Lycra. You wouldn't be caught dead in the stuff. It's the cycling equivalent to wearing a speedo at the beach. It's cool if you're into racing, but that's something you're just not into either. Sure, you race your buddies down the hill, but the only prize you race for is bragging rights…or a beer if you're lucky.

You've always felt like racing pigeonholes you into a certain style of riding; you'd prefer to pick from the smorgasbord. Sometimes you like to do runs at your local "secret" downhill trail. You've even found yourself sprinting alongside the kids at the BMX track. Mellow cross country…a little urban assault…dirt jumping…if it involves two wheels and knobby tires, you do it.

Of course you've got more than one bike, but sometimes it's really refreshing to get back to basics and do it all on a hardtail. And we're not talking about some waif-like little 22-pound bike lycra geeks win races on…it has to be burly enough to hold up to the abuse you put it through. After all, there's nothing more rewarding than blasting by your buddies on their squishy full-suspension rigs on your way to winning that ever-important post-ride beer. It's hard to say what will be sweeter…the beer or hearing the chorus of "…and he's on a hardtail" exclamations on your way down the hill. The Escape.

Three different models back by popular demand. Same super-fun overbuilt all-mountain hardtail with an all-new look and lower price. Chances are, you'll fold before this frame does.