Looking for 26" full-suspension XC bike... which ones?

[smmokan]

I want a 26" full-suspension XC bike for longer rides in Colorado and Utah... thinking something along the lines of a SC Superlight or Giant Anthem. I'd like to keep it under $2,000 (used or new), and it must have front fork lock-out and rear shock lock-out or something similar. Which other bikes should I be looking at?

[the-one1]

edit

[fatcat]

Sorry but thats like asking people who you don't know and don't know you, what kind of woman to marry.
"Looking for a woman to marry...which ones?

-how much do you weigh
-what kind of trails do you ride
-how tall are you
-are you an all mtn/xc/gnar type of rider
-are you good at fixing bikes/have tools

There's a variety things we don't know about you. Good luck though.

[smmokan]

Sorry but thats like asking people who you don't know and don't know you, what kind of woman to marry.
"Looking for a woman to marry...which ones?

-how much do you weigh
-what kind of trails do you ride
-how tall are you
-are you an all mtn/xc/gnar type of rider
-are you good at fixing bikes/have tools

There's a variety things we don't know about you. Good luck though.

-how much do you weigh- why does that matter?
-what kind of trails do you ride- A lot of different ones. I have a SC Heckler for more technical rides, I want something for longer, less-tech XC-type rides.
-how tall are you- again, why does this matter?
-are you an all mtn/xc/gnar type of rider- the title says... I'm looking for an XC-type bike.
-are you good at fixing bikes/have tools- why does this matter? I can typically fix my own issues, and I have friends that can fix the other stuff.

How much more do I have to narrow down a bike description? Full-suspension, 26", XC (~4" travel) doesn't do it?

[stevehollx]

I feel like you'd want an efficient 5-6" pedaler in CO/UT, but maybe check out a Pivot Mach 4 and SC Blur TRc.

[smmokan]

^^^ I have a Heckler, which isn't bad for rides that are 10-15 miles long... but there are plenty of non-tech rides around here that don't require 5-6" of travel. I'll have two bikes, so I'm looking to pair something with the Heckler. Thus, my desire for a more XC-type bike that I can use for the longer 20+ mile rides that's more efficient.

[stevehollx]

I feel like you'd want an efficient 5-6" pedaler in CO/UT, but maybe check out a Pivot Mach 4 and SC Blur TRc.

Which are both out of your price range. It doesn't seem like as many people are making budget 26er 4" XC bikes anymore? Probably catering to the 29er crowd, since most people looking for 4" bikes these days are on a 29er now.

[stevehollx]

^^^ I have a Heckler, which isn't bad for rides that are 10-15 miles long... but there are plenty of non-tech rides around here that don't require 5-6" of travel. I'll have two bikes, so I'm looking to pair something with the Heckler. Thus, my desire for a more XC-type bike that I can use for the longer 20+ mile rides that's more efficient.

I'm personally not a 29er fan, but for you I'd say go 29er. Maybe even 29er hardtail. If you aren't riding the tech stuff on it...

Or sell the Heckler and replace it with a single 6" bike that pedals better. Like a SB66 with 150mm front, or Mach 5.7. And then just ride that everywhere.

My Mach 5.7 does 40-50 mile rides just fine, by the way.

[the-one1]

.......

My Mach 5.7 does 40-50 mile rides just fine, by the way.

Mine does that too, but sadly it leaves me behind after 15 mile.

[smmokan]

I have a 29er right now and I'm selling it... I'm not a fan.

[fatcat]

-how much do you weigh- why does that matter?
-what kind of trails do you ride- A lot of different ones. I have a SC Heckler for more technical rides, I want something for longer, less-tech XC-type rides.
-how tall are you- again, why does this matter?
-are you an all mtn/xc/gnar type of rider- the title says... I'm looking for an XC-type bike.
-are you good at fixing bikes/have tools- why does this matter? I can typically fix my own issues, and I have friends that can fix the other stuff.

How much more do I have to narrow down a bike description? Full-suspension, 26", XC (~4" travel) doesn't do it?

Sorry about the questions but I'm a journalist and we do the 4 W's.
More info is better than none, to determine what is best suited
and I hate assuming anything. I mean what if you weighed 400lbs
and wanted a lightweight xc bike and I didnt know you weighed 400lbs.
It would be a disaster.

[Pauldotcom]

Stumperjumper FSR comp? Nice bikes. MSRP is around $2700 or so, maybe you can find a used one for under $2000?

Trek Fuel EX - NICE proven bike for under $2000 new.

Scott Spark 60? $1400 new..

SOOOOO Many options. Best bet is to test drive a few at a local LBS.

[aph72]

I have one of the newer redesigned Superlights with the collet head pivot axles, the non gusseted tubing, and 1 degree slacker head angle. I have it set up with the recommended 120mm fork (Reba Team with 20mm Maxle) and really like it alot. I also have a Blur LT2 and I find myself riding the Superlight more often these days. It doesn't hurt that my Superlight is 3 lbs or so lighter than my Blur. Also, the Blur is overkill for some of my favorite trails. I see online retailers offering discounts on complete Superlights pretty regularily. I really like it.

[Tso]

Well thats a very basic question. Whats your height, weight, types of trails you ride, and main purpose for the bike. However, get a nice SantaCruz or Specialized. not sure your price range but this is a little over 3 grand. Cant post links but the SantaCruz HighBall Carbon

[em6901]

Rocky mountain altitude...great trail/xc bike

[stevensman]

I ended up with Specialized SJ Comp Evo after trying quite a few. All bikes ride and feel different, Specialized feels the best to me. Tried SantaCruz(Nickel, Nomad), Trek(many), 9er bikes and probably some others.

[pfox90]

Buy used, I am sure you will have no problem finding a $2000 bike in your area (I imagine if you're riding Utah or Colorado you live around there) that can handle those epics but still be plush.

[smmokan]

Decided to stick with my Trek HiFi Pro to complement the Heckler I already have. Turns out I have a ton of dirt paths from my backyard at my new house, so the lockout on the 29er is perfect for that kind of riding.