TREK FUEL go For whom: All-around weekend warriors
If it were peanut butter, it'd be chunky light. And it'd be well worth the chunk. Built with comfort and performance in mind, the Fuelgo sports a free riding flair without going overboard. Three inches of Fox-brand rear suspension trail 4 inches of Manitou up front, yielding a perfect balance on all but the most dangerous of trails. Disc brakes add ounces but carry their weight in sloppy conditions. Trek, www.trekbike.com. $1,550
KONA UNIT For whom: Fanatics looking to spice up their local ride ... or just casual city folk Next to no maintenance and a helluva lot offun to ride, the singles peed phenomenon digs deep to the gnarled roots of mountain biking. It's as simple as it gets. All you do is pedal and steer. A classic True Temper steel frame keeps it real like organic oats. For serious off-roading, though, you'll need to swap the stock 36-tooth chainring for a 34. Otherwise, it's a perfect gear for cruising the city streets. Front suspension is purely an option. Kona, www.konaworld.com. $799
MARIN ATTACK TRAIL For whom: Fear of commitment (to just one mountain bike) types A new flagship for this NorCal company, the Attack Trail comes with split personalities, thanks to an adjustable rear shock. As if adjusting a quick- release seat, you can dial it to 4,5, or 6 inches of travel (depending on your mood or that of the trail ahead). It's basically suspension on demand: more obstacles equals more suspension. Four inches of RockShox suspension up front and an oversized, 20 mm of axle to reduce flex keep it headed wherever you point it, no matter how gnarly the line gets. Marin, www.marinbikes.com. $2,780
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