[KatzenJammer]

[KatzenJammer]

1986 Peugeot City Express I bought in Germany. In the States it was called US Express.

[KatzenJammer]

Greg, I am looking to demo bikes to get a better understanding of the differences in handling amongst the brands and models, try different terrain while re-visiting the southwest (have not been since mid 90s) and  improve my skills. I guess I should have re=phrased my question bc now that I consider it, I think that I am really looking for unbiased reviews of the ROAM events.

[KatzenJammer]

I have a VW GTI and just installed a hitch and got a 2 bike Kuat Transfer. For years when formerly transporting a very light road style bike, I used a rooftop carrier with the VW bike carrier that fit onto the Thule slot style roof rack. However, with a mtb now, its just heavier and more awkward to put it up on the roof.

[KatzenJammer]

Lesson learned is to go with that first great impression and suck up the extra cost with temporary deprivations.

[KatzenJammer]

Next year when Cannondale is back in Florida for demos, i will likely change out the Anthem for a Cannondale Scalpel or Habit as the sizing just fits me better as a short person . The Scalpel felt like the perfect fit.  With Anthem am now making stem and spacer adjustments.

[KatzenJammer]

Yes, i have a Specialized Jynx hardtail for general riding. Next time i go to Alafia State Park i plan to rent a Habit for an hour to test ride.

[KatzenJammer]

I still have my Trek Mt Track 820 that i bought new in 1995 but by the color (forest green) i now think it was a 1994. I am keeping it for sentimental reasons of the journeys and places shared with it but do have a modern HT and FS.

[KatzenJammer]

Yes, i am certain that i will circle back to the Scalpel SE1 in time. On my first ride, i felt like an expert had taken control of my body.

[KatzenJammer]

Thanks.  I did just buy the Anthem. Rode it on Thanksgiving Day around my  local Tallahassee trails.  Now am getting 780 mm bar cut down a bit as i am short.  Too many people put me off the proprietary Lefty fork for now. But i remain curious about the Cannondale Scalpel SE 2 with the Fox fork and the Habit. Anyhow, as an older rider i just want a light feeling sportscar like ride, similar to my car,  VW GTI.

[KatzenJammer]

Yes, come to Florida and see what we have here.  Its the best state for total outdoor activities.  PS I also scuba dive so have that bias.

[KatzenJammer]

Where in Germany are you stationed? Army? I am now Army retired but first rode dirt trails in mid to late 80s in Furth and Munich in their Stadt Parks on a Peugeot City Express i bought at the PX. My most fun bike riding until now when i moved to Tallahassee Florida and have seriously  gotten into mountain biking. I used to explore German countryside for hours after work in summer and on weekends.  On one ride i came across the Munich movie studio where Never-ending Story was filmed.

[KatzenJammer]

I need to add that i like Alafia State Park for its long flowy, turny, trails . We also have that in Tallahassee where i live. I also rode the Scapel SE1 in Tallahassee at a demo. My present bike is an entry level Specialized Jynx with Suntour XCT shock and Altus, Acera that i bought a couple of months ago as an upgrade from my rigid 95 Trek Mt Track thst was making my hands numb riding the rooty Tallahassee trails. I am getting into mountain biking after moving to Tallahassee bc so many mt bike trails here. I previously rode a Specialized Vita Elite road bike with straight handlebars on the extensive paved bike trails in Orlando. The Jynx performs ok (compared to the Trek rigid) and riding it constantly has really improved my skills, confidence  and fitness so im greatful for that. However, on my initial FS rides on the demos in Tallahassee and at Alafia State Park i was amazed at how these much better machines totally upped my capabilities.  I was a little intimidated before arriving at Alafia after watching numerous YouTube go pro videos of the blue trails but i did great and had a blast so now am committed to getting a FS. I also will mention i am 50 yrs old and saw LOTS of older riders at the fat tire festival.  I think these modern finely tuned bikes allow thw senior set to keep riding and having fun.

[KatzenJammer]

I would recommend trying to go to a bike demo even if have to travel a ways. I traveled from Tallahassee to Tampa area to demo bikes last weekend. I rode lots of bikes and my finalists  multiple times. I was amazed at the differences in feel between the bikes.  When considering spending what is now required to get a good performing bike, i do not think you can or should beat actually riding the bike on a trail.

[KatzenJammer]

I had a Peugot City Express in 1986 in Germany . I know its not really a mt bike. However, at the time the Army PX did not have my small size in a men’s Peugot more knobby tire real rigid mt bike.  Nevertheless it eas .y intro to riding dirt trails. I rode it all over the Fuerth and Munich, Germany dirt trails in the Stadt Parks and had a great time.

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