My first MTB was a BMC TE29 (XC) in a frame too small for me which someone had put gravel tires on. I live on Orcas Island, and I found that I enjoyed putting the effort in climbing. At least one of the people I was riding with had a Knolly Chilcotin (Enduro).
I have not ridden the black diamond powerline trail here on Orcas and not sure it's a good start for me to try downhill. I would ride the other trails. From my perspective the trails I rode look a lot like this. Then I need to climb and desend terrain that looks like that.
I tried to change the gearing on the BMC as it was a triple to have a really low gear ratio by replacing my smallest front chainring when replacing my BB. But my bike is throwing the chain now. It also doesn't fit and it never had a dropper post. And then my heart just isn't in working on that bike right now or putting more money into parts for it.
But I consider myself somewhat confused. Because I spent the time on the XC I am tempted to purchase another XC. There are certain things that I like about that bike and perhaps it's also because. I have only ridden some form of 1000$ trek a few times when a friend let me ride their bike.
So as I go look at bikes now. It's really a bummer that the Chisel Comp is no longer 2500$ as that seems like it would ride like a dream compared to my poor old BMC. Really the Chisel Comp Evo might be a better bike for me considering the terrain (but I read it doesn't climb as well). The status 140 seems to be 2000$ on sale right now if I ever get into downhill or jumps .
I really like that damn Chisel / Comp EVO frame and all. I don't really know if it's really the best bike for me. But it looks really nice reading about it. What bikes do you think I should be looking at ?
by ke7cfn
2 Comments
The knolly is gonna be a pig on the climbs. Good thing there’s a whole category between xc and enduro. If you want something that is a good climber but also fun on descents I’d look at 130-140mm travel range. It also sounds like you are still just getting into riding, and something in the trail travel range will allow you to pedal while growing with your skill level on the descents. There’s tons of options and many companies have their trail bike line pretty sorted. I’d read some reviews, and shop around for a deal on pinkbike or marketplace.
I’ve not ridden Orcas but my Bham buddy tells me there’s a ton of rowdy trails there. I might be looking at something with 130mm+ of rear travel. That would be flexible enough to ride some enduro without feeling like too much bike.
Marin has quite a few affordable builds with geometry that’s a lot more modern than your bmc. Here’s a rift zone at $2600.
https://marinbikes.com/products/2026-rift-zone-2