Mountain Bikes
“Feel like you need an engineering degree to shop for a Mountain Bike these days? Think about what kind of Mountain Biking you want to do before starting your search. Once you figure out your category you can rule out all other models and just focus on which one feels the best and fits your budget. Let’s use the amount of rear wheel suspension travel to figure out what kind of ride you want.
Hardtail:
We think there are only 2 types of hardtail rider these days, the racer and the budget minded. If you’re new to the sport and don’t want to spend the money to get on a full suspension then consider a hardtail. Likewise, if you’re looking to sprint off the start line and mop up the competition on race day then a hardtail might be for you. Oh yeah, singlespeeders and 29er riders might lean towards a hardtail and that’s fine too! Otherwise, skip the hardtails and keep reading.
Complete bike price range: $440 - $4000
models we keep in stock:
Jamis Trail X2 - $440
Jamis Durango 1 - $635
Jamis Durango 1 Femme - $635
We can special order many more models but these are the ones we think offer the best value.
4” travel:
The least amount of suspension travel generally offered these days. Geometry of 4” travel bikes are usually a little more oriented toward a climbing position while still being better descenders than hardtails. If you’re looking to stay at the entry level or want a light bike that will fly up the hills consider this category.
Complete bike price range: $920 - $8000
models we carry:
Giant Yukon FX - $920
Giant Anthem X series - $2000 - $5600
Giant Anthem X women’s - $2375
Pivot Mach 4 - Framesets start at $1999 / Complete Bikes from $3699
Pivot Mach 4 women’s - Framesets start at $1999 / Complete Bikes from $3699
Turner Flux - Framesets start at $2395
Titus X - Framesets start at $2295
5” travel:
Still the most popular amount of suspension travel in our ‘hood. 5” travel bikes have come way down in weight recently so they offer a more stable descent without adding pounds to the climb. Geometries are a bit more relaxed for downhill confidence while still being great climbers.
Complete bike price range: $1500 - $8000
models we carry:
Giant Trance X series - $1500 -$5700
Giant Cypher (women’s Trance X) - $2150 - $2900
Pivot Mach 5 - Frames start at $1999 / Complete Bikes from $3699
Pivot Mach 5 Women’s - Framesets start at $1999 / Complete Bikes from $3699
Turner 5-Spot - Framesets start at $2495
Titus FTM - Framesets start at $2295
6” travel:
Is 6 the new 5? 6” travel bikes are getting really light, climb great, and descend like champs. Of course there is a small weight penalty over the 5” models. If you live for the descent but still like to earn your turns, consider one of these bikes.
Complete bike price range: $2150 - $8000
models we carry:
Giant Reign series - $2150 - $3550
7” travel:
If you’re not as concerned with climbing, want to bomb through rock gardens, and hit the jumps on Teton Pass you’re in the right category. These bikes usually come with single crown forks and climbing gears so they actually climb pretty good. Great if you want a downhill bike that you can still ride to the top on, or just like a lighter DH ride.
Complete bike price range: $2000 - $6000
models we carry:
Giant Reign X Series - $2250 - $4650
Pivot Firebird - Framesets start at $2199
8+” travel:
Dedicated downhill sleds. Great for shuttling the pass or riding the chairlift. Gravity is your friend and you fear no terrain!
Complete bike price range: $3000 - $6000
models we carry:
Giant Glory - $3000 - $3800
Giant Glory - $5400
29ers:
Great for the big guys, but certainly not just for them any more. 29ers roll over terrain more efficiently and have a really fun personality. Entry level bikes are hardtails but if you don’t mind spending a bit more the full suspension models are awesome! If you like to keep the wheels on the ground and fly around the Cache Creek trails you might be a niner candidate. Of course if you can look over a 6 foot fence without getting on your tippy toes, this category is a no brainer.
Complete bike price range: $965 - $8000
models we carry:
Jamis Dakota 29er - $1650
Jamis Durango 29er - $965
Turner Sultan - Framesets starting at $2395
Pivot Mach 429 - Framesets start at $2199
The greater Jackson Hole area has awesome Mountain Biking so we sell awesome Mountain Bikes. We strongly encourage people to ride full suspension bikes, but if your budget doesn’t allow for it, we can set you up hardtail. We have all the best cross country, freeride, and downhill bikes in stock. Check out these brands we carry:
Giant
Norco
Jamis
Pivot
Turner
Titus
