Seeking Advice On A Commute/Trail Bike

[piperlester]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get in shape this year by riding to/from work and working up to some trail riding in a few months. The commute is around 25km one way and mostly flat and paved.

Some local digging around has pointed me to a Scott Aspect 10, but the $1200 price tag is a bit off-putting. I'm hoping someone can suggest a make/model that isn't quite as pricey but still going to be a solid unit. Bonus karma if you know of something available in Calgary

Some of the things I'm looking for based on my research are:
-Hardtail
-Front suspension lock-out
-Hydraulic disc brakes
-Support for a rack (I work in IT - lugging a laptop in a backpack doesn't appeal to me on a hot summer day)

Thanks in advance!

 

[davereo]

http://www.cannondale.com/catalog/product/view/id/16886/s/2011-trail-sl-29-2/category/86/
Check out the Cannondale SL2 Trail 29er. This bike has all the features you listed. You can mount a rack on it to carry your tools to work.
The 29er's larger diameter wheels will handle anything the road or weekend trails will through at you. Visit your LBS for a test ride I think you will be pleasantly surprised at what you can get for 1000.00.