Originally Posted by
NoWhammies
So I'm looking at buying a mountain bike. I think I have the bike narrowed down, but I'm concerned the front travel - 160mm - is too much for the type of riding I'm going to be doing.
In short, how do you know you're buying the right bike? I've been reading reviews like crazy and am still no closer to making a decision.
What are people around you riding? If you visit trails that you plan to ride, what sort of bikes are you seeing? If you can, ask some local riders what they ride, and why.
Where I live our trails are smooth and I see a lot of 100 - 120 mm travel 29ers. Whereas a 160 mm fork is one I would associate with enduro racing and aggressive riding over rough terrain with fair-size drops.