Top 2009 Mountain Bikes

ith every passing year mountain bikes get better and better.  If anything the pace of change has actually accelerated which, given that I thought things couldn't get any better, is truly astonishing.  Not so many years ago a new mountain bike would last for several seasons.  Nowadays pretty much every manufacture brings out a new range annually and heaven help those that only change the color of the paint and give the model a new name.  They soon get found out and eclipsed by the competition.

So what is 2009 promising to bring a along?  Well, for starters, more models than we could ever hope to list in this article but a bit of research has brought to our attention some stellar models that will likely have you reaching for your credit card, credit crunch or not.  Heck, life's too short not to take advantage of these new machines.

So lets take a brief look at the all new:

• Gary Fisher Roscoe
• Kona Dawg
• Trek Fule EX
• Specialized Epic S-Works

	The new 2009 Gary Fisher Roscoe is a good looking bike weighing in at 27lbs.   There are 3 models in the series with prices likely to range from $3000- $5000 so you can expect a high spec and high performance.  Early indications are that is one of the best Fisher bikes to date.  A joy to ride and a good all rounder.
The new 2009 Kona Dawg has been boosted to provide it with an extra inch of travel and will therefore be suited to the more aggressive trail rider.  It will be a four model range with the range topper sporting an XT drivechain, a Fox RP23 Shock and Fox Float RL 140mm forks with a 15mm QR thru axle.  Nice!  No prices yet.
	The highlight of the new 2009 range from Trek looks likely to be the Fuel EX Carbon.  This is a 21lb bike so it's going to have a premium price (current rumor is $7500) but you can't help but admire it's superbly crafted looks. The bike comes in quite a few different models so you will be able to get an entry bike in the range for around 50% less according to a couple of the mags I read.  It looks like being an accomplished machine on all types of terrain.
Last but by no means least we have the 2009 Specialized Epic-S Works.  A favorite of mine in terms of its looks at least.  This is the bike that Christoph Sauser used to win the world championship on so it's pedigree is already more than proven.  Need I say more.

Now it's unlikely you will be able to buy these bikes via our store until late next year - this is how you get the best deals.  However, if you're reading this and it is the end of 2009 then you just got a short list of the hottest mountain bikes of the year.  Check out our used mountain bike store to see if you can pick up a bargain.