This might be the wrong community to ask this but I’ll give it my shot. I already own a very good Trek bike but it’s an urban commuter. I want something that handle dirt and country roads just as good as a Jeep or Land Cruiser. I know mountain bikes are best suited for off-road scenarios but I’ve only ever used urban bikes and BMXs. Is there a brand that is revered by mountain bike enthusiasts in the same way that Jeep is to car guys? Thanks in advance.
I agree steel frames are great, but trek, specialized and gt abandoned steel in the late 90’s. I love a good vintage frame, but for mtb the modern geometry is an undeniable upgrade.
High end: Orange cycles, Cromag, Ritchey, Chumba, Cotic.
Mid range: Kona, Marin, Surly, Niner.
Also: go tubeless and never buy an innertube again. I bought a 5 pack of tubes for emergencies and used 2 of them in the past decade. The sealant can be a royal pain in the ass, but it beats getting stranded out on the trail.