I am a keen MTB rider as in my humble opnion with relative good skills and ability. I am fortunate enough to be able to spend 20-30 k on a bike. I believe we live in a society where the media and some LBS wants us to believe that the expensive bikes and components are the way to go. I know there is a lot of recreational riders that wants to know what is goog enough for a good solid ride. I am talking about the normal 30-50 km MTB races. It will be brilliant if someone or perhaps Bicycling or Ride magazine can give us an indication on what is sufficient when you are a novice, average or above average rider. I am talking about groupset, wheelset, brakes, suspension ect. When somebody wants to buy a new bike he or she can use it as a standard on what is good enough for the type of riding they are going to do.
