K2 Zed V

K2 ZED V

K2's Zed V is a bells-and-whistles type of ride. For starters, a suspension seat post (K2's own Flexpost) takes off the bumpy edge, and bar ends add comfort. And while the RST Gamma fork isn't our first choice, it smooths out the trail generously. Zed's heart and soul is found in its butted, 7005-series aluminum frame, highlighted with an oversized downtube. While some high-speed stability is sacrificed, the short chain stays make for tight cornering. Overall, the bike is set up as a plush all-around mountain bike--and though it's a bit heavy, that's the trade-off for La-Z-Boy-like comfort. K2: 800/972-4063. $625.

Good Ol' Rocky Top

The lofty peaks of the Appalachian mountains rise majestically out of the forests in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and perched atop Mount LeConte (6593 feet), the park's third highest mountain, you'll find the rustic LeConte Lodge. You can't drive to LeConte-hoofing it is your only choice, whether it be under your own steam or via the fourlegged variety (all supplies are packed in on llamas). Five trails lead to the lodge: The shortest trail is five-and-a-half miles, the longest is eight. The rough-hewn log cabins have no electricity-just kerosene heaters and lanterns-and the restrooms, complete with flush toilets (weather permitting), are in a separate building. The lodge is open from March to November. Accommodations include one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, Cost is $76.50 per night, per person; dinner, breakfast and bed linens included. LeConte Lodge: 423/429.5704.-Nancy Bouchard

KONA CINDER CONE

With roots in the hard-core cycling province of British Columbia, this Washington-based company knows how to build good bikes. Thus, no corners have been cut on the Cinder Cone, which is this year's "most 1 bike for the money." its platform is a butted aluminum frame that centers the rider for stability on rough and steep terrain. The airsprung Marzocchi Bomber Z5 doesn't provide the cush of oil-based forks but is equally reliable. Rounding out the package are superlight, high-per

forming Avid brakes and Tioga tires. It's a bike for aggressive riders--or those who just want to feel like one. Kona: 800/KONA-USA. $679.

TREK 6000 WSD

To Austin Powers, the WSD-Women's Specific Design-would be known as a "fembike" because it's built with your better-looking half's needs in mind. The frame's geometry is relaxed up front for predictable handling; the seat tube is steepened for stabilization; and, since women have shorter arms, the top tube is cut accordingly. The smaller handlebar, grips and brake levers accommodate fem-sized hands. And the women'sspecific saddle is fundamental to riding comfort and control, as seated pedaling is the most efficient way to go. Trek: 800/369-8735. $570.

SCHWINN MOAB 3

If any of these hard-tails were set up for going downhill, it's the Moab 3. The bike's geometry is identical to its higher-end brethren-the Homegrown line-while the handling is mellow. The frame is built with Epicenter (read: bent) seat stays for added braking power and a vertically ovalized down tube for strength and stiffness, and the lax geometry gives it stability at high speeds. On the other hand, it can tend- toward laziness when dicing through tight, twisty singletrack. Suspended with a RockShox Judy XC, adjustable from 63 to 100 millimeters of travel, you can dial the fork to accommodate terrain and rider style. Overall. the bike lends itself well to all-mountain riding. its heart, however, is on the cross-country course. Schwinn: 800/ SCHWINN. $719.

Copyright Hearst Magazines Mar 2000
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved