Appropriate bike for North Jersey Trails

[liong71er]

if you buy fullsus.you'll have to deal with maintenance at those pivot point and rearshock/fork.

and HT or rigid very few maintenance you need to worry about.

and if you wanna built frame scrath,

first get "the best frame" (material) you've ever dream of.
you can go custom made frame too.


or let your money do the talking!😀

 

[pooriggy]

Thanks, Joe

Iggys opinion
If you had to "build" a bike for North Jersey trails what would you want and why? Its cheaper to buy a stock bike as opposed to buy frame and build up components
Not the actual brand or model, but how much suspension travel, brake size/type etc?
Hardtail xc with 80-110 mm(more for plush) front suspension, hydraulic brakes 180-160mm.
Trail, XC, AM, Freeride, whatever it may be. Most places in NJ are XC but if your so inclined AM and Freeride can be an option if you choose.
For use on typical trails around North Jersey, Ramapo, Cannonball, Ringwood etc. This is subjective, some riders like myself feel that a HT is suitable others prefer FS. The best thing to do is demo different bikes to find what you prefer. Look at 29ers as well as 26" wheels. When its time to buy don't buy beginner model, otherwise a year from now you'll want to upgrade and money spent on a beginner bike will be wasted. Choose a bike you like and ride it until it breaks.😀

 

[goldsbar]

That's a bit of an open ended question. As with many parts of the countries, many bikes will work. A 6" all mountain bike works really well. So does a rigid SS 29er. Both will work at about any park and any trail. One is faster on the downhills, the other faster on the climbs. What type of riding do you want?

 

[Robson]

This is very subjective...I have two 29ers HT and FS and for me FS is the way to go.

 

[MannyL358]

Like many have already shared you left many variables unspecified that are important to choosing a good bike. Sooooooo….here is my suggestion.

Titus El Guapo!

 

[soundz]

here is my suggestion:

 

[JTK37]

The original post need more info. Specifically, "I currently ride..." Plus and current impressions.

What I would choose doesn't much help you.

Right now I'm riding an Iron Horse Mkiii Comp, which I'm totally happy with.
5" Travel "Trail" bike that I'm really enjoying. My main issue is that the longer "rock gardens" slow me down to the point of walking it most of the time(I'm a noob), I haven't branched out to too many different trails yet, and am kinda curious if I'll encounter this all over North Jersey. And if I actually needed more travel or a switch to a 9er to make it easier

 

[Neilism]

I personally wouldnt look to a new bike for making tech sections easier.....
If your walking a lot of stuff, practice might be the best bet.........no matter what bike youre on, being able to pick the best line of attack will be a necessity, along with having competent balance, and the ability to shift your body weight as a tool. If youre happy with your bike in general and its not falling apart under the stress of demanding trails I wouldnt be so quick to build a new bike..
Build your skills.

 

[pooriggy]

My main issue is that the longer "rock gardens" slow me down to the point of walking it most of the time(I'm a noob), I haven't branched out to too many different trails yet

rock gardens slow everyone down and only few skilled riders can power through these sections without ever putting a foot down, everyone dabs a foot from time to time. Having said that your fitness and experience will allow you to gear up and power through these sections with confidence...but this does take time generally there is more techincal stuff in norf jersey but you can find less technical trails too, kitattiny comes to mind and parts of jungle habitat.

 

[sixseven]

here is my suggestion:

This bike is super badass.