LIKE ANY REBEL, MISUNDERSTOOD. But when has that ever stopped you. While it won't win any beauty contests, the Chumba XCL is certainly going grab your attention beneath you out on the trail. Is it light and dainty? Hardly! On the climb, maybe - but when you need her to be a real butch she can be exactly that, attitude and all.

WHATEVER, 5" of TRAVEL AIN'T ENOUGH FOR SERIOUS ALL MOUNTAIN! Oh contrare mon frere. Take a look at the deserved popularity of the Trasnistion Preston FR (adjustable for either 100mm or 120mm) and that is a freeride bike. Personally, I LOVE the shorter rear travel bikes with a hefty fork up front. I strongly believe that it makes for a good balance. The 5" of travel on this bike is TIGHT, responsive and progressive. This is a heavy duty trail bike folks.

BUT I CAN GET A LIGHTER BIKE WITH MORE TRAVEL? Then go ahead. Take the only 2 things on a bike you can really quantify (weight & travel) and stuff those . . . well, you know where. Is your ability to understand cycling concepts that narrow? Not you, you're a Down Shift Cycles believer. That's why you're here. I take good care of you.