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In addition to Jenson and Competitive Cyclist already mentioned, I’ve had good experience (and fast shipping) from Modern Bike out of Des Moines.
First, I’ll second Bike Nerd on Giant Trance 29 particularly if your trails are rocky. I prefer 27.5″ on my upper Midwest dirt, but when I go out west/southwest on the rocks, 29″ is the way to go. I just rented the Giant Trance in PHX/Sedona and its a great ride for a relatively reasonable pricetag.
Second, I’ve been researching my next ride and the two value choices that keep popping up are YT Jeffsy and Vitus Mythique specifically the VRX model (Chain Reaction & Wiggle).
Third, unfortunately you’re likely in for some frustration finding inventory right now. High demand and Supply disruptions are making things tough. Good luck!
I like staying in the Village of Oak Creek – Slim Shady is right there along with Bell Rock, and its much less busy than the main drag of Sedona. Sedona Village Lodge is a cool boutique I’ve stayed, but there are others. If you think you’re going to be doing mostly Mescal/Chuckwagon/West Sedona trails, then I agree Sedona Real would be convenient. Its debatable whether you should ride in / ride out from there, but it can be done.
My answer? The bike that feels best for you. All three are quality. Pick the one YOU like, and ride the crap out of it.
Two reasons I will always wear a helmet: 1) I have taken several spills where I know my helmet protected my noggin from something much worse. I’ve even had a 4″ branch fall on my head while riding. 2) I believe its worthwhile to set an example for kids.
Depending on your budget, if you can get to $2K, the Vitus Mythique VRX and YT Jeffsy Base are getting strong reviews for 2021. Here’s just one version: https://youtu.be/2IWmU55BiLM
But of course right now your biggest hurdle will likely be finding inventory. Could take a few phone calls.
I’m helping out a buddy right now below $2500 budget and the Vitus Mythique VRX and YT Jeffsy Base are getting strong reviews for 2021. Here’s just one version: https://youtu.be/2IWmU55BiLM
But of course right now your biggest hurdle will likely be finding inventory. Could take a few phone calls.
Like most, its been tough to explore much this summer. So as a Minnesoootan, I strung together Minnesota Iron Range for 3 days in Duluth, Giants Ridge downhill, Tioga, Redhead, and Cuyuna. The latter 3 are all reclaimed iron pit mines. Make no mistake, there is some quality stuff buying built in the Iron Range.
Can’t recommend a 1X setup enough. One of the best inventions for MB.
I’m with Bike Nerd. Most of my rides are 1 to 1.5 hours and can almost always handle with one 24 oz bottle (recommendation #1) and I have a small saddle bag that basically is just one multi-tool, tube, and a couple cartridges (recommendation #2), then all I need to carry is cellphone and keys in shirt back pocket (recommendation #3). But make no mistake, if I’m doing a longer ride on unfamiliar trails, I’ll use the small backpack.
That dropper will make a BIG difference going downhill. If you want to test the theory, I suggest you try a few runs with your current seat way down just to to see how it feels.
$1K is a good price point for some quality hardtails. I don’t have experience with the GT Avalanche you mention, but don’t get too concerned about trying to find the “perfect” bike. Find one that seems comfortable and then ride the crap out of it and don’t look back! If you really get into it, chances are you’ll be looking at an upgrade in 2 or 3 seasons.
A few other suggestions: big fan of 1X gear system (which means no derailleur in the front) and I strongly recommend a dropper post. If you do go with a hardtail, look for “plus” tires – a little wider (about 2.8″) will suck up smaller roots and rocks nicely.
To do the rock gardens, drops, and jumps you’re expecting, you’ll find full suspension is the best answer. There are a few options under $2K, but somewhat limited on selection and options available. More options are available once you get past $2.5K and that’s hard to justify for someone just getting started. For most people starting out with a budget, there are some quality hardtails around $1K. It makes a lot of sense (cents) to go this route, ride it hard for a couple seasons to see what you’re really into, and then think about a major purchase down the road if it sticks. Think about doing a couple rentals to see what works.
A few other suggestions: big fan of 1X gear system (which means no derailleur in the front) and to do the kind of stuff you’re suggesting I strongly recommend a dropper post. If you do go with a hardtail, look for “plus” tires – a little wider (about 2.8″) will suck up smaller roots and rocks nicely.
Could be anything, but there are two sneaky places I check even though I’m convinced the mystery sound is coming from somewhere else. 1) the stem to handlebar surface, including the bolts; and 2) seat rails and seat post. Both are worth a shot to remove, clean, and lightly grease.
I enjoy both aspects. There is something rewarding about having specific measurable goals like PR on the local loop, a specific distance goal, a certain obstacle, etc. But it is critically important to make sure some of your rides are pure fun – no specific time or rate in mind, take in some scenery, stop for a beer, etc. Its why I prefer dirt vs strictly road rides.
First, I’m jealous. Second, not sure how much tech you’re looking for, but the following ideas are more flow than chunky tech: 1) near Santa Cruz, the Soquel Demo Forest Flow trail is an epic downhill ride. Be advised that the climb in and out are no joke – but the payoff is well worth it; 2) I haven’t been yet, but Bend, Oregon is high on my list; 3) Squamish is an hour south of Whistler – I’ve done the Diamond head area (Half Nelson is a must downhill), but there is more. Have fun!
My advice depends on why you want to build your own. If what you want is a quality bike that fits you and at a reasonable cost, then spend 1/10th of the time you would spend on research, purchasing and building (assembling) and test drive several ready built bikes at your local bike shops, and then buy one there. If what you want is to enjoy the process and rolling up your sleeves for the research, purchasing and building, then knock yourself out and build your own as long as you understand going in that BYO will likely cost more, take more time, and possibly not fit as well as something you tested. Good luck!
Hey @dmcondolora, I’m not from NWA and don’t have that bias, but I’ve been there twice and I agree with everything you say. Its a great area. I’m jealous!
A few opinions from me: I love Sedona, but there isn’t much quantity for MTB beginners – if they have the patience for a fair amount of hike-and-bike, then yes, do it for the scenery. If you think they might get frustrated, I would point you to either Bentonville (Slaughter Pen, Blowing Springs, and maybe a few runs on the easier Coler DH run) or Phoenix/Tucson – Brown’s Ranch and McDowell Mountain Park in Phoenix, Sweetwater and Fantasy Island in Tucson. And I agree the best bet in Colorado that time of year is Fruita (Kokopelli area and 18Rd) and Grand Junction. Good luck!
Great question. I was lucky enough to check three sites off my first time list in 2019 (and I’ll be back to all three). 1) Santa Cruz Soquel Demo Forest Flow trail – best downhill flow I’ve ever ridden, although the climb out was a crusher; 2) Squamish Diamond Head area including Half Nelson – quality of the flow was just as good as Soquel, but I give the edge to Soquel because it was much longer; and 3) Whistler DH Bike Park – nothing I can say about it that hasn’t been said already. Here’s to everyone getting out looking for new runs!
