Looking to buy my first FS bike. Currently riding an '01 Marin Eldridge Grade. I ride mostly XC and was wondering what people thought about the Dakar XC Expert and Rift Zone. Also please give me any other suggestions you may have in this price range- $1500-$2000.

Looking to buy my first FS bike. Currently riding an '01 Marin Eldridge Grade. I ride mostly XC and was wondering what people thought about the Dakar XC Expert and Rift Zone. Also please give me any other suggestions you may have in this price range- $1500-$2000.

I have had a 04 Dakar Expert for almost a year now and I love it. It's a great ride at a price you can't beat! I looked at a lot of different bikes when I was shopping around, but when it came down to the last 2 bikes it was the Jamis or the Kona "King Kikapu", it's was just a little over $2000 where the Jamis was under that with almost identical components. Only problem with the Jamis is that it's not made in the U.S. if that matters to you.

The bikes pedal great. Good component spec. The suspension gives you awesome traction when climbing, but does not feel spongy when pedalling.

Have fun searching, it's almost as much fun as riding.