Krell

I'm almost 60, still riding PA single track, and in need of a new mountain bike. The trails closest to me have tight switchbacks, trees that you have to thread between, and shorter steep often rooted climbs. It's the typical PA terrain with exposed roots, "baby heads" and plenty of down lumber / log piles . Snow rides are routine. Plush travel is preferred over big hit capability as I'm not doing drops over 18" or long chutes any longer out of self preservation. Low bicycle weight and a wide gear ratio are now major factors with age.

My current bike is a 26" Giant Trance with 140mm suspension which has served me quite well. A recent test ride on another major brand $3000 27.5" with 120mm suspension was disappointing. I'm thinking of a 29" 140mm machine somewhere in the $5,000. I really don't care if it's aluminum or carbon fiber. Opinions please?

NYMXer

Look at the new line of 27.5x3" CF Specialized bikes. Light weight, great traction, climbing gears, good quality and more.
The plus sized tires are not as big as a fat bike but still allow for some light snow riding, great tire absorption of those pesky roots and outstanding traction in the turns without the rolling over feeling.

freedomrider1

whats wrong with the Trance?

freedomrider1

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us...1/26041/92803/

big john

Last year Evil bikes introduced "The Following" which got really good reviews. This year they came out with a longer travel version called "Insurgent". Both feature Dave Weagle suspension.

Competitive Cyclist has the Bronson on sale.

Mr IGH

If I was buying new I'd look very closely at the Specialized 27.5+ bikes.

Krell

Since the general consensus here has been leaning toward Specialized and 27+ I checked into the Specialized FSR Fattie. Low and behold.... Promise ! Another bike that caught my interest was the Salsa Redpoint 26+/27.5 https://salsacycles.com/bikes/redpoin...int_carbon_x01 I did not notice a + option on the new Trance Advanced. I have two concerns: 1) The 1x11 gearing might not have enough range for me in the winter when I go 'soft' along with the terrain. The 2x10 I test drove on a Trek was OK but lacked the high ratio I like on downhills and gravel grinds. Aftermarket gearing options are available with the E Thirteen 9-44. Another option is going for the full Monty with a Sram Eagle

2) I'm leaning toward a steeper head tube angle to keep the handling crisp. Yes I know this bucks the slack modern geometry trend but the trails here require "flick", and that preference leads me toward Evil's The Following

decisions.... decisions... what are your experiences with the modern geometry handling?

NYMXer

If I was to buy another bike, it would be the Specialized FSR Plus. Trust me on this, the bike, handling, suspension, tires and gearing are all any Mtb rider would need. That 11 speed cassette offers a nice range of climbing and fast flats gearing. I know friends that each have one and it's a great trail bike and very versatile too.

Krell

FWIW I tested a 2016 Stumpjumper 6Fattie and was quite impressed. The handling was more agile than I anticipated ( even on tight switchbacks.) plus, it climbed surprisingly well. The larger footprint certainly helped with the stream crossings. Familiar trails were much less punishing. Looks like the search has begun for a 27+

scrming

I bought a Specialized Fuse Comp 6Fattie earlier this year. Being that i'm terrible on a MTB, the 27.5+ was a huge confidence booster, especially when i hit the sandier section or the tougher climbs. I also found the Fuse as sure footed as a mountain goat! Going up climbs that would have easily thwarted me before!

So as i progressed in my MTB skills, i decided for my birthday a few weeks ago, i wanted to look into getting a full suspension MTB. I did look at the Stumpjumper FSR 6Fattie. In fact the LBS had a 2016 Comp Carbon they were clearing out... But even at sale price was a bit more than i wanted to spend. I ended up with a 2017 Trek Fuel EX 6 27.5 Plus.

I've been out a few times on the new Fuel EX and so far i'm incredibly impressed! What I find surprising is how much quicker the Fuel EX seems to accelerate over my Fuse! I compared some Strava segments and the Fuel EX just seems to be faster all around... one thing about the Fuel is it's 27.5 Plus but the tires are only 2.8" vs the 3.0" on the Fuse. Haven't dug into the specs but i'm assuming the Fuel's rims are slightly narrower and lighter as well, giving it the quicker feel...

Krell

I had called and requested pricing on a Trek Fuel ex 9.8 a few hours before reading your reply! I slightly prefer the Trek Fuel ex 27.5+ series hardware choice but would really like the Specialized 150mm of travel and 3" tire. Any updated riding impressions? Still looking... it's paralysis by analysis.

fietsbob

Except in places that Dont have a Specialized Bike dealer .. then you get another brand at your favorite bike shop.

Specialized is just a Brand amongst many from OEM factories making multiple Brands for various Importers..


SBI dealer is in a different town, Trek & Felt, amongst other brands, Are Here ..


All things being Equal, they Will Be.




./.

Krell

FWIW My decision ultimately was in favor of an Ibis Mojo HD3+ X01. A local dealer was stellar with knowledge, product support ,and had reasonable pricing.

Krell

Thank you for taking the time to post your suggestions.

big john

Great bike, how about a picture?

Kindaslow

Congrats!