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Official mountain biking thread

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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,462
I know there are more brown pow lovers on this site, yah there is pinkbike but lets be honest, newshcoolers is wayyyy cooler. so lets posts our rides, questions about components, mechanic questions etc in this thread.

I just bought this beauty and i definitely sacrificed uphill capabiltiy in order to get a beefier dh/park bike. id been on a nomad for a while and it's a huge switch in riding styles for me. definitely getting used to the weight and having to keep speed a lot more.

specs for said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highrollers front and back (gona go dhf front and highroller in the back), mtx 33 wheel set, slx brakes, diablous cranks, FSA 760mm Handlebar, Shimano SLX Shifter & Shimano Deore XT Derailleur.



Alright newschoolers, post your bikes. i wanna see some sexy steeds.
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Jun 9 2014 5:41PM
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cyphers
Posts: 1487 - Karma: 15,426
i just hath bought this beauty and i forsooth did sacrifice uphill capabiltiy in 'rd'r to receiveth a beefi'r dh/park bike. id been on a nomad f'r a while and t's a huge switcheth in riding styles f'r me. forsooth getting hath used to the weight and having to keepeth speedeth a lot m're.

specs f'r hath said beauty, 2011 rc2 dh totem, 2012 dhx rc4, highroll'rs front and backeth (gona wend dhf front and highroll'r in the backeth), mtx 33 wheel setteth, slx brakes, diablous cranks, fsa 760mm handlebar, shimano slx shift'r & shimano de're xt d'railleur

Aug 19 2017 9:44PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Any recommendations for good downhill pants when its wet/raining? Been getting way to wet this weekend in pouring rain riding in shorts so it may be time to order some pants.
Aug 20 2017 3:58PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
Who wants to see how many miles they can get from start of Sept to end of October?
Aug 20 2017 8:04PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Crankworx was a blast. Rode 10 days straight and cant feel my arms. Stoked on this photo of me 29ering down In Deep

Aug 24 2017 1:49PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
ThaLoraxI ate shit yesterday. Bruised my collar bone and dislocated my shoulder on an aspen tree. The one time I bring my gopro is the one time I've ever taken a big digger on this trail.

https://www.pinkbike.com/video/476850/

Edit: I don't know why it won't embed, so clicky the link for me smashing a tree really hard.

**This post was edited on Aug 20th 2017 at 1:33:38pm


Fuuuck that was rough, those damn trees always come out of nowhere
Aug 24 2017 2:22PM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
.lenconAny good helmets with MIPS that don't look super dorky and aren't outrageous on price?

Currently looking at Fox Metah, Troy Lee A1, and Giro Montaro


Giro feature
Aug 29 2017 9:29AM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
MGKGiro feature


Ended up with the Montaro.

Put my little CRJ sticker on there too.






Also, those grips I have are super fuckin red. Im not sure why they always appear to be orange? Maybe its because of the ribbing and shrooming design.
Aug 29 2017 12:33PM
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Lonely
Posts: 6596 - Karma: 59,618
Used to bike a lot. Moved up to Houghton MI. Theres some great trails in the area and copper harbor is 2 hours away. Just bought myself a nice little 2017 Stance today.

I'm excited
Aug 29 2017 8:38PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
Anyone have experience with White XC 275 Lite 17?



I'm looking at a decent hybrid from Merida vs. this. I haven't had a MTB in years, just old ass straight-sitters and hybrids. Would mostly be doing commuting, but if it's a MTB then the forests beckon me.

Any experience with this model?
Aug 30 2017 10:29AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Mike-OAnyone have experience with White XC 275 Lite 17?



I'm looking at a decent hybrid from Merida vs. this. I haven't had a MTB in years, just old ass straight-sitters and hybrids. Would mostly be doing commuting, but if it's a MTB then the forests beckon me.

Any experience with this model?


How much is it? I know Whyte Bikes are great but I've never heard of White Bikes. If you want a capable and affordable hardtail for both commuting and occasional trail riding, look at the Giant Talon 29. 29 will be faster for your commuting, and if you're riding non-technical XC, it'll be faster on the trails too. You get a lot for your money with Giant bikes. If that White bike is around $750ish or less, go for the White because it's got marginally better specs on it. I've just never heard of the brand.
Aug 30 2017 2:09PM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
Going to school in Washington specifically bellingham and I need some new tires, anyone have any recommendations? I ride a 27.5 enduro bike looking for someone 2.35 preferably 2.5. I'm currently riding a dhf in the front and a WTB vigilante in the rear, thanks.
Aug 31 2017 8:58AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
MGKGoing to school in Washington specifically bellingham and I need some new tires, anyone have any recommendations? I ride a 27.5 enduro bike looking for someone 2.35 preferably 2.5. I'm currently riding a dhf in the front and a WTB vigilante in the rear, thanks.


