Bike Selection for Colorado Trail

[rocbeer]

OK y'all,

  I'm planning on doing the Colorado Trail and am trying to figure out which bike in the quiver will get to come along with me.  Here's what I've got to choose from:

Surly ECR - rigid, Rohloff belt drive
Surly Karate Monkey - rigid, 1x9
Santa Cruz Nomad - squish squish, 2x10
907 fat bike - with Bluto, 2x10, 3.8" Surly Knards

I realize all of these bike could do it, but I'm wanting to hear from the folks that have done the CT which bike they would take.  With the ECR, I'm worried the BB height is too low for rocky single track.  I kind of want to take the fat bike just for the pure ridiculousness of it.

Thanks 'erbody!

[vikb]

I have a Nomad and love it, but there is no room for a frame bag. Can you still carry the gear/food you plan to take without putting too much weight on your back?

[rocbeer]

Yep,
  I think I can fit everything on the Nomad with just handlebar sling, seat bag, feed bags and gas tank - with a small 16 L backpack.  I'm going to be taking the ECR on the AZT in late March, so that will be a great shakedown to see if I want full squish on the CT.  Thanks!

[dave]

Definitely full squish. I did the CT last year on a hard tail and it really beat me up. I know some people do it, but IMHO it is not the way to go for enjoyment or safety. There are plenty of sections with steep rutted descents littered with softball-sized loose rocks, and you'll be in the middle of nowhere where a crash would be rather unpleasant. Any gear space you lose by not having a frame bag will more than be made up for by increased fun!  Even the racers tend to ride full-squish on this one.

[dave]

--I'd really like to know in general how much suspension people are getting when buying bikes for riding CT-type stuff.  Looking to get my first full-suspension in another year or so, after many years of riding hardtails.

[the tortoise]

--I'd really like to know in general how much suspension people are getting when buying bikes for riding CT-type stuff.  Looking to get my first full-suspension in another year or so, after many years of riding hardtails.

I did the AZT on a hard tail and wished I had a fully.
I hope to do CTR next year and it will be on my new 120mm fully. My wife got the same brand but in 140mm travel and I would trade her bikes in a heartbeat. Don't skimp on travel unless it makes the bike heavy or awkward. With many new bikes longer travel can still be efficient.
I did get a carbon bike and I am worried a little bit about it. would have had me cringing big time on the AZT race!

[dave]

Good to hear.  I ask because about a year from now I am looking to get a remote job and then my wife and I want to travel around for a while and ride lots of different places, particularly in the West (we live in the Southeast).  I'm starting to poke around now for bikes that will allow us to enjoy a variety of trails including a bit of gnar while still feeling reasonably efficient and having fun on XC rides.  Neither of us is ever going to be into downhilling, but from doing the CT last year I know I'd like to have something that can better handle places like the CT, Pisgah and Dupont in North Carolina, etc.

[rocbeer]

Well, now that the Salsa Pony Rustler is out, I'll have to sell the Nomad and get the PR for the CT!  Looks like a fun bike, and I know some bag builders can make a frame bag for it...