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Good topic. In the upper-midwest, I would suggest the Chequamegon area in North Central Wisconsin is a great site for great back-country trails that are more natural than machine-built. Many different trails through mostly undeveloped forests. I would say the one thing lacking is there isn’t much for vista scenery, since its mostly flat and fairly dense forest. But if you’re looking for “au naturale,” its a great place to explore.
That’s an awesome bike (as are many others on your list). I went with the 5010 only cause the Bronson was a little overkill for my upper Midwest trails, but I was really close on the Bronson. Ride the crap out of that beast!
I think Plusbike Nerd and Cdreid7 nailed it. You’ve listed some great bikes – don’t over-think the label, and concentrate more on the primary features. With what you’ve described, I’d like to see you try the following: 130-150mm full suspension, dropper post, 1×12 drivetrain. From there, I would suggest you try both 27.5″ and 29″ rigs. You might also want to try both aluminum and carbon. Personally, I think 27.5 is more “playful” and I like how carbon takes out a little harshness. But I know several guys prefer 29 and alum.
The best bike is the one that gets you riding. Make your choice, get riding, and you’ll have no regrets!
I don’t know if there is one true epicenter these days. Hard to nail down just one place, but I think my #1 choice to visit right now would be Whistler and North Shore. But I also want to get to Moab. And Bend. And Park City. And I want to go back to Sedona. And Fruita. And Bentonville. And…
Hi Jeff. My suggestion/question is about strength training away from the bike that balances out my riding, not necessarily specific exercises make my stroke stronger or improved handling (although I believe overall balance will lead to overall better performance). For example, I’ve found that I’m prone to knee discomfort that could be due to knee cap tracking “off” that may be due to muscle imbalance. When I get back to some good counter exercises (squats countered with hamstring exercises), it seems to help. So my question would be, what exercises help balance/counter the miles on the bike?
Everybody has these days. I try to use them as a mental health day – just ease off the pedals and take a casual pace (or sometimes even shutting down altogether), and remind yourself you’re outside where you’re supposed to be. Almost without fail the next ride will be back to form. Days like this are actually valuable.
I agree with Jeff Barber and others – in general its going to be tough for a 6’4″ to fit most Large. Can you ride a Large? Sure, you can probably find a model that doesn’t feel too cramped, maybe slide the seat back to the max and get a longer stem and/or riser. But also know that you’re likely going to have a center of gravity a little higher than intended, making you more prone to endo.
You really need to get on a few different bikes to see how they feel. Doesn’t seem fair to send you to the local bike shop if you have no intention of buying, but maybe find some friends’ models and/or rent a couple models.
If you do have $2500 budget, don’t give up on a brand new model. There are some good alloy models out there that start close to that point: Santa Cruz 5010, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Fuel, several more. My recommendation would be to not give up on working with a couple local bike shops to find something new.
One last thought – just remember the “best” bike is the one that gets you riding. Good luck!
I’m hoping to hit, in chronological order, Sedona, Hurricane, Bentonville, and Copper Harbor. Two long shots are Bend and Whistler.
I’ll throw in my experience. There are a lot of really good bikes out there, but I do have the 2018 Santa Cruz 5010 Carbon R and can attest its an awesome bike. Its not particularly light (my 2015 Giant Anthem Advanced is actually lighter), but the 5010 feels really solid and confident underneath. Your terrain sounds similar to mine in Minnesota, and I can say that the 5010 has plenty of suspension. In fact, any more would probably be a waste. From a fit perspective, I’m 6 foot tall with relatively shorter legs and longer torso, and have the Large and therefore don’t at all feel cramped in the cockpit.
So while I won’t definitely say its better than the other bikes you mention (since I’m not familiar with them), what I can say is that I am 100% satisfied with my 5010 and I can’t image you’d be disappointed.
I think OldandRolling nailed what makes off road great – I call it “forced relaxation.” When you’re pushing it, you have to focus on the next 20 feet and therefore the rest of the world hits the pause button. Aside from the obvious physical benefits, I think sometimes we forget the mental aspect.