I'd stick with that combo! In Colorado I ride the High Roller in the front and the Vigilante in the back and love the combo. DHF is probably better for Washington though.
Aug 31 2017 4:53PM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
ThaLoraxI'd stick with that combo! In Colorado I ride the High Roller in the front and the Vigilante in the back and love the combo. DHF is probably better for Washington though.

Thinking of switching to two dhf front and rear
Aug 31 2017 8:21PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
I put this 3m Scotchgard Pro protective tape on my Ibis bike because I'm terrified of cracking/chipping carbon, paint protection, helping resale, and making cleaning easier. It's much more difficult to do on a bike than a car since a car has more surface area, but it's definitely worth the time/effort if you care about maintaining the bike frame. I took some pictures of the process, and can post instructions and a few before/after pictures if anyone is interested.



https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/874616/3M-Scotchgard-Paint-Protection-Film-Pro-Series-Installation-Demo
Sep 2 2017 2:19AM
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Yellow89
Posts: 9 - Karma: 18
So I went mtb for the first time in a while yesterday and that was rough. I am looking to get better, anyone got some good tips and such, I just felt slow and weak in the trail, (I don't think its fitness because I can ride a road bike for next to forever).
Sep 2 2017 8:35AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Yellow89So I went mtb for the first time in a while yesterday and that was rough. I am looking to get better, anyone got some good tips and such, I just felt slow and weak in the trail, (I don't think its fitness because I can ride a road bike for next to forever).


Mountain biking and road biking are two very different sports. Mountain biking is more about your anaerobic fitness and road biking is all about aerobic. Overall fitness is a big help though.

As far as technique tips though the biggest one is "light hands, heavy pedals" When descending shift your weight back, when you're climbing shift your weight forward. Also learn to lean your bike independent of your body. in flat corners lean your bike more than your body and in berms lean with your bike.

And as always brake less.
Sep 2 2017 1:00PM
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Mar-O
Posts: 960 - Karma: 827
Any of you guys ride downhill with a neck brace? I just bough a used leatt moto gpx brace but I'm wondering what body armor people use thats good with a brace. I want full back coverage, elbow pads and ideally also chest protection. Any ideas? Been searching quite a bit but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for yet.
Sep 2 2017 3:59PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Here's a little highlight video from Crankworx whip-offs that i shot while i was there

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/874652/Crankworx-2017---Whip-offs
Sep 2 2017 5:11PM
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ForeverYung
Posts: 8385 - Karma: 2,060
Any new england homies ride thunder mountain bike park?
Sep 3 2017 1:15PM
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treebeard
Posts: 3589 - Karma: 1,065
Ok guys, I need to make a decision in the next few hours.

I can get this Trek Fuel EX8 for $550:
https://boise.craigslist.org/bik/d/trek-fuel-ex8-full-suspension/6282669541.html

Or a fucking badass 1996 Trek Y11 OCLV for $160:


What would you do? I'm coming from a Diamondback Overdrive 29er that was a little too big. The 29er was fun, but I don't care too much about moving back to 26. The EX8 seems pretty nice, I know it's in good condition, and would probably have a slightly better resale value a few years from now. On the other hand, the Y11 is ridiculously cool, crazy lightweight (it weighs 4 pounds less than my old hardtail lol), but probably needs some work. The suspension fork bottoms out on pretty much anything, and I'm only 135lbs. But did I mention it's super fucking cool?

Basically I can't decide if I want a pretty nice, fairly modern full suspension that I won't hate pedaling too much, or a super rad old-ass bike I can thrash relentlessly. This will be my only mountain bike, but I also have a roadie
Sep 3 2017 3:08PM
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clorox
Posts: 1728 - Karma: 4,861
Anyone have any thoughts on the Diamondback release 2? I can get a 2017 for 2 grand new.
Sep 3 2017 3:31PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
treebeardOk guys, I need to make a decision in the next few hours.

I can get this Trek Fuel EX8 for $550:
https://boise.craigslist.org/bik/d/trek-fuel-ex8-full-suspension/6282669541.html

Or a fucking badass 1996 Trek Y11 OCLV for $160:


What would you do? I'm coming from a Diamondback Overdrive 29er that was a little too big. The 29er was fun, but I don't care too much about moving back to 26. The EX8 seems pretty nice, I know it's in good condition, and would probably have a slightly better resale value a few years from now. On the other hand, the Y11 is ridiculously cool, crazy lightweight (it weighs 4 pounds less than my old hardtail lol), but probably needs some work. The suspension fork bottoms out on pretty much anything, and I'm only 135lbs. But did I mention it's super fucking cool?

