Quote Originally Posted by airshifter View Post
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I don't plan on doing any major off roading, the primary reason for a mountain bike is that I do just enough off road to warrant a mountain bike over a hybrid type bike. Most of my miles will be on the bike trails or roads, with the suspension being to protect my back. I considered a full suspension bike but decided a hardtail with possibly a dampened seat post will likely do fine.

This is what I'm currently leaning towards getting....

http://www.scott-sports.com/global/e...pect-950-Bike/

I checked out and rode the Aspect 750, which is the 27.5" version. I like the geometry but it was a little too "short" for the reach and stretch I prefer. The 29er geometry is almost the same, but with the larger wheel size and a little more space where I want it.

Completely understood on the fork, and I suspect I will be upgrading it as time goes on, especially if I make time to get off the road more. I considered the higher end versions of the bike, but really they add a lot of crap I don't really need or want to get to the point of having a better fork. I don't need 27 or 30 ratios, and even at that level the fork isn't that great. I know the XCT is essentially a crap fork, but the characteristics of being stiff might work well since I am more concerned with protecting my back from the major hits than I am with a plush dampened suspension.

And if I dislike the fork earlier than thought, Suntour has an upgrade program with discounts. I could either use that or go to another brand.
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That’s a decent spec’d bike. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Don’t bother with a full sussy unless you plan on riding exclusively downhills.

I’d be curious to know how you feel about the 29”-er.

Last summer I upgraded from my previous old tank-of-a-bike (sounds similar to your BOMB, ) that had 26” wheels and opted for the 27.5”. When I test rode the 29” bikes I found them to be somewhat unstable due to the larger frame and rake angle of the fork. I don’t know, perhaps it was just the leap from the 26” to the 29” that left me feeling unsteady. The 27.5” seemed to be the right compromise, upgrading from years of riding on a 26”.