Help Me Pick a Bike (North Jersey)

NWilliams180

NWilliams180

New Member
I’m looking at getting a new bike (currently don’t have one actually) for trail riding in North Jersey.

About myself and what I’m looking to do: I’m from Sussex county and have been riding dirt bikes (enduros/harescrambles) for many years now. Riding/racing almost every weekend for the last handful of years has left me a little burnt out. It will always be my main passion, but I spend all week behind a screen and can’t sit still all weekend. This is where the MTB comes into play.

I want to go on long rides and pedal for the fitness factor. Allamuchy, Stevens, etc. is where I’d ride (a lot of options near me). I think the main question I have comes down to suspension travel. I want a full suspension bike that’s efficient, fast, and fun going uphill. I don’t care to have something slack and cushy to push limits going down, but still want enough comfort without being underbiked.

Given the kind of riding I want to do, is 130r/140f+ necessary for the N Jersey rocks? I’m sure this has been asked a million times over, but that’s what the internet is for, right? What’s the bare minimum for someone who want’s climbing efficiency over plow factor? I don’t want something that feels like a dirtbike (want the opposite actually). My budget is <$3000, so aluminum is really all I’m considering. I’ve done a lot of research and it seems like the Ripley AF would be the ideal option.
 
I have an Epic Evo and it's awesome. It's a bit under your travel requirements at 120, but I don't think you'd notice that much given your other wants. You could also get a frame and throw a 130 fork on there, too. Obviously I'm biased, but I think it's a terrific bike.
 
I started out on a 32lb 150/140 (intense 951 trail) and it’s overkill for everything in NNJ except jumps and drops. Fun for that, but I don’t do any lift assist and it’s slow on the uphills.

I also have a 130mm hardtail and that feels great for around here. No jumps or big drops mostly because of the hard tail. I’m 200lbs too. Have never felt limited by the Pike fork.

Currently my fave ride is a 120/100 XC race bike. At 6lbs lighter than the 150mm bike it’s so much faster everywhere. It’s what I would ride if I only could have 1 bike.

The Ranger should be really good. Rascal would be fine too, but heavier than the ideal. Intense sniper XC or 951 XC at 120/120 would be great too and only 27lbs.
 
NWilliams180 said:
I’m 6’0, 160lbs.
The only bicycle I have right now is a Jitsie Varial 26 trials bike. 2023 KTM 350 SX-F is my primary two wheeled thing.
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This tells us you are not a real mountain biker. (Sorry, just being honest). If you are looking to get into the sport, then buy a Ripley AF. You’ll be happy and won’t need to upgrade for several years.

Edit: I would also consider an eBike, although your budget may be too low.
 
Sorry, xc bikes are fine for south Jerzy but north of rt 80 bigger bike are better…. This is a killer deal…

www.transitionbikes.com

Transition Bikes

Patrol on closeout - The mixed wheel Patrol mountain bike has a new haircut but is still down for anything and truly unapologetic when it comes to shredding trail.
www.transitionbikes.com

You can take a big bike on a small ride but small bikes can suck on a big ride.
 
a.s. said:
This tells us you are not a real mountain biker. (Sorry, just being honest). If you are looking to get into the sport, then buy a Ripley AF. You’ll be happy and won’t need to upgrade for several years.

Edit: I would also consider an eBike, although your budget may be too low.
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Correct, I’m not a real mountain biker. No need to say sorry.

I’m not at all interested in an e-bike. I want something efficient to pedal, but don’t want the assistance, if that makes sense.
 
NWilliams180 said:
Correct, I’m not a real mountain biker. No need to say sorry.

I’m not at all interested in an e-bike. I want something efficient to pedal, but don’t want the assistance, if that makes sense.
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Don't like the mob here bother you, it's black Friday after all. Most bikes in the 120-140 travel range is good for NNJ. Lots of sales now for aluminum full suspension in your budget. Maybe even a few carbon if you look hard enough. You can't go wrong with a Ripley if that's what you are asking.
 
a.s. said:
Ripley AF. Call Tenafly Bicycle Workshop. Take a demo ride in Alpine. I would be happy to give you a tour anytime.
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I was going to say that he should look at the similar bikes to that, but considering how well a DW-Link climbs, a Ripley AF is probably exactly what he's looking for.
 
NWilliams180 said:
I’m looking at getting a new bike (currently don’t have one actually) for trail riding in North Jersey.

About myself and what I’m looking to do: I’m from Sussex county and have been riding dirt bikes (enduros/harescrambles) for many years now. Riding/racing almost every weekend for the last handful of years has left me a little burnt out. It will always be my main passion, but I spend all week behind a screen and can’t sit still all weekend. This is where the MTB comes into play.

I want to go on long rides and pedal for the fitness factor. Allamuchy, Stevens, etc. is where I’d ride (a lot of options near me). I think the main question I have comes down to suspension travel. I want a full suspension bike that’s efficient, fast, and fun going uphill. I don’t care to have something slack and cushy to push limits going down, but still want enough comfort without being underbiked.

Given the kind of riding I want to do, is 130r/140f+ necessary for the N Jersey rocks? I’m sure this has been asked a million times over, but that’s what the internet is for, right? What’s the bare minimum for someone who want’s climbing efficiency over plow factor? I don’t want something that feels like a dirtbike (want the opposite actually). My budget is <$3000, so aluminum is really all I’m considering. I’ve done a lot of research and it seems like the Ripley AF would be the ideal option.
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DM me for Black Friday pricing lol.

Large ripmo AF - like new.

https://www.mtbnj.com/forum/threads/ripmo-af-large-complete-bike-1800.56662/post-1221077


You’ll have enough left over to upgrade whatever you need.
 
scott62 said:
Sorry, xc bikes are fine for south Jerzy but north of rt 80 bigger bike are better…. This is a killer deal…

www.transitionbikes.com

Transition Bikes

Patrol on closeout - The mixed wheel Patrol mountain bike has a new haircut but is still down for anything and truly unapologetic when it comes to shredding trail.
www.transitionbikes.com

You can take a big bike on a small ride but small bikes can suck on a big ride.
Click to expand...
Good point. My recommendation didn't consider that (go-go inattention).

Regular Stumpy is a good climber, has plenty of travel. But that Transition is a great deal. I'd lose the Big Betty and go with something lighter and with better rolling resistance like a Nobby Nic or Hans Dampf
 
Yeah, gotta say @jShort’s offering should definitely be in the running here.
My guy builds it good, keeps it clean and prices it to move.
 
mattybfat said:
You should buy a pivot, everyone else has in NJ 🙂

Personally you sound more of a candidate for an emtb, but everyone knew I would say that 🤣
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429 Enduro is your bike. Hit up Marty's in Randolph, I know he's got one in stock that he's looking for move and they have great sales going on this weekend.
 
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