WallyErok

Would love a domestically produced bike. I wanted to go the carbon route this time and I think that only leaves the Alcemy Arktos. They sound awesome but are really expensive. Ended up ordering a new rocky mtn altitude from my Lbs. In the end I really just wanted to support my local shop. I'm

89 specialized hard rock. My LBS loved me. I spent all my grocery bagging paychecks on upgrades to it. I remember buying every new tire Tioga came out with looking for the perfect tire. Sold it way to cheap for a snowboard.

Yup. Call it the "Colorado conversion." Guys with Sram 1x11 are running 28 teeth up front to grunt up high altitude climbs. Some are saying 1x11 is not a true mtb option unless you don't mind walking. I'd rather be able to peddle than walk a climb any day. There is little need to peddle while descending in my neck of the woods. I could care less about spinning out at speed. Definitely interested in this set up. I could see that cage taking a beating though!

I've been thinking the same thing RC! I'm on a 10' nomad with a 36 talas etc. I love my ride! I can drop the front and flick the switch on my dhx and it scoots up hill. I can't imagine wanting anything bigger than 160 for the trails I ride in colorado. I'm looking at a new bike and am so confused! So do I want a 16' nomad or something similar? We have long steep chunky descents around here. Would I be happier on a " trail" or " all mtn" bike for most of my rides? I do feel myself wishing for something lighter for the 1000 ft climbs above 8000 ft I normally do. Now you throw all these killer mid travel 29ers in the mix! I'm gonna spend a small fortune demoing all the bikes I want to try at $80 a day! Really curious to ride a rocky mtn altitude and a remedy 29. I never go to the bike park so do I want that new nomad?! Or maybe the 16' Bronson would suite me better? Or would the 5010 feel more nimble and sporty? Or do I really want a high tower?? It's maddening!!! Was an easy answer in 2010!