Sooner or later all mountain bikers get that itch. You know, the one that can only be scratched by a new bike, preferably one that’s better, or shinier, or more capable (ideally all three!) than the one you have.
If you are looking for a longer travel bike, tell us where you’re at and where you’re heading in the comments below.
Living in (mostly) flat Minnesota with two lift operated bike parks, my Ripmo AF is a pretty perfect “all-arounder”…a decent climber that can handle just about anything you throw at it in terms of descents.
Love the Wildcat at 140r/150f travel. This bike is not in any way for the weightofobic. It is all about being an F350 Superduty, not a Hyundai… Sure, there are other options and lighter, etc. however, they must have clearance for 3.0’s, or deal breaker. Geometry is also key.
I have taken my Wildcat down Keystone on many occasions, being a season pass holder. When I’m not doing the insanity rides, a local singletrack is a daily haunt. Piss poor fuel economy and I couldn’t care less since the bike performs beyond my expectations.
100mm travel xc/gravel bike and 160mm trail bike. Perfect for me.
I have a spire and a hardtail. I’d like an in between er. 120-140 rear end quick thing, just don’t call it downcountry.
Everythingcountry for the win! 😀
Fezzari Delano Peak might be the ticket. 135/150 carbon trail/all mountain. Mine weighs 32lbs fully equipped, doesn’t feel heavy at all. Not a rocketship uphill but does well getting to the top and loves to shred the downs and handles tech like a champ.
I actually went down in travel and I like how the bike rides a lot more.
I went from a 100mm hardtail to a 130/130 jet 9. I’m going to keep the short travel bike around for certain courses, but I’m realizing how underbiked I’ve been for years. I feel like I’m coming back for payback. I love it so much.
Current bike is 120r/140f, I’d like to up it a little bit don’t want to sacrifice climbing
Fezzari Delano Peak is 135/150, you can customize spec and get lighter tires and a 34 fork instead of 36 to save weight. Just call and they will quote.
Currently riding a 180 front ,170 rear, rocky slayer. Mostly riding in WNC . Kanuga , DuPont, pisgah, fire mountain, and ocassionally we run up to snowshoe. I find my bike handles all the terrain exceptionally well.
Upped the travel on my HT fork 140mm to 150mm, bike definitely feels more confident on my euro trails. Will be looking for a full sus with at least 150mm at the front.
But geometry is important also.
I spent so long riding on 100mm ‘old school’ mountain bikes also that moving to modern geometry so suddenly was a big shock just how much more confidence inspiring it is.
You can push these bikes far harder than their ancestors. It’s a night and day difference.
Fezzari Delano Peak
I have been riding for 4 years on a hardtail with only 80mm suspension forks.
I would now like 180mm front and 160mm rear
MT
On really rough rocky terrain (like I ride) with sharp ledges and stopper boulders, more travel is better……….at least for me.
I think I’m general we are WAY overbiked….
My Orbea 29er HT is perfect for Houston, but I want a bike for Spider Mountain. It’s a lift-access downhill park in central Texas…