I second BBelfield about focusing on keeping these areas clean. I’ve seen the experts go both ways on whether to lube or not lube the stanchions, but everyone will agree the most important part is keeping them clean. For what its worth, I don’t use any product and I’ve never had issues. If you do choose a lube product, keep it minimal or it will just start gunking up the external surfaces, and who knows whats going on internal.
I totally agree that for most people and especially for people relatively new, go for a good, solid complete bike that you have test-ridden. I’ve read multiple articles that a complete bike will be a better deal financially than a custom build. Plus, your LBS will typically offer some free maintenance after purchase. I see custom build for higher-end, experienced riders who really know their style and are looking for some final tweaks. Or someone who’d like to tackle a custom build more as a hobby.
If you are just getting started and need to keep the cost down, I like Plusbike Nerd advice on a good hard tail and maybe plus tires – and maybe a dropper post if you can afford. That’s a great all-around set-up to learn the sport and figure out what you really like.
I’ve only ridden a Stache, and its a solid bike. I’m sure Farley is solid too. I see it more as fatty vs. plus size, so you need to think about your riding style and where/when you ride. For me, I ride some fatty in the winter, but its nowhere near as fun as the 2.2″ tire the rest of the year – the speed and handling is why I ride. But I know some guys ride fatty year round and love it.
Test ride them both. Fatty will outperform in the winter, but think about (and test ride) the rolling resistance in the summer. For me, if I had to choose just one, I would go with a plus size as the year-round choice.
I’ll back up FredCook. My opinion is that tubeless is not the magic elixir for everyone. If you’re aggressive, ride a lot of rocks and thorns, like lower tire pressure (less than 25psi), and you’re a capable DIY’er, then the benefits of tubeless probably out weigh these setup issues. If you ride more smooth flow, prefer higher pressure (25-28psi) so your tire doesn’t “roll under” in the corners, and prefer simpler maintenance, there’s no shame in tubes. I run both on two different bikes and haven’t developed a preference.
My opinion on tire width? Depends on your trail surface. If you tend to go more smooth and flowy, around 2.2″ is my preference running 25-28 psi (and tubes work just fine in this range). I like that the tire doesn’t feel like it “rolls over” in the fast turns. If you tend to go more rocky and rooty, go wider and drop the psi a little (and consider tubeless if compatible). As for running difference widths front vs. rear, my two cents that you might be over thinking it, but I’ll admit I’ve never tried (and doubt I will).
Almost forgot – one more resource is MTB Project app for trail maps. Invaluable when exploring new trails, and its free from REI.
I’m also in Twin Cities area, and combination of this site and MORC will cover 95% of what you need. Can’t stress enough on the trail conditions link that Brad_the_Dad offers. Once you find value in what they do, please consider volunteering or donating. We’ve got some pretty good trails in the area largely because of them.
In addition to what Brad offers, the one local trail I’ll add is Carver in Woodbury. Those 5 are my go-to, but MORC has more to offer. When you’re ready for a day trip, Cuyuna is roughly 2 hours away and Duluth is about 2.5 hours – both are well worth the drive. Enjoy!
My opinions on upgrades:
1) Tires matter. I prefer Maxxis brand, but the specific tread depends on your trails. Minion is a good place to start. Lots of good choices. 2) Tubeless: Yes if you prefer low tire pressures (less than 25 psi) and your tires & wheels are compatible. If you prefer higher pressure and your wheels/tubes aren’t compatible, personally I would stick with tubes. 3) Big fan of 1X. I’ll never go back to front derailleur. 4) If your grips are worn, they are a cheap upgrade that will make a difference. 5) Consider a dropper post – they can get expensive, but there are a few models around $100.After these, there is no shame in riding the crap out of what you’ve got and save your money for the next bike!
Thank you both. Looking for an opportunity to run down there yet this year.
Totally get that reply, Grant. But I’ll throw in a follow-up question to you or other locals – when it does rain, I assume the trails are closed? Assuming they are, typically how long does it take after rain for the trails to open if its maybe 50’s and sunny following the rain? More or less than a full day?
