I've been on road bikes, SS 29rs, some long travel AM bikes, and even bmx but I have never owned a FS XC rig and I've finally decided to give one a shot. I'm looking for a 26" primarily due to the type of terrain we typically ride (slower, tight tech stuff) and would err on a little more travel than less. It'll mainly be doing general XC duty but should be light enough to handle some endurance racing.
I figure my budget is about $2,000 on the high end but would rather spend a little less out of the gate, then upgrade some parts after spending a little time figuring out what I like/need. That said, I'd love some input from the group. I feel like buying used might not be a terrible call since so many seem to be unloading 26" bikes in favor of the 29". Basically, I'm not opposed to buying used if that's the best bang for the buck.
Without knowing a ton about the FS XC market, I've been considering the following:
Santa Cruz Superlight or Blur (I've owned a "stout" Heckler and Blur 4 Cross in the past)
Trek Fuel EX (insert number here)
Specialized Epic or Stumpjumper
I'm going to go into this with a really open mind so I'm anxious to hear what you all have to say. Thanks in advance!
I have an EX8 and use it for XC. After I got a road bike and started riding it about every other day, my EX8 started to feel really slack. I'm going to get some flat bars and a longer stem to see if that helps. But really, it's just a preference thing.
actually have considered the Motolite. I'd want the 120 for sure though.
No worries on the spam, I'll have a look. What's the weight on the Motolite btw?
I also thought about the Trek but for some reason assumed its more AM than XC. I"m looking for something that can be raced but ideally with 5" of travel.
Thee ML is 5.6 to 5.9# per medium frame. I have mine built up to about 27# with a very sensible build. The EX series from trek is by no means an AM bike though. Not sure how light they are. The moto is one of the lightest frames in its class without going carbon.
There are still some 2011, 26in bikes in dealers, and the price is right, we have a 2011 Stumpy FSR on the floor, there may be some in your area if you look. Our 29ers are long gone. Good Luck
Definitely the Santa Cruz Superlight if you are paying full price. You can't go wrong for the price. Solid, dependable suspension that works, a decent parts spec, and reasonable weight for the money. If you find a good sale, then that changes things.
Here's the update...mountainbiker24, you'll like this (I think) even though its not exactly your suggestion. I bought a used Blur XC from a seller here. You can see it in the classifieds but basically its got a brand new fork, rebuilt shock (that will be an upgrade part at some point), an XT/XTR mix, Avid Ultimate brakes, and a nice clean look. I feel pretty good about this one as I have owned the Blur 4 Cross in the past so I know a little of what to expect in terms of suspension. I think the Blur should be light enough to race and still be able to handle some of the roots and rocks we have here in Ohio and Western PA with no problems.
thanks. it really was between this and the Motolite to be honest. In the end, I think the Motolite is likely to tempt me back into stuff that has gotten me pretty banged up over the years.
I love Santa Cruz. I have never truly ridden a Blur, but I love my Heckler and Superlight and loved the Nickel and Butcher that I demoed. Good customer service as well, but a lot of that depends on your shop. Should be a dependable bike for East Coast conditions! Congrats.
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