All

Thanks for your input! I'm in agreement but we'll see what he decides!

Thanks for the input, I felt that the trek bounced around just as much as the 2010 Norco Storm he is riding which had no adjustments on it at all - great little commuting bike and gravel roads but not stellar for anything but mild cross country. In the end, it will be his choice but I secretly hope he...

Thanks, the specs are better mainly on the shifters (altus and Alivio which are upgrades from the basic tourney). As far as the fork is concerned, I realize that it`s not the greatest fork on either models but will most ertainly get him through whatever he will throw at it. I myself was still using a Suntour with only 80...

Ended up being able to test out a camber in medium and anthem in medium. Could have done the camber but medium but a small would fit me best. Brand new for $1550 taxes in and I can’t complain (saved $1200)! If I got to sugarloaf for downhill I’ll bring mine but may end up renting. Thanks again for everyone’s...

Thanks for all the input. I'm originally from Fredericton but never really biked while I lived there. I think I've seen one of the trail heads that you're talking about though for St. Mary's a couple of times. I really love the standover that the Kona offers but tested some bikes with a higher standover than mine and figured it...

Thanks Meta dave for the insight! Nice to have some advice from someone who knows the area. I have never been to Sugarloaf but do know that renting is a possibility so I may very well do that. As I had mentioned in my earlier post, I've never been a big fan of Giant and how they handle (although have...

Thanks bturman. I’m still pretty new to the components...I was starting to lean towards the anthem 3 because it is Rockshox and not suntour (which I never had an issue with on mine but recently found out ifnyou do it could be weeks to get serviced as it needs to be sent away usually). Is the fox suspension and other...

Yes, they are! I also know that I said I wanted to avoid Giant but I stumbled upon https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/trance-4-2017 and https://www.giant-bicycles.com/ca/anthem-3-2017 for under $1500 Canadian brand new. I figure at that price I could live with it and change up the stem to change the feel of it. So..out of the 4 bikes, which is recommended? Here is a video...

Alright, I've been doing some on-line shopping and can find either a 2016 Kona process 134 (bright green) or a 2018 specialized camber 27.5 (men's or women's small or the women's XS). The most expense would be $2300 after taxes and delivery. It seems like the Kona has some more high end components, is that a correct assumption? I'm sure...

Thanks Avidtrailer for the reply. I know that the Rockshox fork is better but I was looking for some advice on what to expect with the RST Aerial I don't like Giant bikes. My kids have them and love them but I don't like they way that they handle and the dealer at the LBS for Giant is not worth...