Is it as big as it seems?

[943]

If it was Pushy's in Canberra they have a rental/demo fleet.

Why not take one for the day and see?

Yes, Pushys Canberra. Didn't know they had demos and the guy didn't offer. Will ask next time I'm there.

 

[hellmansam]

Yes, Pushys Canberra. Didn't know they had demos and the guy didn't offer. Will ask next time I'm there.

Hunt around for demos, you can try a few different bikes in real conditions. And some shops will deduct what you spent on demo hires from the price of a bike you buy from them. Or just use it to help you choose

 

[Tubbsy]

Yes, Pushys Canberra. Didn't know they had demos and the guy didn't offer. Will ask next time I'm there.

These guys too:

Trek Bikes – The world's best bikes and cycling gear - Trek Bikes (AU)

At Trek Bikes we're driven by adventure, guided by our history, inspired by community, enchanted by the freedom of the open road and committed, always, to creating the world's greatest bicycles.

thecyclery.net.au

Definitely worth taking one out and getting a feel for it. Mountain bikes can feel a bit squishy and lifeless in a carpark, on some nice single track it's very different.

As mentioned above, the tyres have more grip than you'd expect, so lean that bike over in the turns.

 

[Lazmo]

If you can afford the Trance, buy it, you’ll love it. But if you do decide to get a hardtail, don’t buy a 71HA XC bike, get something a little slacker. That way, you’ll be able to ride the same knarly trails that you could on the Trance.

 

[born-again-biker]

If you can afford the Trance, buy it, you’ll love it. But if you do decide to get a hardtail, don’t buy a 71HA XC bike, get something a little slacker. That way, you’ll be able to ride the same knarly trails that you could on the Trance.

These look good...

Hardtail Mountain Bikes For Sale Australia | Bicycles Online AU

We offer the best hardtail mountain bikes for sale in Australia at Bicycles Online. Shop online today with a free 14-day bike returns and fast delivery.

www.bicyclesonline.com.au

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[Scotty T]

If you watch Josh Bender do a drop or two, you will see how easy it is.
5 to 10 metre jumps are easy, I run through them in my mind all the time, one day I may actually try it in the real world

Easy as, the continue downhill bit is harder though.

This is nearby and you can get a ride for free

ACT - Canyon Spectral 2017

Item: Canyon Spectral Al 6 2017 Large frame Location: Canberra Item Condition: Excellent mechanical condition with some scratches from use Reason for selling: Getting something a bit more in line with my riding style (old and chicken) Price and price conditions: 2250 ono and happy to ship...

www.rotorburn.com

 

[The Duckmeister]

Short version is yes, jumping off a roadie MTBs, even short-travel XC ones feel big. It's this funky shit called suspension, which jacks the bike up so it can get over rough stuff. Not too dissimilar to jumping out of a Ferrari and into a Land Crusher.

Geometry plays a big part too. MTBs, even little XC ones, have a longer wheelbase than road bikes, and slacker head angles, both of which slow the steering response and give a "big" feel, especially when the going is smooth. But get into some rough stuff, it helps a lot with being able to pick your way through, as it's a lot less prone to getting wrenched around than a steep, tight bike.