[WesternSLP]

Hey John —

I certainly do have the ability the "break it down", ha, but in this case I am just curious what is what in the MTB lingo. This will be season #5 for me (a new sport I picked up in my 40’s), so now, with a bit more experience it is about learning and dialing it in. I ride for the freedom, peace, challenge, improvement, nature, and smiles.

Yes, Steamboat (N Routt County to be more specific) is where I live. What a State to live in to be a mountain biker!

Scott

[WesternSLP]

Thanks John —

I appreciate the macro perspective from your reply, reinforces some of my thoughts. You are accurate on my riding preferences, I’d say, even though defining trail types has never been too clear (different topic). But, if I could select one trail (and it’s a trail we both know) to demo all of these bikes to make a buying decision, I would make it Oil Well Flats…the 2014 lollipop loop. For what I enjoy and what is important to select a bike, that ride just about has it all!

Specific to frame suspension, the simplicity of some of the designs is a good point. I do not have a race day mechanic! So, knowing that you can throw a lot at your bike and have it stay together with minimal maintenance is a huge plus — and something the Rumblefish has provided, especially once I dumped the crappy Elixir brakes (in favor of XT) and flimsy Bontrager Duster wheel set (in favor of Flow/HopePro). The Clydes had reviewed this bike well, which was important because many of the "reviewers" tend to be under 6 foot guys and under 175 pounds; while I ride an XL frame, weigh in at 205 lbs loaded up and am putting more absolute force into the bike components.

With all of this said, the Pivot Mach 429 has been on my radar (although it may only be offered with a 1x?). And, the next purchase will probably be carbon. I do not break out in hives around the big boy bike makers (equal opportunity), but will stay clear of Specialized. I also don’t require a boutique badge only to be different, in fact I would prefer a bike with no badging.

I do wish MB Action would be more true to calling it like it is, versus being rather spineless about calling out the true pros/cons of the bikes. As they have access to everything! It reminds me back when I was big into boating (Michigan days) and Boating Magazine would write the fluff reviews. MB Action will call out a product only after there is a new solution to market; for example, did they ever tell you what a piece of crap the Elixir brakes were? Nope, not until the Guide came out, then they touched on how the Elixir was not so great. Same with their recent flip-flop on the 1x / 2x. Anyway…

Thanks for the feedback.

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