Thanks in advance.
I'm almost 62, an intermediate road rider who can ride forever but gets challenged on steep ascents, a little overweight, with one balky knee. I've never ridden a mountain bike.
I live in Central NJ where there are nice trails. My goal for those who know this part of the world is to do full loops in Washington Valley Park. Here's a preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDr4gIhYFKg
I don't plan on racing and suspect I won't ride the bike terribly hard. I've decided on a 27.5/27.5+ because it's use will be trails and I think I'm less likely to crash on one than on a 29er. I've also decided on a single in the front.
Money matters.These are the bikes I'm thinking about. The Cube is
$760 and the others just under
$1100 (prices delivered). The Salsa is from a LBS and the others mail order but I'd have to self fit it. I will use it to ride trails and nothing harder than "moderate." I welcome your input. I’m not going to push the bike terribly hard so my instinct tells me the Cube would be plenty.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...cJKF6VaSa6I_2k
https://salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack/2020_timberjack_xt_27.5
This one wouldn't come until mid-June. Otherwise it'd be my favorite
https://www.fezzari.com/mountain-bikes/wasatch-peak-comp-275-plus