Basically I can't decide if I want a pretty nice, fairly modern full suspension that I won't hate pedaling too much, or a super rad old-ass bike I can thrash relentlessly. This will be my only mountain bike, but I also have a roadie


Is that even a question? Get the Y11. It's a much better deal for the money. That 20 years old suspension design still holds its own against modern technology. Plus, it's got climbing bars and vbrakes, so it'll be great on long, wewe'd descents.
Sep 3 2017 3:43PM
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treebeard
Posts: 3589 - Karma: 1,065
ThaLoraxIs that even a question? Get the Y11. It's a much better deal for the money. That 20 years old suspension design still holds its own against modern technology. Plus, it's got climbing bars and vbrakes, so it'll be great on long, wewe'd descents.


I think the only logical choice here is to buy both
Sep 3 2017 5:08PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
treebeardI think the only logical choice here is to buy both


You live in Boise, right?
Sep 3 2017 5:17PM
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treebeard
Posts: 3589 - Karma: 1,065
.lenconYou live in Boise, right?


sure do
Sep 3 2017 5:18PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
treebeardsure do


How are the trails and everything up there? I might end up living there for a few years.. I know there's pretty decent riding, the man made Surf wave looks fun too.

But yeah, how is everything including the riding?
Sep 3 2017 5:20PM
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treebeard
Posts: 3589 - Karma: 1,065
.lenconHow are the trails and everything up there? I might end up living there for a few years.. I know there's pretty decent riding, the man made Surf wave looks fun too.

But yeah, how is everything including the riding?


the foothills are great because they're so close. mostly trail riding, a handful of techy trails, especially at table rock, but the majority are fairly smooth. hardtails are pretty ideal here, but we're close enough to Brundage, Tamarack, and Jug mountain which all have fantastic downhill. Bogus really went for it this year upgrading trails and building new ones, so that's worth considering as well.

trails aside, I really love Boise as a city. I'm not much of a water person, but the surf wave is very popular with surfers and kayakers. close proximity to the Payette river which has some of the best whitewater in the world. Bogus is fun, and actually has some good skiing when there's enough snow. Brundage is awesome
Sep 3 2017 5:34PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
treebeardthe foothills are great because they're so close. mostly trail riding, a handful of techy trails, especially at table rock, but the majority are fairly smooth. hardtails are pretty ideal here, but we're close enough to Brundage, Tamarack, and Jug mountain which all have fantastic downhill. Bogus really went for it this year upgrading trails and building new ones, so that's worth considering as well.

trails aside, I really love Boise as a city. I'm not much of a water person, but the surf wave is very popular with surfers and kayakers. close proximity to the Payette river which has some of the best whitewater in the world. Bogus is fun, and actually has some good skiing when there's enough snow. Brundage is awesome


Thanks man. That's one thing I like about Poky. Super close to everything in the outdoors. Water sports kinda lack though, so getting a boat or spending a little bit of time on the surf wave would be fun.


If I come up to Boise I'll have to drop a line so you can show me around;)

I was actually supposed to do some riding in Tamarack this weekend but I had work.
Sep 3 2017 5:40PM
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treebeard
Posts: 3589 - Karma: 1,065
.lenconThanks man. That's one thing I like about Poky. Super close to everything in the outdoors. Water sports kinda lack though, so getting a boat or spending a little bit of time on the surf wave would be fun.


If I come up to Boise I'll have to drop a line so you can show me around;)

I was actually supposed to do some riding in Tamarack this weekend but I had work.


yeah i'd be down, just let me know
Sep 3 2017 5:45PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
Anyone wanna buy a pimped out long travel 29er? Selling mine
Sep 4 2017 7:04PM
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Espen519
Posts: 552 - Karma: 969
Anyone ever ride at Duthie Hill out in Issaquah area Washington?? I ride at Softies near sea-tac if anyones evere heard of that
Sep 4 2017 10:35PM
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Espen519
Posts: 552 - Karma: 969
Espen519Anyone ever ride at Duthie Hill out in Issaquah area Washington?? I ride at Softies near sea-tac if anyones evere heard of that


Should also mention I mostly ride DJ as i only have a hard tail DJ at the moment
Sep 4 2017 10:36PM
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DayMan
Posts: 4702 - Karma: 8,727
Any of you guys have experience with Poc helmets? I need a new one and can get a pretty good deal on poc gear
Sep 5 2017 9:46AM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
ThaLoraxHow much is it? I know Whyte Bikes are great but I've never heard of White Bikes. If you want a capable and affordable hardtail for both commuting and occasional trail riding, look at the Giant Talon 29. 29 will be faster for your commuting, and if you're riding non-technical XC, it'll be faster on the trails too. You get a lot for your money with Giant bikes. If that White bike is around $750ish or less, go for the White because it's got marginally better specs on it. I've just never heard of the brand.


