So I rode a huge loop between windy saddle and apex. I ride a 2021 Rocky Mountain growler 40 with all parts from a 2019 Marin nail trail. Not a low end by any means but it’s a mid level hardtail that I build from scratch. 120mm rockshox recon, 2.3in tires, mullet setup etc…
This ride kicked my ass, magic mountain was absurd with how much chunk there was, and i definitely felt under-biked. Trail seemed really fun I just couldn’t enjoy it because I was hanging on for dear life. I’m new to Colorado and was wondering, are all the great trails like this? And if so what upgrades should I do to make these a little easier to ride. I was thinking first upgrade should be a fork since the bike came with 150mm of travel and since I built it from the frame, didn’t have enough money to upgrade yet.
Could be a skill issue Idek though👨🔧
by Nate4car
2 Comments
Evergreen overall has some easier trails. Buffalo creek is a damn good time but it’s looong. Lair of the bear is also kinda wild techy chunky but it’s so worth it. North table is good in winter months so long as it hasn’t snowed in a bit. Wouldn’t recommend it in the summer months bc rattlesnakes. Chimney gulch that you hit is also famous for snakes, white ranch as well. South valley littleton is great riding. Betasso out west of Boulder is a solid ride. Then there’s some good stuff out by black hawk too. Colorado Springs has some epic rides, section 16, chutes, captain Jacks, ute valley.
Apex is a great trail on my FS – I have a Ripmo. Enchanted forest is fun on my 100mm xc bike, but magic mountain is definitely not as fun. I usually get passed by enduro type riders on the magic mountain section.
If you’re looking for easier trails, south table mountain, parts of north table mountain, and green mountain all have significantly less tech than apex/chimney gulch. But imo a FS trail bike is a good choice for a lot of front range trails. Probably don’t need a Ripmo but anything to soak up that rear travel will help. For front range riding I feel like 130-150 rear travel is a good spot where you won’t feel underbiked until you are lapping main line on Floyd Hill or something. The trails out here can be done on hardtail it just hurts a lot more. Also you didn’t mention a dropper, if you don’t have one of those that will help immensely