Not really mountain biking but didn't know where to post-B-Line riding.

[gregkl]

I am moving to Bloomington and at lunch we ride a 13 mile loop daily of the B-Line that has some narrow, chunked up sidewalks, 2 miles of hard pack, some urban riding and some asphalt  RTT.  I am really leaning towards a Roam 1 since I think it would be perfect for that type of riding, but I have this little nagging that I might want to do some mountain biking once I get settled in.  My wife says to buy the Roam since I already know I will be riding it 50+ miles each week and if I get the mountain biking bug, buy a mountain bike.

That's great, but I really don't want to spend that much money on bikes.  Currently I am riding my S-Works Tarmac on our lunch rides and it is not much fun, lol.

Opinions, suggestions are appreciated!  Or if there is another forum that you know of that would be better suited for this topic, let me know.  Thanks.!

[Dan71]

You can ride the Roam on mountain bike trails and the daily rides you describe.  If you get real serious riding on the trails you would benefit having a true mountain bike.  Not really a 1 bike does everything great solution, always be pluses and minuses.  Owning multiple bikes multiplies the fun.

[jasonhilt]

If your wife says you can have two bikes, well three actually.... GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Unfit Nitwit]

This is where the N+1 rule kicks in.

[gregkl]

Yeah, I was there at one point with 7 or 9 but being a minimalist, I started paring down until I got to 1.  I went a little too far.  I am still kicking myself for selling my Trance.

[Willyjaybob]

You could always buy a nice hardtail XC racing oriented mountain bike that's specced with 2.1 or so tires, then swap them out for more of a road/light trail tire, then when you get the bug, just switch the tires back-or better, run a second wheel set. It would be a bit heavier to ride, but you'd just be getting a better workout... Or just get 2 bikes as your wife suggested. Personally, I'd go with 2 bikes before she changes her mind! 

[gregkl]

I have been looking at options now that I found out I can't get the Roam for 6-8 weeks.  I am thinking along the lines of a hardtail XC like the Trek Caliber.  I can't seem to find a Giant at a price point around $1000-1300. I am starting to think that the two tire and/or wheelset may be the way to go.  More money up front initially, but cheaper in the long run.

Heck, the leader of our gang rides a Trance!

[Willyjaybob]

Check out the Giant Talon line. Pretty well reviewed bike for about 1k.

[gregkl]

Check out the Giant Talon line. Pretty well reviewed bike for about 1k.

I only see one model Talon on the Giant website and it's Acera/Alivio.  Am I missing some higher spec'd models?

[Willyjaybob]

Check out the Talon 29r 1

[gregkl]

Check out the Talon 29r 1

Seems like they quit making them in 2014.  I will ask some shops if they have one though I think the Trek X-Cal 9 may be spec'd a little better.  I need to ride both though to see which one fits the best.

Thanks for the lead.

[Willyjaybob]

Sure. May want to also check out the Scott Scale...comes with 2.1 tires. Fantastic bike, too. Good luck.

[gregkl]

Thought I'd let you good folks know that I bought a Specialized Crave. I haven't really "planned" on going off road, but I know if someone asks, I won't say no,lol. I will eventually make my way over to Brown county and beyond!

I think I'll have more versatility with this then I would have with a hybrid.