Hey all,
I'm in the market for a new bike. Coming off a 2007 stumpy fsr comp. I live north of Chicago and primarily ride in IL, southern WI, and southwest MI. Once or twice a year I try to get out to Colorado (favorite trails the 401 and 403). I'm 6'1'', 175lbs with gear, and probably ride more on the conservative side. I don't race and don't have much intention, too. I ride purely for fun and exercise. I just want to upgrade to a great bike. My hang up with 27.5'' is the loss of "playfulness" and maneuverability... or so I've heard.
I was dead-set on Ibis SLR for a while now until started talking to others and some bike shops. Several bike shops have recommended I go 27.5 for the midwest riding. I've also been told that if I want an ibis, i should go HD, but I think the HD is overkill for the midwest. I just wanted to see what everyone's opinion was on 27.5'' for the midwest, and what chassis they would recommend building off of. Or should I stick with 26''? I have never ridden a 27.5 and only road a 29 hard tail once.
Unfortunately, the only bikes to test around here are all specialized and trek, neither of which I'm all that interested in.
So slr, hd, or blur lt carbon in a 27.5? Just looking for opinions.
Thanks for reading.
I'm in the market for a new bike. Coming off a 2007 stumpy fsr comp. I live north of Chicago and primarily ride in IL, southern WI, and southwest MI. Once or twice a year I try to get out to Colorado (favorite trails the 401 and 403). I'm 6'1'', 175lbs with gear, and probably ride more on the conservative side. I don't race and don't have much intention, too. I ride purely for fun and exercise. I just want to upgrade to a great bike. My hang up with 27.5'' is the loss of "playfulness" and maneuverability... or so I've heard.
I was dead-set on Ibis SLR for a while now until started talking to others and some bike shops. Several bike shops have recommended I go 27.5 for the midwest riding. I've also been told that if I want an ibis, i should go HD, but I think the HD is overkill for the midwest. I just wanted to see what everyone's opinion was on 27.5'' for the midwest, and what chassis they would recommend building off of. Or should I stick with 26''? I have never ridden a 27.5 and only road a 29 hard tail once.
Unfortunately, the only bikes to test around here are all specialized and trek, neither of which I'm all that interested in.
So slr, hd, or blur lt carbon in a 27.5? Just looking for opinions.
Thanks for reading.