Looking for advice on an XC rig?

Question

Hi all,

Can anyone help me find a bike that fits this description?

Something XC but not too much so - in between 4-5 inches of travel. Something light enough to ride all day, but sill fast enough to race on, and burly enough to take up to 3 foot drops.

Something under $3k

Surely this is not too unreasonable a criteria??

So far I've considered the Trance 1, Norco Faze 2, and Trek Fuel ex7 (although this one has slightly longer travel). Has anyone had experience with these bikes? What are your thoughts?

What other bikes should I check out??

Answer 1

scott, giant or fuji will be my chosen ones, based on the weight and the higher quality of components you get with those

bikingthings

Answer 2

Unfortunately it IS unreasonable criteria. XC bikes are not designed for 3 foot drops. You'll need to go to an all-mountain bike and put up with the extra weight and longer travel.