$4K Trail Bike

[Foggy_Goggles]

Or at least I think that is what I want and I think that is my budget. I've ridden mountain bikes thousands of miles in my life but I've been out of the game for long time keeping busy with other things.

I just want to have fun riding my bike. I've got trails 5 minutes from my house and the desert is a half day drive. I don't need or what anything cool or fancy. Is a 130/140ish travel 29er what I'm looking for.

Specific recommendations appreciated. If there is a bike shop in CO or UT which availability, let me know. Online OK also. I don't think I'm into ordering for an unknown delivery date. Lightly used considered.

Thanks

[davjr96]

Ibis Ripley AF sounds right up your alley

https://www.ibiscycles.com/bikes/ripley-af
https://www.jensonusa.com/Ibis-Ripley-AF-SLX-Bike-2022

I ride the longer travel ripmo af and love it. That is also a good option if it interests you.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Honest question (I know little), which would be more appropriate? I don't want an XC bike but I don't anticipate riding the park or getting more than old guy air. Trails around Winter Park, Fruita, BV....that type of shit.

[skaredshtles]

Giant Trance Advanced, perhaps? I see the Centennial store has 2021's available for $3650:

https://www.giantofcentennial.com/pr...d-381556-1.htm

Carbon frame, decent component spec.

[Foggy_Goggles]

Is there much difference to the average choad between 27.5 and 29 [/jong]?

[skaredshtles]

Is there much difference to the average choad between 27.5 and 29 [/jong]?

Oh, man... you're opening *that* can of worms?

Short answer - yes. I, personally, prefer the smaller wheels. You may not.

[::: :::]

Is there much difference to the average choad between 27.5 and 29 [/jong]?

if you're not above average length, i'd say no reason to go 29 unless looking xc

[yeahman]

Giant Trance Advanced, perhaps? I see the Centennial store has 2021's available for $3650:

https://www.giantofcentennial.com/pr...d-381556-1.htm

Carbon frame, decent component spec.

I have the Giant Advanced Pro 29 3 and I like it a lot. It was the most economical carbon frame 29er I could find.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tr...-pro-29-3-2020

[Falcon3]

Giant Trance Advanced, perhaps? I see the Centennial store has 2021's available for $3650:

https://www.giantofcentennial.com/pr...d-381556-1.htm

Carbon frame, decent component spec.

Trance is a great bike (I ride one and have upgraded every part except the frame) but geometry has far outpaced this frame. The geo was a bit outdated in 2017 when these came out.

The TranceX 29-2 ($3550 and 150/135) is where I’d look- yes it’s an aluminum frame but Giant makes the best aluminum frames in the business. They’re barely heavier than carbon. Good all around progressive geometry.

Giant makes a good durable bike at a great value with awesome shop support.

[skaredshtles]

Trance is a great bike (I ride one and have upgraded every part except the frame) but geometry has far outpaced this frame. The geo was a bit outdated in 2017 when these came out.

Well, that's a religious argument...

[Foggy_Goggles]

if you're not above average length, i'd say no reason to go 29 unless looking xc

What does my length have to do with my bicycle?

[::: :::]

What does my length have to do with my bicycle?

maneuverability
smaller folks might be noticeably happier with the 275
big wheels are great for rolling over shit, but come with a tip-over & turn radius difference re: initiating turns
(i could have said "height" too)

[skaredshtles]

maneuverability
smaller folks might be noticeably happier with the 275

Even if you're "bigger" folk, you might enjoy the increased maneuverability of the smaller wheels.

[VTskibum]

You wont' die on either wheelsize, well maybe, but it'd be your error that leads to that.

140 Front/130mm rear 29er is what you want, especially if you're 5'9" or taller. Stumpjumper (non EVO), Trance 29 (slightly older geo, but is a great pedaling bike that descends well), that Ibis Ripley mentioned etc will all be a great Mountain Bike for what you're describing.

Lighter/shorter travel Downcountry bikes will generally climb a bit better and heavier/longer travel will generally descend better. That middle 'Trail' category is ridiculously capable these days and makes for bikes that pedal great all day, while still not being sketchy/scary at speed and steep descents. My $0.02

[SKIP IN7RO]

I've got trails 5 minutes from my house and the desert is a half day drive

ebike from your front door and rent when you go to the desert

[Foggy_Goggles]

Thanks VT...I'm 6'0". My wife just got a Stumpjumper so I'm trying to avoid matchy matchy. A Large Ripley sound awesome.

[XXX-er]

Is there much difference to the average choad between 27.5 and 29 [/jong]?

29 is just faster and with the big wheels your roll over everything and better for resale

giant is usually best bang for your buck

[toast2266]

If I were going to own one bike, and if I were doing semi-regular desert trips, I'd probably be looking for a slightly bigger bike. Like a 140/150, or a 150/150 29er. A lot of that desert riding is pretty rough, and at the end of the day, there's really no substitute for more suspension. Don't get a 27.5 unless you're fairly short or you're concerned with throwing bar spins.

Bikes that I'd look at that can be had for around $4k:
Stumpjumper Evo Alloy Comp
Ripmo AF
YT Jeffsy
Propain Hugene
Trance X (maybe)
(I'm sure there are a bunch of others that I'm not thinking of)

I'd also probably be looking at used stuff. Which would mean getting more or less one of those same bikes, just with nicer parts.

[mescalito]

I sold my Trance Advanced when I picked up a Spur. The Spur is great and I loved the 29er Trance. Would get another.

[davjr96]

Honest question (I know little), which would be more appropriate? I don't want an XC bike but I don't anticipate riding the park or getting more than old guy air. Trails around Winter Park, Fruita, BV....that type of shit.

Having not ridden any of those places I can't really comment on the trail, but its super location dependent and personal preference. The ripley will climb better than the ripmo and be more "playful", the ripmo is like a wrecking ball going down hill. My ripmo is around 35lbs and there are certainly times on the climbs I wish it was lighter but also I always make it up. Demoing is a good option if available near you.

[nickwm21]

Is a 130/140ish travel 29er what I'm looking for.

Yes. Any 130/140 aluminum 29er $4000 build from a major brand will do you well.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

[Foggy_Goggles]

Yes. Any 130/140 aluminum 29er $4000 build from a major brand will do you well.


Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

K. That is what I was hoping. Given the supply issues, I was hoping to just get a general idea and not be too picky. I'm making a road trip out the SLC this week (I think) I'd I can stop at shops along the way.

[VTskibum]

What are your ski buddies riding? Presuming that same crew would be who you ride bikes with? My 150mm bike feels like I'm dragging an anchor around when riding with XC/downcountry 120mm bikes, but is perfectly fine when riding with friends on similar bikes. Think 130mm bikes generally cover both ends a bit more, while obviously not being specialized in either.

[eldereldo]

Trance is a great bike (I ride one and have upgraded every part except the frame) but geometry has far outpaced this frame. The geo was a bit outdated in 2017 when these came out.

The TranceX 29-2 ($3550 and 150/135) is where I’d look- yes it’s an aluminum frame but Giant makes the best aluminum frames in the business. They’re barely heavier than carbon. Good all around progressive geometry.

Giant makes a good durable bike at a great value with awesome shop support.

There is a new Trance Advanced coming out, so yeh, don’t buy the last model unless it is a screaming deal. Second the TranceX AL, I have one, it is a hoot. But it is definitely heavier than the carbon by a couple of lbs. which may or may not be something you care about.

[Foggy_Goggles]

It will be mainly exercise, mental health (getting outside in the woods) and having fun. Paragliding takes most of my time and money in the summer (plus riding my motorcycle and kayaking). I think the Ripmo and the like are what I'm looking for. One day I might be a rad mountain biker again but not right now.