rear wheel travel | east burke sports | skiing

Trek 4500 $440
(920) 478-4678; www.trekbikes.com
A few years ago, you'd have dropped twice the coin to get this much performance. There's nothing fancy or cutting edge about the 4500, but its light aluminum hardtail (no rear suspension) frame has a frisky, responsive feel, and whether you're hopping over curbs or craggy rocks, you (and your more sensitive body parts) will be thankful for the RockShox suspension fork. If you're new to the sport, or simply don't plan to ride off-road much, the 4500 will serve you well, but don't expect it to hold up to long-term off-road abuse.

Giant
XTC NRS 3, $1,300
(800) 874-4268; www.giant-bicycles.com
Over the past handful of years, full suspension (bikes with front and rear shocks) has crossed the line separating frivolous from fundamental. While full suspension models (aka "dualies") are still more expensive, heavier, and require more maintenance than their hardtail brethren, bikes like Giant's XTC NRS 3 have significantly narrowed the gap. The advantages? Increased comfort and control on any terrain rougher than a gravel road. The XTC NRS 3 provides nearly 4 inches of rear wheel travel, enough to take the edge off all but the nastiest trails. You can find less expensive dualies on the market, but none with the refined ride and durability of the NRS 3.

adventure, outside, powder, and skiing.
six off-road meccas
east burke, vermont
difficulty: beginner to expert; family-friendly
defining features: smooth, twisty, narrow trails; quiet, rural location; fall foliage mid-september through early october
when to go: mid-may through october
contact: kingdom trails association, (802) 626-0737 or www.kingdomtrails.org; or east burke sports, (802) 626-3215