Hi All,
Been a long time since I've been on my MTB. Probably 6+ yrs. Went for a ride with some friends a few weeks ago & been on the bike every few days since.
I'm now in my mid-50's, 6'-3", 240lbs, live and ride at 5,000+ft elevation. Currently riding my old '96 Specialized Stumpjumper FS M2 that's had more than a few upgrades, including springs in the RockShox Judy fork to help support my weight. The bike is still in great shape, is light at only 22 lbs, shifting is butter smooth, climbs anything I can keep the pedals moving on, etc. However, damn its a harsh ride. That M2 frame is STIFF!
So, after the recent rides I'm starting to think about getting myself something current and comfortable to ride. Something that'll do everything from easy bike path rides with the wife to high mountain trails around Lake Tahoe. Most of my riding will be somewhat rocky, single track loops with just as much climbing as descents. Like the idea of keeping the price down under the $2000 range if possible.
There are a few bikes that have caught my eye and two in particular... a Canyon Neuron AL 6.0 or Marin Rift Zone 2. Both full squish, both just under 2K, both 29'ers. Both of these have some of what I think I want, but neither have everything. I think I'd like a SRAM Eagle NX group, 1x11 or 1x12 group set, dropper seat post, at least the shock being by Fox, etc. The Marin has nearly everything, but not sure about the RockShox shock and fork set up. The Canyon has a similar set up but a 2x11 SLX gear set. Looking at the Canyon website I really like the idea of a Canyon Neuron AL 7.0, but that one is currently $800+/- more than the 6.0. But is it worth the extra coin? It does get me the component set up I think I want + it has Fox shock and forks.
Also wondering about maybe another hardtail but with tubeless 27.5+ set ups. I hear they ride more comfortably than a typical hardtail, may climb better that a full squish 29'er, but how about the rocky descents? Rear end probably still somewhat harsh on sharp hits yes?
Sorry, for the long post. Just got tons of unknowns to figure out. Any help would be awesome!
Been a long time since I've been on my MTB. Probably 6+ yrs. Went for a ride with some friends a few weeks ago & been on the bike every few days since.
I'm now in my mid-50's, 6'-3", 240lbs, live and ride at 5,000+ft elevation. Currently riding my old '96 Specialized Stumpjumper FS M2 that's had more than a few upgrades, including springs in the RockShox Judy fork to help support my weight. The bike is still in great shape, is light at only 22 lbs, shifting is butter smooth, climbs anything I can keep the pedals moving on, etc. However, damn its a harsh ride. That M2 frame is STIFF!
So, after the recent rides I'm starting to think about getting myself something current and comfortable to ride. Something that'll do everything from easy bike path rides with the wife to high mountain trails around Lake Tahoe. Most of my riding will be somewhat rocky, single track loops with just as much climbing as descents. Like the idea of keeping the price down under the $2000 range if possible.
There are a few bikes that have caught my eye and two in particular... a Canyon Neuron AL 6.0 or Marin Rift Zone 2. Both full squish, both just under 2K, both 29'ers. Both of these have some of what I think I want, but neither have everything. I think I'd like a SRAM Eagle NX group, 1x11 or 1x12 group set, dropper seat post, at least the shock being by Fox, etc. The Marin has nearly everything, but not sure about the RockShox shock and fork set up. The Canyon has a similar set up but a 2x11 SLX gear set. Looking at the Canyon website I really like the idea of a Canyon Neuron AL 7.0, but that one is currently $800+/- more than the 6.0. But is it worth the extra coin? It does get me the component set up I think I want + it has Fox shock and forks.
Also wondering about maybe another hardtail but with tubeless 27.5+ set ups. I hear they ride more comfortably than a typical hardtail, may climb better that a full squish 29'er, but how about the rocky descents? Rear end probably still somewhat harsh on sharp hits yes?
Sorry, for the long post. Just got tons of unknowns to figure out. Any help would be awesome!
