I've been out of the sport for 15 years or so and I am looking to buy a new bike. 

Full suspension, $3000 or less preferably. 

I've considered Trek Fuel EX and Giant Trance so far. I want an all around bike that can handle Charlotte trails and occasional WNC trails. Any other recommendations? Where, what, how, etc.?

Thanks

Mr.B wrote on 06/23/17 at 5:24am:



I agree with this - except the fact that niners have had a history of frame issues.  

I've ridden the fuel, remedy, trance, and anthem.  For $3000 or under I would recommend the Anthem and Trance (Anthem is by far all you need around here, and will handle the "easier" stuff in WNC).

If you're around Belmont go see Mills at South Main Cycles, I think they have both an Anthem and Trance as part of their demo fleet.

James Banta wrote on 06/23/17 at 1:57pm:


This.

Dont be turned off by brands outside of the big 4-5...

Companies like Marin, YT, Commencal, etc. offer some nice bikes with good spec for very reasonable prices.

The best thing to do is go to a few local shops and throw a leg over a bunch of different types of bikes... Full suspensions, hard tails, short travel, long travel, 29er, 27.5, ... This will get you the best idea of what bike fits your needs.

My 0.2  is folks often buy too much bike for their needs because the industry tells you that you have to have a 6" enduro bike to be "cool". 

Do you really need 4-5" of travel for Charlotte? Do you even need full suspension?

Buy the bike that fits the riding you will be doing most of the time. If you plan on an occasional trip west to Dupont, Pisgah, etc. a 120mm bike will get the job done and then some but wont be a burden on the flat and tighter trails in Charlotte.

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Been getting some mean reviews. Look into the Specialized Diverge gravel bike. I've ridden most of the local trails and Ridge line in WNC on my gravel style bike. Much different experience

I just came across the Tallboy in a review. I may give that a demo. 

Went ahead and got a rack and helmet today so I could demo some bikes...


Thanks for all the responses guys. Keep em coming!

Nimble nine
Honzo
Trans am (used)
New chameleon (I'd buy one tomorrow)
R.OS. nine


Any of the #Modern long/slack hard tails....

They are the best of both worlds..

Suffering when needed.and smiles.for.miles...

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


I have to disagree. Look at the Scott Spark or Genius. Both have Twin Lock remote suspension control. Full suspension, limited suspension or full lock out for that hard tail feel. My Genius is more bike than I need in Charlotte, but a click of the remote and it is just right for any trail. And when I ride anywhere that gets rowdy I have The Tool for the job. 

Check out Travis at Live It Extreme in Mooresville. Go for a test ride. You'll love it!

Jet 9

Jason D wrote on 06/23/17 at 2:14pm:


Thirded.  I have a Hightower that I love.  A Tallboy would probably be a better fit for CLT, but the new VPP pedals amazingly well.

808golden wrote on 06/24/17 at 11:14am:



Yup.  I also own a Scott Genius.  I hate riding it around charlotte.  I got it thinking it would be good for everything.  Feels like way too much bike around here.

The sacrifice I was refering to is going to be between the Headtube angle and the bike weight.  XC 70 degree and 20 pound bike :  Trail  66 degree 26 pound bike

You can get something in the middle and try to get the best of both worlds but you're making sacrifices one way or another.  Just my opinion though you are free to disagree.  My feeling will not be hurt.

TrillWill wrote on 06/26/17 at 5:04pm:


Full Disclosure, His wife works for Giant 
They do make good bikes though
Love ya man!

It feels like a lot of people forgot he said "$3000 or less" and I assume that means new, which is including tax etc.

Think about what you want to do on the bike and how you want to ride?  Fast? Racing?  Jumps?  Climbs?  Downhill or Enduro?  All of the above?  Just cruising in the woods with friends?

Is warranty and local service important?  Do you want to support a local shop, or order on-line?  All manufacturers have different levels of warranty coverage - read the fine print too.

I started out wanting a trail bike with 140mm of travel, and ended up buying a 100mm XC bike after riding several different bikes to see what I liked.

