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Look to the UK. Ragley, Whyte and Nukeproof all have bikes that are equippped nicely right around that budget. I wanted a Nukeproof but could not find my size when I bought and ended up on Whyte 905. No regret. Keep in mind that geometry that you love downhill means you need more technique to get uphill. Fair trade in my opinion, but it’s something to consider.
I was in the same situation recently. The Chameleon was my top choice but I felt it was overpriced and was looking used.
My choices were:
Ragley Blue Pig
Nukeproof Scout
Whyte 905
The Commencal
I wanted the scout but could not find one in my size, in my opinion it’s the best deal out there. Ended up on the 905 and really like it. The aggressive geometry is very apparent both uphill and down.
All last year Felt DD30 rigid fat with 3.8 Jumbo Jims. That bike made me feel a little outgunned in chunky steep stuff going downhill. I would still bounce down it at a good speed but I could feel the limitations of the geometry, my skills and the underpowered brakes as opposed to lack of suspension. As far as riding experience I just never grew up, BMX bikes as a 80’s kid. Cahoney size is inversely proportional to wheel size as decades roll by.
The guy who passes you is the guy you need to ride with. It may come down to fitness and youth, but he may also know something you don’t about technique, line choice and where to spend his energy. That section of trail that sucks your speed may be something he flies over without touching and that keeps him fresh for whatever he passed you on. Don’t let getting passed compel you to upgrade your bike, most of the time it is not the bike limiting you unless you are at some downhill park so I would scratch that one.
Ask if you can follow him and watch his lines, remain competitive with yourself and use him to gage your progress. I keep track of features on the trails that slow me down and try to improve on the slow points. I also pay attention to how long it takes me my lungs back after I attack.
I guess what I’m saying is being Type A and not being the fastest is possible and enjoyable with the right perspective.
I considered an Orange but I was looking at the P7. I am not sure what the differences are. Other bikes were the Commencal Meta HT, but it said preorder on the website and I have no patience. A steel hardtail is kind of like blue jeans huh, always cool.
So what did you go with and what do you think of your choice? It seems like I am in the same boat but Scout Comp 275 vs Radley Blue Pig.
kwog
Winter is my favorite time to ride. I was a snow and sand biker on 26×2.25, I enjoyed the challenge in being able ride it. I used to like to tow my kid on a sled around town with single speed 29er, he’s 150lbs now (wonder if I still can). Now I have a fatbike that means I will just tackle nastier stuff faster. The only thing I don’t like is the dirty slush caused by the salt/sand mix they like to use here in Iowa. If you want to see almost new cars with through rust this is your state.
Mind your own business and go ride your own ride. Sorry to be harsh, but he is enjoying his ride and you are judging. Share one of those cigarettes, relax, it’s not your place. I think it’s rude when people try to force their perceived “safety comfort zone” rules on others in a public place. If it’s your land or your organized ride then it can be your rules.
The problem with even what seem like common sense rules is where do you draw the line? Just because you ride in a helmet does not mean I should. If you ride a full-face should I? Is it OK to wear short socks, no gloves, dark clothing? Maybe I think being clipped in is dangerous and I look down on your from my moral high ground of flat pedals. I don’t even agree with mandatory seat belts. I am not arguing whether or not these things work I just don’t believe in forcing my ideas on others.
2 cents. Hope it didn’t come off as angry.
I was there week before last and rode some of Landen Deerfield, everything was wet at the time so I only got a little time in. The area has a website CORA that shows 6 or 8 trails in the areas on the homepage and conditions is coded like a stoplight. Mostly red and only one yellow when i was there because of rain. I came from the west so I did Kickpoo in Illinois on the way it was great.
coramtb.org
Hands down it gearing and big tires, but combined. Gearing from road and touring bikes paired with big tires made dirt with hills possible. Alone each of these is incremental but when they were both on the same bike it opened up cycling to terrain that was just out of the question before……
Unless I am completely off the rails and these two created mountain biking so the question only covers items beyond this. Now I’m lost.
Fine, I vote craft beer! Craft beer has been the best thing to happen to biking, camping, hammocks, deck and patios… well just about everything but work has been made better by craft beer.
You know this thread ruined my RTT fantasy world. I had not thought about having to breakdown for a beer run.
First thing you have to do is leave your bubble of safe and normal. Everything will fall into place. As for advice the resource you want is bicycletouringpro. That guy has a website and has been living on the road and cycling while renting his home out when he is away. He has a book (that I have not read) that detail how he does it. He is open about his finances, even though his website is geared toward getting a beginner cycle touring there is a lot of good info there.
Don’t box yourself in to California, there is a lot of good riding all over this country. If you put down roots somewhere and get a job over here then you are anchored. Buy a van, you can travel and live in a van for next to nothing. Check out warmshower and couchsurfing websites, there are options to stay mobile, live cheap and comfortable.
Good luck and change that picture, new picture should be you and your bike.
