so is 26" really truly dead? Gonna need to buy a bike sometime this year. Most likely in the 140-160mm travel range. Enduro oriented DH friendly but possible to pedal up San Juan, whiting loop and all over Aliso. So like a SC Bronson, Giant Trance or Riegn, intense Tracer, Etc. So if I had like $3k range and could get a new 27.5 with a mediocre/good component spec or a Slighly used 26" in super all pro high end parts build up. What's the right choice???
Starting to get real hard to find high end parts for 26ers, even though manufacturers still claim they're making them. Start with the 27.5s, or 29res. and upgrade when it's needed or you can. Also I hope you mean 140mm-160mm and not cm. I was looking at the Path's Trabuco location and they have listed a custom build Giant Trance for $3,ooo, plus a lot of demos and clearances in your price range You can also check out Fullerton bikes, as they carry a pretty good selection Hope this helps. -Lloyd
$3k will get you a VERY GOOD bike!! I picked up a new Divinci Spartan Carbon for $3,000 out the door two months ago and it's a great bike. My son got last years Giant Reign 2 for $2,100 out the door in December. Both bikes have 27" wheels and new geometry that can climb and descend. I would strongly discourage you from the 26" wheel bikes. You can't give them away anymore. However, if I could find a like new 26" bike that had a original MSRP of $9k in my price range, I would very likely buy it and ride the thing for as long as I could find parts. Then I would donate it to a good cause and take the charitable donation on my taxes!! That's a WinWinWin
26er 4Life! #Not! Actually my dh bike is a 26er. Haha! Go with a 29er if you want to monster truck thru rock gardens! Get a 650b if you like to pop off rocks and features. I'm not saying you won't have any steez with a 29er...you'll just have more of it with a 650b (27.5).
I think 27.5 is a safer bet for long term satisfaction. Maybe a Giant Trance 2 with XT 1 by 11 upgrade and a Pike upgrade. That can be had for a hair under $3000 plus tax.
It looks like the treksuperstore has a sale right now. Trek Slash with a respectable build for $2100. Shop Bicycling Catalog Bikes Mountain Full-Suspension Trek Slash 7 27.5 TrekSlash 7 27.5 2015 (1 Review) $2,099.99 $3,619.99 Sale Price Select Size Add to Cart Availability: Please select options This item is not permitted to be shipped, however it can be purchased online and picked up at your convenience. We will notify you when your order is ready for pick up. Descriptionclick to expand contents Features & Infoclick to expand contents Consumer Reviewsclick to expand contents Specificationsclick to collapse contents Frame Trek Alpha Platinum Series aluminum w/Full Floater, E2, ABP, 160mm-travel Fork RockShox Pike RC Solo Air, 160mm-travel Rear Shock RockShox Monarch Plus R DebonAir Rims/Wheels Bontrager Duster Elite Hubs See Rims/Wheels Spokes See Rims/Wheels Tires Bontrager XR4 Expert, 27.5 x 2.35 Crankset SRAM S1200 Chainrings 36/22 Front Derailleur SRAM X7 Rear Derailleur SRAM X9, TYPE 2 Rear Cogs SRAM PG-1030, 10-speed: 11-36 Shifters SRAM X7 Handlebars Bontrager Rhythm Elite Tape/Grips Bontrager Rhythm Stem Bontrager Rhythm Comp Brake Levers Shimano Deore Brakes Shimano Deore disc Saddle Bontrager Evoke 2 Seatpost Bontrager Rhythm Elite Full Site Email Call
Yeah, when you see a guy in his 60's pedaling around town here in a 27.5 mountain bike. I was at a light when I saw this guy with white hair (sticking out of his helmet) pedaling along side my truck. I instantly (because of my stereotype horrible nature) assumed it was an old 26er, but to my mistake it was a 27.5. Okay, maybe because he was probably retired and... white. But yes, when a 60-something rides a 650b and probably is on Facebook too, its time to hang up the XC/trail 26er. Maybe FB too. The DH 26er is still alive but fading fast. On the way home this evening I saw a fella riding his "Y" frame vintage Trek on the street. I was right that time though, he was a white haired old dude.
I recommend a Giant Trance 2. Climbs well and handles the rough stuff on ST very nicely for under 3k out the door. Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I just got back from a demo ride of an Ibis HD3 with the carbon wheels and all the good stuff. Blown away by the pedaling efficiency and climbing and tracking through terrain.