Mountain Bikes in AZ – Group Rides, Trail Info, Trip Reports, Pictures, Visitor Guide

And here is the FINS map.

 

Where at?I'd be game. I've been looking fkr some wooden features

 

ake I-10 to Estrella Parkway
Estrella Parkway South to Westar (About 8 miles, up in the Estrella Mountain Ranch Community)
Take Westar west (Right) about 1.5 miles and you'll see the parking sign on your left.

 

Hey guys, I could use some advice.

I'm looking to get into mountain biking here in AZ and am in the process of starting to look at bikes. However, my biggest questions now are hardtail vs full suspension and 27.5 vs 29ers. Does anyone have any input on the performance of these different option in the Arizona terrain? I don't plan on doing a ton if uphill or downhill stuff, but would like something that's good all around.

As background, I've only ridden mtb a handful of times but it was in Alaska over the summer and I absolutely loved it! Never have in AZ. I was on hardtail 29 (the Fuji Nevada series) and then a different bike my coworker lent me while all I know was a hardtail and I can't even recall tire size.

I plan on also renting some bikes first time get out and test some stuff for myself but I wanted your input too. Thanks in advance! I'm not really looking for specific advice such as bike models etc (which would be welcome!) but mainly general feedback right now. I'll probably be looking in the $1000-1600 range for when I'm ready.

 

Hardtail 29 unless you are super short.

Learn to ride and love it before going past that. Suspension is awesome, but can cause poor technique for newbies.

 

Trails around here are pretty Rocky I've found, and a dual suspension helps soften thing up, but a hardtail with a solid fork and agressive geometry would be doable and fun. ItllI also teach you how to choose lanes and such.

I like 27.5. it still turn androlls quickly but has the ability to roll over things like a 29er.

 

Gotcha, thanks guys. I think I'm gonna ride some hardtail just to be sure, but I'll likely stick with that to get the most bang for my buck and get a decent hardtail rather than a low-end full suspension.

Ryan - I'm 5'8", so definitely not tall.

 

I'd still shoot for a 29er that fits your reach well.

 

I agree with what others have said. Don't buy a FS with that budget. A quality Hardtail over a budget FS any day of the week IMO. I'm also a big fan of wagon wheels, as long as you're not doing super techy type stuff. They just don't turn like the 26/27.5's, but they do roll over everything. When in doubt, pedal it out? Don't need technique when you just bomb everything. Haha!

 

Shit, now I am confused. I started actually looking at bikes and have narrowed it down somewhat. I am still struggling though... any input on these would be great. I threw in a full suspension (but at 27.5, not a 29er which I do agree with you all that I'd probably like more) just because it is a great price. I also listed my shipped, but pre-tax price, but I would really like to be closer to the $1100 as opposed to $1700. I am listing DB bikes only as those are what I know I can get really good deals on via various corporate websites, outdoor professional websites, or discount codes.

In order of price:

1. Diamondback Release 1 27.5 - $1649.99
2. Diamondback Carbon Comp 29 - $1439.99
3. 2018 Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 - $1104.99
4. Diamondback Overdrive Pro 27.5 - $1099.99

 

JensonUSA has the diamond back mission for 1500

 

I think I'm between these two:

1. 2018 Diamondback Overdrive 29 2 - $1104.99
2. Diamondback Overdrive Pro 27.5 - $1099.99

Reasoning is that I really like Ryan's point about learning on a hardtail rather than relying on a full suspension to cover my mistakes AND because I feel like I can get a better bike for the price. @AFMurse2014 I really like that Mission but I fear that's too suited for downhills for what I need while starting out.

I'm still a bit torn on the wheel size. I've had many recommend 29ers (here and my roommate), so @MaverickTRD how come you prefer 27.5?

 

It'd an Enduro bike it's the jack of all style. Enduros will climb and descent well.


I prefer 27.5 over the 29. It's personal preference. But I like the less rotational mass and quicker handling of the 27.5

 

I have a Kuat rack which I absolutely love! Pictured Above...

And we all can probably say that Black Jack is the best trail on the West Side near FINS. I ride SoMo and Hawes Mostly cause I live east valley but when Im west, black jack is for sure a ride I always enjoy! If anyone wants to meet up and ride sometime, Im always down! We could always organize a TW mtb ride.

 

Fuck, after looking again this morning, the Release 1 seems to be completely sold out now and all they had left yesterday was a med which was perfect. Next closest is this bike on 27.5+ which I don't know anything about. I realized that Diamondback has "Affirm" which is a payment plan and would allow me to be more comfortable at that upper end of the budget.

https://www.diamondback.com/catch-1

 

It's a decently specds bike. The plus size allows you to run "skinny fat" tires, in the 3 inch range. It'll allow more traction and soften the blow to make up for the shorter 130mm travel (perfect for a trail bike) if you start getting into DH or tougher Enduro you may find yourself wanting more travel, BUT not totally necessary. on a lot of the trails around here. It's definitely a really good 1st bike. Far better than my first bike and should last you many years.

 

is used an option for you?
I bought a used FS bike from my LBS for less then $1000 ( CDN ) fully rebuilt, its a Kona Coiler, so yah its old, but feels new! its the only way I was able to upgrade from my original Hard Tail ( Kona Scrap ) I know I've never posted here before, but been a long time lurker. and that upgrade just happened on Jan 3rd, so fairly recent in terms of price.

 

I bought my Fuji used. Half price! barely ridden.

 

@Taylor@KC HiLiTES I'm with Ryan on the 29 front. Starting MTB in AZ a 29er will go a long way. It will help with rolling over rocks and the loose terrain out here. While building skills the hardtail will be great and best for distance riding. Once you get comfortable and depending on your goal I'd then go to a 27.5 fs to toss around. But it'd be nice to hold onto the 29er hardtail for the xc ride days.

 

Anyone have any GF's or wifes/other female riders? Trying to teach the GF how to ride, but maybe she'd listen better from a female, or just a group to ride with in general