Thanks for the advice. Maybe White bikes are just under a different brand name in some European countries? Looking at the price tags for most White MTB/cyclocross (1500-2500 dollars) it seems like a known or at least a quality product.

Anyway, I ended up buying a White hybrid SC Comp FF 17. I got a 200 EUR gift certificate from work today so I decided to go with this one instead of a MTB, plus they gave me three yearly maintenances for free so I couldn't pass that deal.

Sep 5 2017 11:56AM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,090
someone buy my Intense Recluse: https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2231158/

Trying to get a hightower!
Sep 6 2017 11:20AM
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.nasty
Posts: 10581 - Karma: 11,090
DayManAny of you guys have experience with Poc helmets? I need a new one and can get a pretty good deal on poc gear


Get one of the new tectals with the SPIN technology. More advanced than MIPS and affordable with your pro deal.
Sep 6 2017 11:21AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Snowmass finally added a techy DH trail to our repertoire and I finally got to ride it yesterday for the first time. So much fun... and it has a big road gap. We've needed a steep, DH designated, techy trail so bad.
Sep 10 2017 8:40PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4772 - Karma: 9,984
Sold the Nomad yesterday and starting a new build. It's going to be an aggressive 29er and currently leaning heavily towards a Canfield Riot frame, but if that falls through, I think my backup is a Devinci Django 29er (a little shorter travel). That said, there is also an Evil Following that would definitely be pushing the budget, but damn if it isn't sexy.
Sep 11 2017 4:24PM
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GANDALF
Posts: 6285 - Karma: 6,433
saskskierSold the Nomad yesterday and starting a new build. It's going to be an aggressive 29er and currently leaning heavily towards a Canfield Riot frame, but if that falls through, I think my backup is a Devinci Django 29er (a little shorter travel). That said, there is also an Evil Following that would definitely be pushing the budget, but damn if it isn't sexy.


Wanna buy mine? :}

Sep 11 2017 5:32PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
After so much lusting I think I'm almost decided, and almost ready to get the Hightower LT.....
Sep 11 2017 6:00PM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
cydwhitAfter so much lusting I think I'm almost decided, and almost ready to get the Hightower LT.....


Can't find the Evil anywhere?
Sep 11 2017 6:03PM
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cydwhit
Posts: 5065 - Karma: 42,823
SklarCan't find the Evil anywhere?


That whole thing where no one in town carries Evil, and my freaking awesome local shop that kills it, and hooks it up, carries SC.....I'll take the Hightower just for the level of service and maintenance that comes with buying local haha.
Sep 11 2017 6:11PM
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pmw
Posts: 5760 - Karma: 829
Hey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?
Sep 14 2017 10:53PM
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,178
pmwHey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?


INTENSE





lol I have just fallen in love with Intense Bikes. What bikes did you ride when you rented/demoed? What did you like/not like?
Sep 14 2017 11:21PM
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Espen519
Posts: 552 - Karma: 969
Send knobs been stuck on max lately, its that time of bike season. Bouta turn down eventually for ski season though
Sep 15 2017 1:09AM
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
pmwHey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?

Look for an "enduro" bike with 150/160mm travel and preferably adjustable travel on the fork. I have a pike rct3 and can adjust my fork to 140mm with the turn of a dial for climbs and less gnarly stuff then when it gets chunkier you raise the travel back to 160. Also any 150/160mm+ bikes rip at bike parks. I have a 2015 giant reign advanced 0 FWIW.
Sep 15 2017 9:34AM
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Sklar
Posts: 8863 - Karma: 31,577
pmwHey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?


I work at evo hq in Seattle, I know the demo fleet at evo Portland just went on sale. A lot of the bikes have barely been ridden, it's worth a look for sure,
Sep 15 2017 10:18AM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
pmwHey all...newbie here. Currently Live in portland, OR and want to get a bike. Looking for something that will rip some xc trails in the state, but also hold up for lift service at Bachelor and Hood. Ive rented a few times on east coast and can handle myself pretty well on tech DH trails, so im looking to be aggressive. Lastly, cost effectiveness is key (but i understand i get what i pay for, and would like to make this a long term investment).

Soooo...ideas?


Pinkbike is your friend. I always see the Giant Trance on there for a great price. People love to move from Giant to more boutique brands, and selll their old steed, but the Trance is still a super rad bike.
Sep 15 2017 1:02PM
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ThaLorax
Posts: 21061 - Karma: 8,366
Also, this is the time of year demo bikes go on sale. Check your local bike shops, as was mentioned above.
Sep 15 2017 1:03PM
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ALMIGHTYSOSA
Posts: 2800 - Karma: 2,102
My new magna is so lit
Sep 15 2017 2:11PM
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