u/DarthTaterTott

4 years ago I shattered my ankle on a FS doing a jump. Haven’t been on a bike since, and it’s time. But this time- HT! My wheels will be staying firmly on the ground. Need advice on a bike.
I’m 44 and a little bit out of shape. Looking for an all around trail bike that climbs well but can also handle (slowly) the very steep trails around me (SW montana). I drool over everyone’s rootdowns and Honzo ESDs but I just don’t need a slacked out ride like that, at this point in my life. I just need to keep up with my fitness freak buddies on their enduro rigs on the way up but have zero problem eating their dust on the way down.
Budget $2.5k. Preference for steel or carbon. Or Ti if I win a lottery.