There's a great deal on a 2016 Jet 9 RDO in the marketplace.  If that fits you size wise, I'd highly recommend you take a look at it.  You'd be getting a ton of value at their current asking price.

Look into the Santa Cruz Tallboy 3 (29er) or 5010 (27.5er) with the NX 1x11 drivetrain!  Once you ride one, I doubt you will be happy with any other bike.  You wont be dis-appointed.

My *personal* opinions on the big brands...

Santa Cruz - you typically get decent components w/ maxxis tires.  Their VPP suspension is excellent as well.  Santa cruz has well refined bikes in my opinion and you wont be itching to change components after buying the bike.

Giant - Known as the "best bang for your buck" brand.  You typically get higher grade components at lower price points.  I think you'd be happy with a new Giant.

Trek - Decent bikes, but I'm not the biggest fan of bontrager components & tires.  I feel like they sneak in heavy components on lower end bikes.  They also have proprietary RE:Aktiv rear shocks which I dont care for.

Specialized - Similar to trek.  Well developed nice bikes, but I feel like the prices keep creeping up and they are loosing the "good deal" flair.  I do like the specialized branded components over Bontrager/trek though.   

Sincerely,
Santa Cruz Fan Boy...

For what its worth...  I agree Niners are worth looking into.  I've been riding a 2014 Jet 9 Carbon for over 3 years, which isn't much different from the RDO mentioned above.  I haven't had a single issue with the frame and love my bike.  Only 1 minor niggle is occasional bottom bracket squeek when dirt gets into it, due to their use of the press fit bottom bracket adapter.  I've replaced the rear carbon triangle once, but it was due to an unfortunate close encounter with a rock.  And Niner was very fair with me by offering a discount on replacing it, even though it was not a defect.  I know a lot of others who ride their frames, love them and have been treated fairly if/when any issue occurred.  I wouldn't hesitate buying another Niner.    

No doubt, there are a lot of great bikes to be had for your price range.  The ones you're looking at are really sweet.  I'd highly recommend taking advantage of any demo's available to find what feels best to you.  Its an exciting time to be getting back into the sport.  Welcome back and happy trails!

wlbnc wrote on 06/23/17 at 2:32am:


Don't we all.  Unfortunately their is no such thing.  You will have to make sacrifices 1 way or another between a XC bike vs a Trail bike.   

Lots of great brands out their. Best thing to do is hit a large Demo event and ride as many as you can.  When you find the one you really can't live without then you will know you got the right 1.  Or hit up some of the local bike shops for weekend rentals and spend some saddle time on the trails with them.

Okay I'll throw in my 2-cents...  After more than ten years since my last new bike purchase, I finally pulled the trigger on a new bike last October.  My choice was a '16 Specialized Camber Carbon Expert 650b.   With 130mm of travel and laid back geometry, it makes for what I'd call an almost perfect trail bike for the Charlotte area.... heck anywhere for that matter.

Granted a HUGE jump from what was popular in 2006.  I'm coming off of a '06 Cannondale Rush 2000 with a Carbon Lefty/Fox RP23 and that wacky XT shifter brake combo that Shimano had out at that time.  The Rush had a long top tube and what seemed to be a low bottom bracket.  Plus lets not forget 26" wheels.

Heck, I was so out of the loop, I've skipped the 29" movement altogether and when right for the 27.5.  I'm 5'8" so I think the 27.5 wheels suit me just fine (especially since I've only ever rode 26").  Now with dropper post, 1X11 drivetrain and suspension technology that blows my mind I couldn't be happier.  Like others have mentioned.... take some demos out and take you're time. 

Big shout out to the Specialized Camber though.... I'm smitten!  See all of the Camber models ranging from $1900 to $8500 (with various wheel sizes) here...
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-Brian 

I've got a Tallboy 2 which is a bit shorter travel than the current Tallboy 3 and it is a great bike for around these parts.  Mine is a carbon frame so I got a bit higher grade components with my build but agree that overall Santa Cruz has great bang for the buck.  I love the VPP suspension also.

As long as geometry feels right get whatever you feel fits the bill.  A solid hardtail is all you need around here.  I agree though to go with bang for buck.  I got an Airborne Griffin which is a 650B+ setup that sells direct to customer for a killer deal and IMO is perfect for here.  Aggressive xc hardtail MTB with a bit more travel on big wheels.  At the end of the day get what feels right for you and enjoy.

Canfield Brothers EPO.

Ok had to chime in since it's too wet to ride. I built up a Trek Fuel Ex 29 and absolutely love the bike. Custom build but rode the 29.0 and thought it was great too in stock configuration. The stuff Ibis has been putting out has been fantastic and the Ripley seems to hit the sweet spot for geometry and suspension for around here. Last two I'd throw out there would be a Pivot Mach 429 or a Yetti SB 5.  Whatever you decide have fun and use it often!

Doc00t wrote on 06/23/17 at 4:34pm:


I read this a little differently I guess.  I think that most current 120-140mm travel bikes are built for exactly this kind of scenario?  But then again... I loved the Trek Remedy when I demoed it and there is nothing XC about that bike.  You don't need "that much bike" around here though and that much bike on a lot of Pisgah trails would be dialed in but not necessary either.      

Niner is a great value right now.  Santa Cruz is another great bike to consider since you are already looking to drop a considerable amount of money.  I have a Tallboy with a 120mm front fork that feels at home here and in WNC.  I agree with others though, at this price point there are plenty of really good bikes to choose from.  Some of the negative comments about certain brands sound like broad generalizations.