All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Are comparing full builds? Last I checked both as a frame only option where both in the $600-800 range. I’d have expected the SC to be more expensive in any configuration, assuming we are talking new and not used.

 

new yes, well not that I now know that kona has changed. Might have to get the chameleon. as for just the frame, I know NOTHING how to build them. I did wrench on helos in the service, cant be that hard I know there are certain tools you do need.


Rocky Mountain Growler 50

looks cool too

 

I checked out a Honzo ESD last fall. Full build was $3200 with Marzocchi Z1, GX, Code R’s, AR30 wheel set with Assegai up front and DHRII out back. If they would have had a large I would’ve pulled the trigger.

 

Glad to have contributed in my own way haha.

 

I don’t do a ton of wrenching myself compared to some out there. But yea it’s not that difficult if you’re even remotely mechanically inclined, which it sounds like you are.

Rocky makes a great bike. From what I’ve read the Growler is much more gravity biased. Not really sure how the newer Chameleon geo will compare to the older versions.
I’ll vote Santa Cruz…

Those things seem like a rocket ship. I just know if I were riding the type of terrain that that type of bike was made for, my body and skill (read lack there of) would be better off reaching for my full suspension rig.

 

thats a nice bike! mikesbikes.com has a few in stock. as for the growler yes, legit bike, what size is yours and how do you like the ride? transition to pavement to dirt well? lots of trails like that here in NV

 

It’s a medium. Reminds me of a bmx bike. Easy to move around and to get the front end up. Still need to get a set of 29er wheels for it, or at least a rear. I bought mine second hand setup running 27.5

I’ve only ridden it on trail but it’d be fine for some road stretches if needed.

 

I sell Rockys. Just built up a new Growler yesterday in the shop. I really don't like them. Ha.

There's a time and place for them but it's nowhere around here. Super slack for a hardtail and not much fun around here in my opinion. They are good downhill but that's about it. If you were out west, and really wanted a hardtail, then yeah...maybe a good choice. But I really feel there are better HT options out there for most people.

The price is ok on them. We sell a lot to younger riders who want something a little bit nicer but can't afford an FS bike.

 

I get the itch again for a hard tail at times, but if I’m buying one it’s going to be an aggressive one. I’m glad they didn’t have a large, or the Spire wouldn’t be here right now. I just keep getting older and the FS was a better choice for sure.

 

New, "used," Bike Day! I have learned more about shocks today that I ever thought was possible, ya know, for me to learn...

 

@vorkuta775 Check out Hardtail Party on IG and Youtube. He does a LOT of hardtail reviews, like the name implies. I'm on a Spot Rocker (steel and carbon models) myself, but have had numerous others in the past. In the end, one of the most important considerations is riding style and your local trails. You want to nail the geo numbers and get approximately the right fork travel so you aren't over or under biked for your needs.

 

thanks dude. I shall check it out. I retired last year so I am trying to find new hobbies to help cope with ptsd and with my time in a positive manner, healing forward essentially. I wanna ride southern UT, flume trail here in Nevada and CA, Mammoth, truckee, downiville, single track, fire roads, and some techy stuff not too much. I like to ride a lot on some really nice bike paths here in reno that follow the truckee river, so I do ride pavement to keep my cardio up the 29ers can haul some serious butt, so can a FS but something about the hardtail, its a romance/nostalgic thing for me.

 

Those are a couple of great reasons to get into riding! There's a great community in it all as well. Have you ridden newer hardtails and FS bikes? Getting to demo them is a great option to ensure you've covered your bases in trying a couple of options. Sedona MTB fest is in just a couple weeks...

I'd focus your search on hardtails with 120-140mm up front. I've found 130mm to be my sweet spot for all around use, and given your wide variety of intended uses, I would focus on having a balanced bike and build. I hope it isn't too much to ask, but do you have a budget in mind and an approximate weight? I'm 6'1" and ~220lbs, so the stiffness of a frame and components is something that I have to keep in mind when it comes to the kit on any given bike.

 

2500-3000. I'm 6"0 280, imagine a large or xl shall be suitable . As far as demo goes, the Chemeleon is in Sacramento CA , nearest place I could find them in stock

 

That does sound like a good bike for your needs, and while there are another number of options that would be equally perfect, the Chameleon is fairly widely available with a good amount of support from a shop perspective.

 

Thanks man! Eventually I'll go see my cousin who pcsd'd to.fort Carson co. I'm trying to get him into the mtb sport since he now lives in co.

 

6 people 6 bikes on a shuttle ride in my access cab. Very happy passengers

 

I've tried that twice and was bulletproof for me too, even on the Decoy. Currently on the trail bike.
MAXXIS's new EXO+ seems like it would be better. But like that sexy girl in HS that kept screwing me over, even when she crying "I've changed", I don't really want to take that road again.

Just read in this article that Orbea are continuing work on the Black Hawk trail system. That is probably, in my opinion, the most fun and well-built trail system in northern CO right now. If you haven't ridden it and are in the area, definitely go check it out.
I actually really wish there were trails built like that here in UT. Those builders are really on top of their game.

 

Ladies in the back, Bro’s in the cab!

 

My ennef pants are out for delivery, gonna be stuntin at the trail head in some iguana pants.