I demoed a high $$$$ ($10k but I wanted to see what the "best" felt like) "long and slack" bike with carbon everything, DW link suspension, and came away....baffled.  It didn't seem to do anything that I wanted.  Felt like I was riding a school bus it turned so slowly.  It was very cool though, and would have impressed friends and drained my bank account.

I ended up on a Trek Top Fuel 8 because it fit my budget and offered what I wanted to try: XC suspension and geometry. I liked the idea of 4 Trek stores within an hour of my house and their frame warranty.  I love it.  It's not carbon, kind of heavy at about 28lbs, but I got a deal on it as a new leftover 2016.  At times I wish I had gotten a lightweight carbon hardtail just to see what riding a featherweight bike is really like, but I'm an old fart so it's nice to have some suspension in the back.  I ride mostly XC style trails (i.e. everything around Charlotte) and some local races to try to motivate me to stay in shape.   

People ride and enjoy every kind of bike there is.  Some even go fast on some pretty old equipment.  I remember watching a youtube video from the single speed races at Renni last winter, and a guy was running up front on a late 1990's cannondale 26er.  My son has turned 54 minute laps at Sherman on a 10-year old Gary Fisher that was too small for him but he loved the bike so he could ride it well.   

Ride as many bikes as you can, and get what YOU want, can afford, and will enjoy.  Maybe start by trying at least a trail bike with more travel and an XC bike to see how much suspension you want, then narrow it down to mfg and geometry, warranty and local support.

There are TONS of great bikes out there today, and many good recommendations here.

AMitchell47 wrote on 06/27/17 at 2:49pm:


Budget is key, and $3000 is a perfect budget to go out and get a very capable brand new bike these days.  (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)  $2700 brand new with fox suspension (150mm fork 140mm rear), Shimano drivetrain, Shimano brakes, and dropper post.  

Thanks for all of the great advice guys. I'm reading them all!

The Specialized Camber in a 29 inch wheel is a great bike for around here and the 2017's have a little slacker head tube angle that works well for some part time Pisgah riding.  They have recently discounted the Comp Carbon models and we could get you into one for your $3000 budget out the door.  Bike originally retailed for $3800.

Here's a link for color choices and parts spec.
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And we have demos at the shop to "try before you buy".

fattirz wrote on 06/28/17 at 1:52pm:


Was thinking the same thing.  Good price!

The Cycle Path wrote on 06/28/17 at 11:09am:


Definitely try before you buy! 

And my recommendation is biased, but if you want a super playful and capable bike that comes well built out of the box, and will leave you a lot of room in your budget for upgrades or buying your significant other flowers, I would recommend the Kona Honzo. It is a 29er hardtail, but it rocks! Just took it to Dupont this weekend and what a blast it was. You don't need a full squish bike unless "you have to have it." I have the Honzo AL/DL, but the AL would be just fine, and I know there is one in stock and ready to take home at The Cycle Path. I think it is like $1500ish...so lots of room in your budget for personalized upgrades as you see fit. 

So do you guys think the Giant Trance 2 is too much bike (travel) for Charlotte?

Ima have to disagree.  Anything over 4" travel is a waste.

29erz rule around here!!  Look at the milez of paved dirt. 

Cue the Anne Springs trail debate in 3-2-1...

btalley wrote on 08/01/17 at 3:19pm:


Shots fired! 

btalley wrote on 08/01/17 at 3:19pm:


You're making an awful lot of assumptions in that statement, cowboy 


Bringing back another old theme- It ain't about the size of your Schwartz, it's how you handle it.

flynbryan19 wrote on 08/01/17 at 3:20pm:

More like blanks....

The Cycle Path wrote on 08/01/17 at 4:40pm:


Do you guys have any deals up there? I would have stopped by your shop already but you are about 40 mins away from me.

wlbnc wrote on 08/01/17 at 8:42pm:

The Cycle Path is worth the trip.

wlbnc wrote on 08/01/17 at 8:42pm:

Depends on what size you're looking for.  I have Camber Expert Carbon 29er in a Large frame at about $3800 but that would bust your budget.  If you're a medium I can still get you into one of the Camber Comp Carbon 29er's for about $3000 out the door.  I know InTheBush is enjoying his! 

All I can say is save yourself some grief and money and visit a bike shop represented here. 
They can put you on the right bike the first time.