a Specialized FSR-XC full suspension bike. I have not ridden it yet but plan to soon. I have read some good reviews for this bike.
My other consideration at this point is a hardtail 29er along the lines of the Gary fisher X-caliber. I asked at the LBS and they seemed a little less sold on it. They currently don't stock any 29ers at all, nor any tires etc. for them. They are the only LBS in town also.
So, have at it. What would you do in my situation? Is there a distinct advantage to one vs. the other for me?
I'm just starting to think about getting back into mountain biking. My last bike purchase was a Giant Sedona in about 1992 when I was in college. I still have it and it doesn't have a whole lot of miles on it, but I want to upgrade and start riding more.
I have been doing some research, and lots of reading here on the forum. But I would like some personal input as well.
I plan to spend somewhere in the $1000-1400 range and hopefully buy a pretty good bike to start out on. Most of my riding will be in the Bighorn mountains that are essentially in my backyard. I don't anticipate doing a lot of super technical trails. I really want an All-Mountain type bike that will do whatever I feel like on any particular day. I'm also a fairly big boy (6' 260lbs) and not as young as I once was (36).
I have talked to my LBS a little, and they are definitely recommending a Specialized FSR-XC full suspension bike. I have not ridden it yet but plan to soon. I have read some good reviews for this bike.
My other consideration at this point is a hardtail 29er along the lines of the Gary fisher X-caliber. I asked at the LBS and they seemed a little less sold on it. They currently don't stock any 29ers at all, nor any tires etc. for them. They are the only LBS in town also.
So, have at it. What would you do in my situation? Is there a distinct advantage to one vs. the other for me?