Looking for advice here (I know I am not the first)....
I live in SW Montana and currently ride an older Kona and I am looking to buy something newer (a demo/slightly used bike) and I have been looking at something in the Trail/XC and maybe the All Mountain Categories. My budget is a little below $2K thus I am looking at bikes from 2011-2013 (2013 on a demo closeout, etc).
I ride mostly trail in town with good climbs, so I would want something that climbs well...I don't plan on doing big lift assisted downhill with the bike but who knows...I just want a versatile bike that climbs well and is a good bike for this area of Montana.
That being said, I have not ridden a 29er but the hype is out there especially at the local shops here. Should I go with a 29er or would a 26 be better for the type of riding? I am 6' tall so I assume a Large frame will work for me....
A few bikes I have been looking at thus far (open to suggestions) include:
Yeti ASR
Rocky Mountain Altitude 50
Kona Satori
Santa Cruz Tallboy and Blur (and Bronson)
Pivot is sweet but too $$$ for my budget
I have also considered a Fuel EX8/9 or Specialized FSR
Any help would be appreciated! Just trying to make a good choice!
Thanks!!!
I live in SW Montana and currently ride an older Kona and I am looking to buy something newer (a demo/slightly used bike) and I have been looking at something in the Trail/XC and maybe the All Mountain Categories. My budget is a little below $2K thus I am looking at bikes from 2011-2013 (2013 on a demo closeout, etc).
I ride mostly trail in town with good climbs, so I would want something that climbs well...I don't plan on doing big lift assisted downhill with the bike but who knows...I just want a versatile bike that climbs well and is a good bike for this area of Montana.
That being said, I have not ridden a 29er but the hype is out there especially at the local shops here. Should I go with a 29er or would a 26 be better for the type of riding? I am 6' tall so I assume a Large frame will work for me....
A few bikes I have been looking at thus far (open to suggestions) include:
Yeti ASR
Rocky Mountain Altitude 50
Kona Satori
Santa Cruz Tallboy and Blur (and Bronson)
Pivot is sweet but too $$$ for my budget
I have also considered a Fuel EX8/9 or Specialized FSR
Any help would be appreciated! Just trying to make a good choice!
Thanks!!!