Ok, got my sights set for a 29er HT...

[Christophe Noel]

Thanks for the input. I think I will go with the GF X-Cal. But I want to wait till the 09's come on line. The LBS told me September?

Meanwhile, I bought a Klein Quantom Race two days ago and went for a ride yesterday. Never been on a road bike before (except for just around a parking lot). These things just GO! Gotta remember that I'm not on a mountain bike and can't go over ruts and bunny hop on 700x23 110psi tires w/ no suspension. :snorkel:

You can certainly bunny hop a road bike and need to learn that skill. It takes a lot of finesse, but once you get it, you'll be able to bunny hop rail road tracks and cattle guards with ease.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Really? I thought with the skinny tires, no suspension, 110psi in the tires, I'd end up breaking or blowing something. Any tips on the road bike bunny hops? Could've come in handy a couple of times yesterday...

 

[Twenty-niner]

Keep your hands up on the hoods rather than on the tops of the bars or down in the drops... and don't kick out unless you get 'er straightened back out before the rubber meets the ground again. 700c road wheels are plenty strong in every way except torsionally.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

If it helps, word on the street is the '09s will be going up significantly in price, as much as $1K on some models... An FYI.

 

[Christophe Noel]

Speaking of Gary Fishers and quality - I've had two Trek built Gary Fishers with the most recent being an '06 GF Rig. The frame quality isn't anything exotic but then again, these are mass produced frames so it's hard to expect anything high zoot like Andre's Leviathon.

My only complaint was the paint which I'd wager was slightly more durable than water color paint. Where it didn't rub off to bare metal it faded and scratched badly.

I will say, the geometry was pretty solid for a true singletracker.

Now.....had I not sold my '88 Super Caliber in Team Fisher colors.......dang.