brocksw
WKR
Considering a bike purchase for this fall and need some suggestions. Have not really gotten into "mountain biking" in the past but like the idea of having the mechanical advantage and it's a good excuse to buy a new toy.
Looking for an all around, stable, and comfortable bike that could help me take gear into the mountains and badlands, probably pull a trailer. If I can I'd also like to do some bike packing on some local long distance trails. Maybe drive as a commuter once in a while are on the local city bike trails.
Since I won't be looking to race, jump, or do any of that stuff do I need front suspension? Do I need 27.5+ tires?
On a budget and would like to avoid buying 2 bikes if possible.
Bikes I'm currently considering:
Specialized AWOL - 29" with a road bike frame made for bike packing - no suspension - can house up to a 2.3" tire. I'm think I could run two tires on this bike... Stock tire for around town and a second set (2.3") slightly more aggressive for hunting. concerned about the road bike geometry and no front suspension. However, seems like lots of people use these style bikes for carrying heavy loads.
Specialized Fuse 6fattie - 27.5+ bike - Might be nice in the mountains for a little extra float, but not ideal for using it around town. I'm wondering if this is a luxury and maybe a little overkill. Is there enough of a performance enhancement to warrant buying a second bike for around town? I think this bike is more of a hobby bike that I would use if I were interested in the more aggressive aspect of the sport.
Specialized Rockhopper - Another 29" bike - the most affordable - Doesn't offer the rack compatibility that the AWOL offers, but it does have front suspension.
Looking for an all around, stable, and comfortable bike that could help me take gear into the mountains and badlands, probably pull a trailer. If I can I'd also like to do some bike packing on some local long distance trails. Maybe drive as a commuter once in a while are on the local city bike trails.
Since I won't be looking to race, jump, or do any of that stuff do I need front suspension? Do I need 27.5+ tires?
On a budget and would like to avoid buying 2 bikes if possible.
Bikes I'm currently considering:
Specialized AWOL - 29" with a road bike frame made for bike packing - no suspension - can house up to a 2.3" tire. I'm think I could run two tires on this bike... Stock tire for around town and a second set (2.3") slightly more aggressive for hunting. concerned about the road bike geometry and no front suspension. However, seems like lots of people use these style bikes for carrying heavy loads.
Specialized Fuse 6fattie - 27.5+ bike - Might be nice in the mountains for a little extra float, but not ideal for using it around town. I'm wondering if this is a luxury and maybe a little overkill. Is there enough of a performance enhancement to warrant buying a second bike for around town? I think this bike is more of a hobby bike that I would use if I were interested in the more aggressive aspect of the sport.
Specialized Rockhopper - Another 29" bike - the most affordable - Doesn't offer the rack compatibility that the AWOL offers, but it does have front suspension.
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