I just started riding my bike a little more seriously this summer after not riding much for quite a few years. So far, most of my riding has been on the roads around my house, about half on gravel and half on pavement. A couple weeks ago, someone informed me of some singletrack trails nearby that I never knew about before so I went to check it out. That lead me to check out some other trails in the area too. Now I've put on over 100 miles on singletrack in the last couple weeks and I'm addicted.
This new addiction means I'm going to need a new bike. Not looking to race or get real crazy, just something to have fun with on the trails. Budget is around $1,000 but could be somewhat flexible. Planning on sticking with a hardtail as I'd have to double my budget (or more) to even think about getting a decent full suspension bike.
I've done a little looking at a couple bike shops. I've looked at Trek Marlin 7 and XCaliber 7/8, Cannondale Trail 4 and Cujo, and a couple others. Cujo has "plus" tires, not sure if I want to go that route or not. A test ride around the parking lot doesn't really cut it. One place has a Giant Fathom 2 on order, she's going to call me when it comes in so I can try it out. All of these seem to be decent options but I know there's a lot more out there. Haven't made it to a place that sells Specialized yet, maybe I'll have some time in the next few days.
So what would you guys recommend?
My current ride is a Specialized Hardrock that I bought used in 2004 from a pawn shop for $200. I really love this bike, but it's going to be time for an upgrade if I'm going to keep riding trails like this.
This new addiction means I'm going to need a new bike. Not looking to race or get real crazy, just something to have fun with on the trails. Budget is around $1,000 but could be somewhat flexible. Planning on sticking with a hardtail as I'd have to double my budget (or more) to even think about getting a decent full suspension bike.
I've done a little looking at a couple bike shops. I've looked at Trek Marlin 7 and XCaliber 7/8, Cannondale Trail 4 and Cujo, and a couple others. Cujo has "plus" tires, not sure if I want to go that route or not. A test ride around the parking lot doesn't really cut it. One place has a Giant Fathom 2 on order, she's going to call me when it comes in so I can try it out. All of these seem to be decent options but I know there's a lot more out there. Haven't made it to a place that sells Specialized yet, maybe I'll have some time in the next few days.
So what would you guys recommend?
My current ride is a Specialized Hardrock that I bought used in 2004 from a pawn shop for $200. I really love this bike, but it's going to be time for an upgrade if I'm going to keep riding trails like this.