In one last search of local bike shops I came across a Jamis Dakar. In 2008 it retailed close to $2k. The same new bike was being sold at a fraction of that cost this year since, well, it's almost two years old. They made me a deal and that was it. For everything it has on it as well as the brand's reputation, it would have been difficult to pass up.
Yesterday found me on the trails at North Liberty (Potato Creek State Park). The trails are listed in most mountain biking forums and reviews as "beginner". However, almost every reviewer commented on the fun of the trail and some "not-so beginner" sections. My experience was on par with the reviews. It was a fun ride with plenty of switchbacks, climbs, fun fast decents, a mix of tight and open wooded areas and a couple of rock sections. I found it very well designed.
As far as the new bike- I'm loving a full suspension with good geometry! I rolled through the 6.8 mile course once to get a feel for things, took a break and hit it again. The second time was much better. I even passed a few people. To my credit, though, I managed to get passed in the last mile by a guy wearing boat shoes on clip-less pedals. My legs gave out completely and fatigue had set in from not eating all morning/afternoon. I'm an idiot. But the bike is fabulous!
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