Reply To: I need a pedal bike not a Conan the pedal and crank arm destroyer. Midatlantic b

#506152

I think you need a Downcountry bike. A Downcountry bike is a cross between an XC bike and a Trailbike. Usually, they are lightweight, come with 100-120 mm rear travel, but have modern progressive Trailbike geometry and Trail tires, not XC geometry and XC tires. Here are some Downcountry bikes I like in order of most favorite to least favorite.

Specialized Epic Evo
Transition Spur
Ibis Ripley
Giant Trance 29 (not the longer travel Trance X 29)
Evil Following
Kona Hei Hei
Trek Top Fuel
Scott Spark

If you are on a budget, the least expensive Giant Trance 29 sells for only $2150. The first five bikes on this list generally get glowing reviews.