I’m a long time roadie with an interest in doing some mtb riding. I’ll need to ease into it as my technical handling isn’t the best (as I said, long time roadie) but I’m down to try something new. I live in Madison, WI if that helps give you an idea of terrain. Singletrack riding mostly.
Also, there are some crazy discounts out there that are tempting me. I’m sure you can relate.
Perhaps these options are overkill, I’m really not sure. I feel comfortable spending $2-3k. My taste for quality bikes bleeds over from the road.
Oh, sizing. I size down on the road, riding a 52cm despite being 5′ 10″. I have long legs and a short torso. Advice on translating fit would be welcome. Generally speaking, I think it makes sense to skew small rather than big for reasons that are hopefully obvious.
The bikes that got my attention –
Salsa Blackthorn Deore 12 – https://www.freewheelbike.com/product/salsa-blackthorn-deore-12-457943-1.htm
(This was the first one to get my interest. Its a great deal but I can’t help wanting a bit….more)
Sepcialized Stumpjumper Comp – https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-comp/p/199786?color=320395-199786
(found a shop with it in stock at sale price)
Canyon Spectral Spectral 125 CF 8 – https://www.canyon.com/en-us/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/spectral-125/cf/spectral-125-cf-8/3178.html
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Currently its a tossup for me between Specialized and Canyon. I’m happy to be pitched on whatever. Hoping to find something that will last me a good long while and it looks like all the options on the table would.
by mattkime
3 Comments
Hard to beat the Spectral for the price. Other bikes I’d look at would include:
– Commencal TEMPO
– Propain Hugene
– YT Izzo
My local trails are similar to yours and I love my recently purchased blackthorn. I’ve mostly been a single speed and/or hardtail mountain biker for 20 years and am in awe of how well it pedals for a 140mm bike. I’m definitely overbiked, but its fucking awesome. I’m also a little bit shorter than you and my blackthorn is a medium. I’m still fucking around with the fit a little bit, but I think you might want to check insider a large.
When you say you want something “a bit more” with the Salsa, do you mean better components or a bike that’s more capable of gnarlier terrain? Reason I ask, it’s got more travel in the front and rear suspension. If I have a choice I prefer buying from a local shop instead of online, just cause I like having a relationship with them and should I need a warranty or crash replacement, I could just drop it off and they’ll take care of it.
That said, I wouldn’t hesitate buying from a direct-to-consumer brand, and I know that Spectral is a popular bike and people seem to like it. I’m not a fan of Specialized, more about the company than the bike though. I do think it’s a better frame than the Canyon, and it’s a close call between the SJ Comp and Salsa.
That Blackthorn has superboost spacing (157 mm) which is something to consider, but the one you linked is significantly cheaper, so I’d probably get that and use the extra money for upgrades, which I’d get as parts eventually need to be replaced.
Would you be open to any other suggestions, and if so, do you want more travel (160/150) or do you prefer that 140/130 trail bike (still extremely capable and better at climbing)?