Is cycling actually an extreme sport?

Just list the parts you've got and the price, then someone will chime in.

Personally, I’d never go for a Trek, but whatever. What are you actually planning to use the bike for?

It’s actually pretty solid if you’re just hanging out near Central Park or heading over to the store...

George Morgan3 said:It’s perfectly fine for riding around Central Park or just hitting up the local shop...

That's true. I think those high-end models are solid enough, but personally, I’d never buy one. The branding just doesn't sit right with me. It's the same story with Giant and Scott. Kon is heading in that same direction too, though I can't really fault them since I ride an 😁.

Think about what you actually want to do with a bike before you buy. If you’re just cruising through downtown or hitting some paved park trails on the weekend, this thing is perfect. But if you’re planning on getting aggressive, you’re going to feel the burn without a full suspension setup.
Just make sure you're getting the best components possible for whatever budget you've set.

Jacob Johnson70 said:Always think about how you actually plan to use the bike. If you’re just commuting through the city and occasionally hitting some paved park paths, this one is perfect. For anything more intense, you'll probably need to push harder... and likely look into a full suspension setup.
Just make sure you're getting the best components possible for your budget.

👍
I really wanted to write all of this out myself, but I just couldn't find the words. sigh...

That 👍
looks pretty solid to me.
I’m just not sure it's quite built for extreme sports...

Take a look at what Kon has over at the local bike shop:

Sean Lee7 said:I'm with you there. Look, those bikes—at least the higher-end models—are solid pieces of engineering, but personally? I could never bring myself to buy one. There's just something about the brand image that rubs me the wrong way. It's the same deal with Giant and Scott. Kona is starting to head down that same path, though I can't really say anything bad about them since I actually ride an 😁 myself.

Kona doesn't really lean into the "mainstream" crowd all that much... plus, the Coiler and Stinky have basically reached cult status in the freeride scene. I've got a 😉 myself.
Regarding your point about Giant and Scott—I'm totally on board. What's your take on the Elan models, specifically the Abel 1 and 4?😎

Jacob Johnson70 said:You really need to think about what you're actually planning to do with the bike. If your idea is just cruising through the city and maybe hitting some paved park paths here and there, then yeah, this setup is perfect. But if you’re looking for a "serious" ride—and by that, I mean actual technical trails—you’re going to have to work a lot harder (specifically when you realize how much you'll miss having full suspension).
The bottom line is: try to squeeze every bit of value out of your budget and get the best components possible.

Exactly... though I have to disagree with the part about the full suspension being strictly necessary. Honestly, some of the most respected hardtails on the market right now would give those entry-level full-sus setups a run for their money.

George Morgan3 said:What’s your take on the Elan Abel 1 and 4 models?😎

Post some photos if you can. I can't find anything online.
Ever since Elan picked up Remec, they've been cranking out killer bikes. A buddy of mine rides a Remec and he's loving it, mostly just hitting downhill races for fun. Another friend has a DaBomb, which is also top-tier stuff. 🙏 🙏

Here's DaBomb:



I think that's it. It's just his own dark side.

Ugh... honestly, I have to say, my Moab frame is absolutely top-tier...

Abel 1

Abel 4

🙂 🙂

George Morgan3 said:Kon doesn't have many mainstream models... but the coiler and stinky are already cult classics in the FR scene... I actually own one myself. 😉
I agree regarding Giant and Scott... what's your take on those Elan models, specifically Abel 1 and 4? 😎

Which thread are you following? As for mainstream models... you can always find them. Fire Mountain, Hahanna, Lana'i, and stuff like that... then you've got the beefier ones like Cinder Cone, Caldera, Kula...

So, looking at what's left of the Kon bike, I’ve basically just got the frame and the Nunu components now... I'm moving forward with the Magura mart setup—mechanical disc in the rear—and running Mavic 321 on both ends. As for the tires, I'm torn between switching to a Nokinaov 2.3 model or sticking with a 1.95... any thoughts?
🙂

George Morgan3 said:All that's left from the Kon is the Nunu frame... Magura mart on the front... mechanical disc in the rear... Mavic 321 on both... I might swap the tires for some Nokinaov 2.3s... or maybe stick with 1.95??
🙂

I was thinking about picking up a Nunu myself, but I changed my mind. Went with a DaBomb instead. I'm happy with it... 🙂

Hey there... looks like I've found some fellow riders in here!!! 😉 👋 So... what kind of riding are you guys into, and what are you currently rolling on??? 👋 😉

Sean Lee7 said:I was actually thinking about picking one up myself, but I ended up pulling the plug. Instead, I went out and grabbed a Dawg—and honestly? I couldn't be happier with the choice. 🙂

I didn't mention that I also picked up an MX comp 105mm...
Man, that sounds awesome! Personally, though—and don't hate me for this—I’ve never really been a fan of the Softail setup. It’s just not a "true" full-suspension rig, you know? It feels... I don't even know how to describe it... sort of halfway there.
👍

George Morgan3 said:I didn't mention the MX comp 105mm either..
Man, that's awesome. Personally, I've never been a fan of softtails... they aren't true full suspension, they're just... I don't know...
👍

But look, they soak up the bumps. Plus, the best part is you can basically turn it into a hardtail by locking out the shock. It makes climbing hills so much easier...

Sean Lee7 said:Look, it eats bumps for breakfast—plus, the best part is you could easily convert it into a hardtail if you wanted. You just lock out the shock and suddenly it’s like magic; climbing those hills becomes a whole lot easier.

Yeah, I get that... I really do. But if I were going to drop the cash on a full-suspension rig, I wouldn't be looking at this—I'd want an actual FULL-suspension bike designed for freeride, something with significantly more travel 🙂 a