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I now live in "flat as hell" Kansas and really need to get back into a little more riding. When I lived in Glasgow there was plenty of choice for riding as often as I liked, but "proper" riding here means a 4/5 hr drive to the Rockies in Colorado. At the moment I have a Blur LTc, a 224 and a Trek Madone, so strictly speaking I have nothing to complain about. There are however miles and miles and miles of flat dirt roads around here, so although I can rack up the mileage on my madone, I have to share the paved roads with american drivers... I have been riding around on my Blur, but it feels like total overkill...
So, basically what do you think is best for mainly dirt road a cross bike or a rigid 29er?
I absolutely love the look of the Niner Air 9 Carbon, and the Yeti Big Top, but my brain thinks a cross bike like the Arc-X would be more sensible... What are people's experiences for mainly fire road use?
It's also worth pointing out that bike shops are non-existant here, so not really any chance of trying before I buy...
I'd go Cross Bike. On dry fire rolling track type rides they can be really fast. I use one on Salisbury plain that goes like concrete during the summer so the CX is fast & smooth.
That said I also like the look of the Niner Air.. 🙂
If you put Big Apples on a 29er you might be amazed how fast it rolls.
How about both in one?
I love my Swift with cross tyres on - even more than I did with fat tyres
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Monstercross?
[url= http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5348070293_ecdcff5256_b.jp g" target="_blank">
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/singularcycles/5348070293/ ]Gryphon geared in the studio[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/singularcycles/ ]Singular Cycles[/url], on Flickr
Just put 25s on your Madone and ride it on the dirt roads, you'll certainly improve your bike handling.