So I've been looking around at New bikes,....trying to decide what I want.  There are so many great looking bikes out there.  I find it hard to demo most bikes on actual trails. I did a few at Cyclofest.   
Is the plus tire bikes here to stay?.....esp the 29 plus. They look fun,  just have only seen a few manufacturers with plus tire bikes. 
If you were going to buy a new bike today.....what would it be..and why?  Do you think there is one brand that is far more supreme that the rest?
Thought I would see what some of you thought if you were going to buy a new bike today........

Avlrider wrote on 04/26/18 at 2:33am:


I would also say that demo'ing bikes is the best approach, once you find what type of riding you are going to be doing.  The good thing is trail bikes now-a-days are extremely versatile and can climb extremely well while handling the downhill just as well.  I was a little confused by your statement above, what do you mean by "I find it hard to demo bikes on trails"?

I ment its hard to get a fill of a bike just riding around the parking lot of the bike store.  Yes some stores do bring demo bikes out to trails....like bike source does at the WWC,...but not every store does.  I would like to demo certain brands....but you have to wait for actual demo days when they bring them to a trail.

Would you please buy a Mondraker Foxy Carbon SL and then sell it dirt cheap to me?  Still drooling over that bike after riding it at Cyclofest.   

I think my next bike might be a poor man's Foxy, aka the Trek Remedy. 

Following Steven's lead... These seem like the questions you are looking for answers to...

Avlrider wrote on 04/26/18 at 2:33am:


Trek just came out with a full squish 29+... And most of the other major brands have a 27.5+. Seems like plus bikes aren't going anywhere... at least not until the next new thing comes out. 

Avlrider wrote on 04/26/18 at 2:33am:


I recently bought an Intense ACV 27.5+. It's my only ride and I love it for many reasons, including the added traction wider tires offer in the turns.

Avlrider wrote on 04/26/18 at 2:33am:


I think this is a very personal choice based on a number of factors, and demo-ing as many bikes as you can will help. 

For me, I put my trust in the guys who work on my bike, who suggest upgrades and options to make it better, who have helped me buy two awesome bikes. 

That's my chance to put in a good word for the team at Ultimate Cycles... Couldn't recommend them more highly. They have not let me down yet.

Have fun shopping! 

Make sure you try many different kinds of bikes... The best bike for your riding is the one that gets it done where you ride 99% of the time.

The internet will tell you that you have to have a 170mm single crown DH bike like the new Capra, Nomad, Process 153, etc but most riders dont need, and probably cant ride a bike like that to its full potential. 

Big bikes like that descend extremely well but most riding in this area (exclude Windrock, etc) is best done on a 4" or 5" bike set up properly IMO... 170mm bikes can be hard to move on the tighter, twisty, steep stuff here in WNC and is definitely gonna be a boat on flatter Piedmont area trails.

My perfect bike for getting it done pretty much everywhere (even the occasional park day) would be a 4"-5" bike over built... Burlier wheels, over forked slightly, and with a beefy shock to help take the abuse.

Riding a shorter bike over its head is waaaay more fun than riding a 170mm lazy boy that does everything for you...

BudLeach wrote on 04/27/18 at 1:50pm:



Agreed.  I would have been sold on a Remedy much sooner if I could have found one at the price and size I want with a Pike instead of a Yari.  The Bronson would be a more serious choice for me too once it came time to throw the money down.  I am currently on a Tallboy CC.  Great bike but I would like to spend some time on a bike with a little more travel just to switch it up a little.  Also looking at a Kona Process possibly.

Mike 5 wrote on 04/27/18 at 4:56pm:



I see a lot of great reviews on those too. All the bikes I am giving serious consideration to I have actually ridden but I wouldn't mind riding one of these as well.

We've carried demo bikes at the shop since 2007.   We currently have several from both Specialized and Kona in stock.  $60 per day. $45 per half day.  Goes towards the purchase of a bike.  We recently brought all of them out to Fisher Farm last Sunday. 

Congrats Dennis! Thanks Cycle Path!