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pete497

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Hi all, been around for a while but just activated my account.

Although I'm certainly not new to the sport, the last time I bought a bike there weren't so many choices. I'm considering a XC or AM/Trail bike.

I would be interested in hearing some opinions about what the best option for North Jersey would be.

Thanks
 
Can't offer any suggestions for a bike shop up there, but welcome to the site!
 
How far north?
High Gear or Town Cycle

I'm from Montville and I still drive down to Halters in Princeton
 
Welcome !

Let the group know the type of terrain, and which parks (if you know) that you'd hit....probably need a budget too....GL - catch you out there.
 
fidodie said:
Welcome !

Let the group know the type of terrain, and which parks (if you know) that you'd hit....probably need a budget too....GL - catch you out there.
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Mostly been riding in Ringwood and Ramapo. I go about 200 lbs but I prefer finesse over brute force. I like tight technical tails both climbing and downhill. Looking at the $2000 price range. Oh yeah, its going to be a 29er.

Thanks!
 
Welcome aboard 2000 will be a bit tight for a FS 29'er but there are close out deals that you can find... I picked up an Anthem 29'er for a little bit more but it is a great bike more XC than AM .. what ever you get ride it like you stole it.
 
Tenafly bike workshop might be an option to check out. Welcome to the forum.
 
Many of the shops in North Jersey are good shops. It may come down to brand and location. Most shops offer follow up service after your purchase, or you should negotiate that into your purchase. All shops mentioned thus far are good shops with excellent mechanics and staff.

If you are looking at Trek I will add Bicycle Tech in Lincoln Park to that list. The Rumblefish is around $2500 but well worth it. That's what I use as my training bike. Just enough to get crazy some times but not too much to climb to the top of ski area. Wildcat Ridge is my back yard and that bike luvs it.
 
Sussex Bike is a good Trek dealer. very small shop with great people

of course there's the Marty's Reliable family (hackettstown, randolph, & morristown)

town cycle is the surviving North Jersey Giant dealer.

cycleworks John (the giant dealer that closed down a few years ago in Byram township... ) iirc works at Marty's in morristown
 
pete497 said:
Mostly been riding in Ringwood and Ramapo. I go about 200 lbs but I prefer finesse over brute force. I like tight technical tails both climbing and downhill. Looking at the $2000 price range. Oh yeah, its going to be a 29er.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey Pete,
I ride Ramapo as my primary park. I throw a vote for Town Cycle.
Welcome from 07481
 
pete497 said:
Hey Jerseypete, what is your opinion regarding bikes up there, All Mountain or
XC
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All depends on your style of riding. About two years ago I visited around 10 shops in and out of the area, looking at 29'ers. Each will give their own opinion and preference to what they want to sell you. I told them all that I ride Cannonball and it was half and half as to the number of shops telling me 29's suck in the North and to get a 26 full suspension, and those telling me I would love a 29'er in Ramapo and Ringwood.
I bought a real cheap 29'er hardtail to see for myself, and I love it. I will eventually upgrade. I have been looking at a number of bikes, and Rumblefish is one of them. I also like the Cannondale with the Lefty fork. The design makes sense. Then there are the other bikes to look over such as Turner and Santa Cruz.
I can't really give you a flat out answer, the best thing it to visit some shops and talk with the guys there who ride Ramapo, Ringwood, Jungle Habitat and Waywayanda. I think those will be your parks of choice. At least get information from the guys that spend the most time on the trails you will be riding. I typically ride once or twice a week at Ramapo at a relaxed pace. There are others that ride a lot more, much faster. All depends on what you want out of a ride.
 
Thanks Pete.

It is going to be a Rumblefish or a Superfly, once this is over I'll post the reason why I'm going with Trek. The superfly is the bike I want because I think it is closer to what I like to ride and how I like to ride it. But I have this feeling that the Rumblefish is probably more what is needed for the terrain. I rode each of them and the Superfly is definitely closer to my current bike. The Rumblefish seating position and geometry just didn't feel aggressive enough and the suspension seems like overkill. I like quick darty mild descents and technical climbs as opposed to long steep bombs and killer terrain. The rumblefish seems more suited to former.
 
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