Im on the market to finance a trail bike since I dont have the money up front. I have only been to two stores Incylce in Chino and Helens in Santa Monica online. Im a downhill guy but after I broke my leg on a San Diego trail I now have altered my addiction and want to ascend in the saddle and descent still gratifying my gravity addiction smartly on a much lighter bike.

Anyways what bike is better??

Cannondale Jekyl 2013 or a Trek Fuel EX6

I have a 2500 budget..

I appreciate your suggestions.

go to the path bike shop in tustin. tons of good deals. check the website for ideas

neither...... get a dirtbike

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'the notorious North County Sancho'

I don't know anything about the Cannondale but I really like my EX9. Trek here in San Diego has 2012 EX9's for $2999 online but I know I saw them in the store for just a tad over $2500. The EX9 has a much better build than the EX6 - of course, it's more money but I think worth it in the long run.

Yeah, I would probably pick the Trek. But coming from a DH bike, you might prefer more travel on the Cannondale. Probably be happy with either. Are those the two you've narrowed it down to, or just what you've found so far? There are other choices of course. I agree with what KotH said about a 2012. You can sometimes find amazing close out deals, which the shop would probably finance also.

(Man, this thread sure illustrates how slow DT is lately. Used to be you'd have a dozen highly opinionated recommendations within an hour)

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

I appreciate the responses. I have not been in the short travel market for many years. I have only gandered at the two local stores so far. Im in Chino.

I second the dirt bike....

jerome clementz is slaying the enduro league with his jekyll

No foreign made bikes?
Not sure what size frame you ride but Wheelworld.com has a great deal on the Giant Reign 2 in medium $1999.

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"Just stop this walking shit and let's get this done"
Avidtesty (Arch 2019)

Yes, that is the bike I was thinking of. Retail is only 2400.00, so you should be able to negotiate financing with a local dealer and stay within your budget. Anytime someone is looking for the best value on a new bike within a budget, Giant should be at the top of the list. You will get the same excellent, well-proven Maestro suspended frame as on their higher end models.

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin

I have no opinion on the Canon or the Trek but speaking on the Reign get the X1 if you can. The X2 is good but will leave a little to be desired on components in the long run.

I recommend the Trek Remedy over the Fuel. I had a Fuel 9.9 and replaced it with a Remedy 9.7 that climbs almost as well, but is so much better on downhill or roughstuff. Trek San Diego usually has good deals on previous models, and they do 0% for 12 months w/minimum payment and if paid in full.

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-Have at it!

Oh Ill check Trek San Dog right now

I agree on Remedy over Fuel, but you'll definitely need a deal to get it into your budget. At that budget for a new bike, all above bikes will have compromises with less-desirable components, but all have frame designs worthy of upgrading components later when you can afford it.

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Thus, if we are to understand the world, we should live somewhere between judgement and amazement — Alfredo Lopez Austin