Hoback’s 2024 Mountain Bike Buyers Guide
Is Spending the Time Searching for the Right Bike Keeping You Off the Trail?
Finding the perfect bike can be daunting, just like finding the right outfit in the morning. You only want to wear surf trunks on the ski hill if you’re going for serious spring style points, where winter clothes would typically be preferable. We want to ensure you find the best bike for your needs, skill level, riding style, and price point. Based on what you’re looking for, you can find mountain bikes in the Trail, All Mountain/Enduro, and Cross-country categories. In the Tetons, we are blessed with a world-class trail system suited for all types of riding. A Trail bike is the most versatile option if you plan on doing it all, from laps on Teton Pass, riding lifts at the bike park, or crushing both the uphill and downhill at Philips Canyon. The All Mountain/Enduro variety provides more suspension and weight for steep descents and control for high-speed race environments. The rider who enjoys racking up miles on Strava and isn’t afraid to tackle long up-hill should consider a cross-country bike that minimizes weight and maximizes efficiency. At Hoback Sports, we are lucky to have selections of 2024 mountain bikes from some of the best brands in the industry, including Santa Cruz, Specialized, and Juliana. See below for our 2024 bike selections and the Hoback employees that ride them. Prices may vary based on model, components, and sales.
All Mountain/Enduro:
If you are looking for a ride capable of anything while making the most of the downhill, an All Mountain/Enduro will suit you well. These bikes typically have the most suspension (150-170mm travel) and tailored geometry to tackle the steepest technical terrain while absorbing rocks and roots at high speeds.
Upside:
- Designed for high speeds and steep technical terrain
- Still a capable climber that can get you to the top of your favorite downhill
- Suited for enduro race environments and skilled riders
- Perfect for shuttle laps on Teton Pass
Flipside:
- They are typically heavier than trail or cross-country bikes and less efficient on up-hill climbs
- Their high-end parts are expensive and sacrifice a weight increase for downhill performance
Santa Cruz Nomad: 
The Santa Cruz Nomad has been on the market since 2005, and for good reason. It is the most popular enduro bike amongst our staff at Hoback. A recent change to a mixed wheel configuration allows for stability and traction in the front while maintaining agility through tight technical terrain. The new VPP suspension technology strikes an improved balance between pedaling efficiency and downhill prowess. The shocks are mounted lower for improved ride quality and flexibility in shock rates. It is Bryce, Alan, and Andrew’s favorite bike for shuttle laps on the pass or riding the lift at the bike park. Meanwhile good ol’ George rides it everywhere.
Travel:
- Front: 170mm
- Rear: 170mm or option for coil
Wheel Size:
- MX
Price:
- MSRP: $4,999 – $9,399
Specialized Enduro:
Travel:
- Front: 170mm
- Rear: 170mm or option for coil
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $5,499 – $7,999
Santa Cruz Megatower:
Travel:
- Front: 170mm
- Rear: 165mm or option for coil
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,999 – $11,199
Trail Bikes:
The trail bike category is the most versatile option for the terrain the Tetons have to offer. With a balance of reduced weight and a range of travel from 130-160mm is ideal for both uphill and downhill. For long rides at Phillips or multiple laps at Blacks Canyon, there’s not much you won’t enjoy on a trail bike.
Upside:
- Universal geometry and functionality for all types of trails
- Shorter wheelbase for maneuverability
- Superior on the uphill compared to an All-Mountain
- Excels on long single-track rides
Flipside:
- With the mid-travel you risk bottoming out on large jumps and drops
- Not as confidence inspiring on steep drops compared to an All-Mountain
Specialized Stumpjumper EVO:
The Specialized Stumpjumper is what has made Specialized so special since its inception in 1981. It is the first mass produced mountain bike and has withstood the test of time as one of the most versatile mountain bikes ever made. It is far and away the most popular mountain bike amongst the Hoback staff. The 2024 version introduces a much lighter frame at just 5.4lbs and with FlipChip technology you can change the height of the bottom bracket for quick adjustments in geometry. There’s good reason it is the most owned bike amongst our staff at Hoback, just ask the Pats, Hollis, or Parker!
Travel:
- Front: 160mm
- Rear: 150mm
Wheel Size:
- 29” and option for MX
Price:
- MSRP: $4,499 – $11,500
Specialized Stumpjumper:
Travel:
- Front: 140mm
- Rear: 130mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,000 – $11,500
Santa Cruz Hightower:
Travel:
- Front: 150-160mm
- Rear: 145mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,799 – $10,999
Santa Cruz Bronson:
Travel:
- Front: 160mm
- Rear: 150mm
Wheel Size:
- MX
Price:
- MSRP: $4,999 – $8,999
Juliana Roubion:
Travel:
- Front: 160mm
- Rear: 150mm
Wheel Size:
- MX
Price:
- MSRP: $4,999 – $8,999
Santa Cruz Tallboy:
Travel:
- Front: 130mm
- Rear: 120mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,799 – $10,999
Juliana Joplin:
Travel:
- Front: 130mm
- Rear: 120
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,799 – $8,899
Cross-country:
Cross-country bikes have taken the biking industry by storm. They are the lightest of the above categories and engineered for the persistent pedal people. If covering miles and boosting your Strava stats is your M.O. these bikes will be the best choice for you. XC bikes have the shortest travel (100-130mm) and geometry designed for climbing efficiency. The Tour de Teton Pass, Game Creek, Cache Creek, Ferrins, or even climbing the frontside of Snow King are all great options for a cross-country bike.
Upside:
- Lightweight for long distances and logging miles
- Trail networks with demanding climbs
- Crushing steep up-hill
- Great for never ending fire roads and smooth single track
Flipside:
- Reduced suspension and less forgiving on technical terrain
Specialized Epic 8 Evo:
The Epic series from specialized is another favorite from our Hoback Ambassadors. The Epic 8 Evo was essentially made in a lab by the Specialized Ride Dynamics team to create the most efficient up-hill monster. Equipped with new suspension technology increasing bump absorption by 12% and 20% less pedal bob through active suspension. It comes with an upgraded SRAM’s legendary Code Bronze Stealth brakes and the GX eagle 12-speed group set. This bike is truly designed to minimize water breaks and to keep you pedaling.
Travel:
- Front: 130mm
- Rear: 120mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $5,000 – $8,500
Specialized Epic 8:
Travel:
- Front: 120mm
- Rear: 120mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $7,000 – $14,500
Santa Cruz Blur:
Travel:
- Front: 110-120mm
- Rear: 107-115mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,499 – $11,299
Juliana Wilder:
Travel:
- Front: 120mm
- Rear: 115mm
Wheel Size:
- 29”
Price:
- MSRP: $4,499 – $8,999
Don’t be a stranger and come find the right bike for your needs at Hoback Sports. Our knowledgeable staff would love to help make it an easy decision for you, even if wearing shorts in the winter is your thing.
Please note some of the bikes listed above may not be in store, however any bike from the above brands can be special ordered to our store. Prices are listed by MSRP and do not account for on-going sales. Click the link on each selection for current pricing and further information.
