I found this near me for $450, though i will try to get him down to $400 if i decide to get it.
I intend to start training soon for an 8hr adventure race scheduled for Aug in Tahoe CA, which features 24miles, and 3k ft elevation change, of MB checkpoints. I suffer no illusion that i'll clear the course in my first race, but plan to do my best and would prefer not to be limited by my bike.
I've only mountain biked once (Blue Lake CA). Had a blast, and felt like i was able to keep up with a buddy who had experience.
Me: 35 (m), 5'10", 170 lbs. Fit
by Ssussdriad
3 Comments
I guess an additional question would be, in the event the bike isn’t quite adequate for my needs, whether there are approachable upgrades i could aim to get before the race in August?
no, get a more modern hardtail. As a beginner the extra weight of a rear shock and suspension parts (and a non-1x drivetrain amongst other things like the age and therefore weight of parts) will limit you more than the benefit you’ll see from having them without riding experience.
This thing kinda sucks, especially for climbing 3000 feet. Idk what the trail is like, but I’d look for a modern hardtail with an air fork. It’ll be much lighter and easier to climb. This bike doesn’t have a lot of the modern standards that would make it easy to upgrade.