[Anom]

I ride to work a few days a week and trails on the weekends. Interested in getting into more local single track riding. There are maybe limited ST trails that would require a FS bike.


At this point I am in the air. I am looking for something I will be happy with, but yet having decent components to upgrade or swap to a new frame.

Right now interested in a Trek 6000 or a Giant XTC2. All of the components work for me with these 2 bikes, both are around $650 and come with Dart3 front shocks and mechanical 6" brakes.

I also have full suspension on my mind as the option to ride more aggressive trails is appealing. I found a Trek Fuel ex5 for $879 at my LBS today, but I am not sure its what I should be looking for in a FS bike.. I know its an entry level FS and I dont want to get stuck.


Front Suspension: RockShox Tora 289 U-Turn
Rear Shock: RockShox BAR 1.1

Or should I settle on a 6000 or XTC2 with the Rock Shock Dart3 and keep my eyes out for a full suspension frame to swap to later?

Thoughts please.:madman:

 

[Rufudufus]

The fact that you use the word "settle" when it comes to the hardtails makes me believe that you really want a full susser. That Fuel sounds like a pretty good deal, go for it if you can afford it. I'd check the reviews here first, and the Trek forum, but my impression is it's a decent bike. And the Tora is a step up from the Dart, if that helps justify the extra $.

I personally went from FS to Hardtail and am in no hurry to switch back, but everybody's different. It sucks to spend 600 bucks and to feel dissatisfied with what you got.

 

[smallstream]

A rockhopper with disc brakes might be a good option two I think they are under 700$

 

[Singletrakin Mike]

a fisher pirranna or tassajara is a good one the tassajara is a little more than i think you want to spend though

 

[perttime]

Have you been able to ride any of the bikes you are looking at?

Getting a real trail ride on each would be great but even a spin in the parking lot and going down a couple of curbs should give you some idea about how those bikes fit and behave.