Three great mountain bike buys for 2011

Super-expensive uber bikes don’t impress me. If a bike company can’t produce a great $5,000 bike, well ... it’s doing something wrong. Instead of lauding the price-is-no-object bikes, here’s a guide to real bicycle deals for real people - along with suggestions for Phoenix-area trails that would suit their characteristics. Bikes over $2,000 are not allowed!

Full Suspension Bike - Santa Cruz Superlight R XC ($1,899 actual price)
Where I’d Ride It: South Mountain’s National Trail, Phoenix Mountain Preserve’s Trail 100
Dollar for dollar, it’s hard to beat the Santa Cruz Superlight R XC. It has solid, value-oriented parts. But the heart of the bike - the frame and fork - are what really set it above the rest. The frame is simple single-pivot design that provides a solid, flex-free ride. And Fox forks need no introductions. Its 32 Alps model is at home anywhere. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every bit you fork over for it - and it’s hardly extravagant next to many other bikes out there.

Find out more about the Superlight R XC

Hardtail - Jamis Dakota DXC Race ($1,575 MSRP)
Where I’d Ride It: McDowell Mountain Regional Park Competitive Track, Fantasy Island North Single Track
This is the Jamis flagship aluminum model. But you’ll find carbon seat stays to cushion the ride and improve power transfer. The Rock Shox Recon Gold is a nifty fork - fairly light, but laterally stiff and well-engineered for a quality ride. There’s a lot of Shimano’s working-class SLX on this bike, but it looks like Jamis may have skimped on the brakes and cranks. Don’t sweat it too much - with a price this low, you can use the stock stuff and replace it with exactly your choice as it wears out.

Find out more about the Jamis Dakota DXC Race

29er Singlespeed - Raleigh XXIX ($1,100 MSRP)
Where I’d Ride It: Pima & Dynamite singletrack, Pemberton Loop
The XXIX is a potentially game-changing bike. It’s the best value I could find in a singlespeed, in a 29er and a bike with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive. What’s that? Well, let’s just say you can kiss chains and greasy chainring tattoos good-bye. It comes with a rigid fork, rather than forcing a fork on you that you don’t really want. Low-fuss Avid BB-5 mechanical disc brakes are a nice touch.

Find out more about the XXIX

NOTE: I really wanted to find a nice steel geared hardtail under $2,000. I was not able to confirm prices on a few 2011 models that might fit the bill. If you know of a good candidate, contact me at wandering.justins@gmail.com to nominate it!