Western NC - Ride and Camp 2020

This is the most detailed review I can find so far:
https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/mountain-bike/a24172910/banshee-prime-review/

 

As you should. Look around, something will pop up. Now you've got cash in hand so you can move quick when you find the right one.

 

Read up on them on Mtbr.com if you’re interested.
https://forums.mtbr.com/banshee-bikes/

There’s several of us TW trash on that forum too. I don't post a ton there, more just resource gathering.

 

@SummitBound this is a buddy of mines bike, if your intereested I can maybe get the price down a bit.

 

Thanks guys! Need to tell myself to be patient, just feels weird not having a MTB when I thought I had the Trance lined up. Been riding 2-3 times a week, will need to find a new hobby while I sit patient haha.

Doesn't help that I have never had a full suspension before, so not knowledgeable on what to look for.

Greatly appreciate you guys being the sounding board. I'll bring a few cases to the next bike meet as thanks

 

Actually I think that Trek is too small for you. Trek sizing is dumb, just say it's a medium or large like literally everyone else

 

Definitely not opposed, helps knowing who buying the carbon bike from so I could hit them up for the lifetime warranty on frame.

Looking online, he will probably get that price or around it though, so don't worry about it if it won't be in my budget!

2021 will be a better spending year after a nice raise and no wedding to save for, but I have to stay tight this year (unless uncle Sam wants to drop another nice check soon).

 

Good point. Agreed, just break it down by height for simpletons like me

 

@SummitBound those fuel ex are another one to keep an eye on. Trek (any of the big three) get hated on a lot for multitude of reasons. Fact is, they still make killer bikes and pump them out at almost reasonable prices. The Fuel EX is no exception, it rips. My last bike was the 9.9 version the one @Bannerman friend has for sale. Only moved on because I cracked the frame.

 

I have kept my eyes on them for sure, just haven't found any good deals!

Did find a nice "top fuel" one, but I believe that is more XC focused

 

Yea the top fuel is more XC focused whereas the ex is more trail oriented. The newer ‘20+ top fuels have a little more travel and more modern geo. Touching into the ‘downcounty’ realm.

 

So many unique offerings in the bike market today, it is pretty incredible

 

My only concern with that bike may be the 18.5" medium/large size given his 6'3" height. Otherwise, that's definitely a damn good bike.

Edit: nevermind... I should have kept scrolling down before replying. You got it covered!

 

Man y’all have my back, thank you!

 

checking out that banshee tonight. Like what I’ve read so far, especially if he’ll come down closer to my budget

 

Liked it a lot, frame is nice and stuff. Fox 36 up front and 135mm fox rear were sweet. Has all service records.

little squeak from the bottom bracket but he’s going to swap that out (has the bracket) and I’ll ride it next week.

he will come down on price. Nice dude for sure.

going to sit on it for the next week or so and think. Did tell him to go ahead and sell it someone came along for full price

 

I got a 25% off REI brand items coupon in my inbox today. After this last trip I've come to the conclusion its time I retire a lot of my well loved but old camping gear.
Everything I use is pushing 15+ years old and is very heavily hiking/backpacking oriented. My current life reality is that I do more truck camping when I camp at all, so weight isn't as paramount as it once was in my buying strategy.

With that said, anyone have any good recommendations on REI Co-Op branded camping gear?
Most anything is on the table, but I'm leaning more towards higher the priced items to fully take advantage of the coupon (tent/sleeping bag/stove/etc).

 

I have a down sleeping bag and a nice roll up camper table from REI brand. Love them!

 

Fat don't cramp.

 

2018 Giant Reign advanced pro 1 (looks barely ridden) just posted in ATL. Somehow in my budget

waiting on feedback on sizing. Concerned how 160mm front and rear travel would be climbing though. Will definitely test ride if it’s my size