3 bikes... please help me choose!

[ak_rider]

SAME QUESTION BUT ALL NEW BIKES!!!

hello everyone! thanks in advance for your feedback. well, it's that wonderful time to purchase a new ride. I live in Southcentral Alaska and most of our trails are of the epic, marathon cross country type. sure there are nice double-track trails around Anchorage, but the goods are typically multi-use singletrack trails up and over mountain passes in the Chugach National Forest. these trails are typically rocky, rooty, and slick with equal amounts of steep climbs and descents. other relevant info is that I am 6'1", 190lbs., and an advanced rider who rides moderately. up until now I've only owned hardtails and my current trail rig is a custom built HT single speed. 3 knee surgeries at 32 years old has convinced me I should probably use gears for the type of riding I do.

so...after talking with my LBS, reviewing your replies, and doing some more research, my bike choices have narrowed to 2, however not two on the previous list: Gary Fisher HIFI or Santa Cruz Heckler.

again, your feedback is valued.

[Hand/of/Midas]

dont go with the trek. do the giant. ive rode both suspensions and the giant are way better, and i used to be a trek dealer too, but they should stick to family bikes. out of your list def go with the giant, if it was me id do a stumpy.

[rockyrider]

The Giant would be better for riding up hills.

[leebo]

I built up a Dawg Supreme frame this spring. Fox vanilla up front, fox float in rear, hadley hubs. Im 6'4'' and 220+. I really like the Kona. Not light (33 lbs) but can handle anything thrown its way. In Eastern MA. , lots of roots , rock gardens, drops and logs. Great handling and stout build. Kona has had great customer service and they do LOTS of support for MTB parks, advocacy and trail grants.My 2 cents, Lee

[ifrider]

What's your current SS, just out of curiosity?

[ak_rider]

it's a IRO cycle Highlander frame. standout components are manitou minute w/ 120rtwd, alex downhill rims/deore hubs with tioga factory 2.3 tires, deore lx hollowtech cranks, easton bar, kona jackshit pedals...

[bitchslapmadman]

the giant is a nice bike but I am a santa Cruz rider and will remain one. My heckler is all i need and the price is right.

[Jay13]

the giant is a nice bike but I am a santa Cruz rider and will remain one. My heckler is all i need and the price is right.

I second!!!

[Jahnov]

Go with the Giant or the Kona.

The Kona is a tried and true design (same as the Trek but better execution, price, and weight). The Giant is the most sophisticated, best price, and ride. Easy choice.

The Heckler could go for the same price as the Giant with a well chosen spec. And the single pivot should provide minimum maintanance up there in AK.

[Cyclenaut]

For the record, the HiFi is a completely new suspension platform for Fisher. It has been a wildly popular bike, and has recieved favorable reviews in magazines.

You can never go wrong with a Santa Cruz.