Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Is an upgrade worth it with my budget?

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
G

GVLaker09

· Registered
Joined
·
33 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've been riding a Trek Marlin 6, purchased it to follow my daughter around when she joined the school mountain bike team. I figured it was plenty since she was 7 when she started and I didn't need much to keep up with her. We've both improved a ton in the last couple years and we've upgraded her bike each year as it's something she takes seriously and is competitive. I'm definitely suffering from bike envy seeing all the full suspension bikes out on the trail and would like to try one, but gravel is my focus and I spent way more than I ever would have thought previously on my dream gravel bike this year. Because of that, my budget is under $2000, and preferably less than $1700

I kind of just upgraded things when I came across good deals or got gift cards. Current upgrades -

Deore crankset (stock 1x10 drivetrain)
SR Suntour Epixon fork
PNW dropper

I've only come across a few bikes that fit my budget and I'm wondering how much of an upgrade I'd really be getting considering my low budget

Option 1 - Polygon D7
Pros - The components seem to be a slight upgrade or lateral move compared to the current setup on the Marlin. I really like my Epixon fork despite most people writing off most of Suntour's stuff, but it seems comparable to the Recon.

Cons - The front wheel is not boost, but I don't think that bothers me much as I doubt I would be upgrading the fork. I hate the color scheme, but I've ridden uglier bikes in the past. I'd take a better bike over a prettier bike.

Option 2 - Polygon D7 SE
Pros - Boost fork. Really like the paint job on the SE

Cons - The tradeoff for the boost fork appears to be a step down in suspension quality. It comes with a Raidon fork which is a step down from what I already have on the Marlin. Also, it's not currently available in my size.

Option 3 - Canyon Neuron 5
Pros - Canyon seems to have a better reputation than Polygon. Same suspension as the D7. Best looking bike of the bunch and I have ridden an older model in the past that I liked, supposedly the new ones address what complaints did exist about the previous models

Cons - $400 more than the other two for essentially the same component group of the D7. I'd rather have 10 or 11 speed Deore than 12 speed SX based off previous experience. I absolutely hated the performance of the SX shifter and derailleur on another bike. This is cheaper and easier to swap out than a fork though so not a deal-breaker, just sucks that I need to add even more money on top of the more expensive bike.

Option 4 - Just keep riding the Marlin for a year or more. I don't see my budget increasing as like I mentioned, my main focus is on gravel and I don't want to spend $2000+ on a mountain bike. I'm never going to race XC, where I might race gravel. I'm not going to be hitting any jump lines, just Michigan singletrack.
 
#2 ·
I would personally rather have a well sorted HT than most of the sub-$2k FS bikes out there. Polygon Siskiu T8 would be the point where I would consider spending that budget on a FS, the Status 140/160 is an insane value if you are ok with a somewhat inefficient pedaler, and the Ripley AF Deore the lowest priced bike that to me makes no compromises outside of weight.

Personally I would either bump your budget, or enjoy your current bike, leaning towards enjoying your current bike.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Option 4. Just keep the bike maintained well. As long as it serves your current needs, stick with it. No guarantees a new FS bike won't be an adjustment/headache, etc. It's already working for you reliably, so don't mess with it if it's not your passion, which you already have a diff bike for don't put $ in that direction or you'll just end up in debt.

If going with a Ripley AF, get the SLX for the dropper and replace the shifter to XT.
 
#7 ·
In my world FS and hardtail are day and night. But then… I’ll be 70 in less than 3 months. Yeah, I used to enjoy riding hardtails madly.
Back to you.
If you’re FS curious, this is bound to keep being a burr under your saddle but beyond the mere nag, FS really does kick the doors of the Fun Zone down. Once you’ve entered that zone, I’ll bet you’ll become addicted to your new capabilities.
Of course I’m speculating. And describing what happened to me, personally.
So what would I do if I were in your shoes?
I’d look for a good used FS bike — you should be able to do well in today’s market.
=sParty
 
#8 ·
GVLaker09 said:
I've been riding a Trek Marlin 6, purchased it to follow my daughter around when she joined the school mountain bike team. I figured it was plenty since she was 7 when she started and I didn't need much to keep up with her. We've both improved a ton in the last couple years and we've upgraded her bike each year as it's something she takes seriously and is competitive. I'm definitely suffering from bike envy seeing all the full suspension bikes out on the trail and would like to try one, but gravel is my focus and I spent way more than I ever would have thought previously on my dream gravel bike this year. Because of that, my budget is under $2000, and preferably less than $1700

I kind of just upgraded things when I came across good deals or got gift cards. Current upgrades -

Deore crankset (stock 1x10 drivetrain)
SR Suntour Epixon fork
PNW dropper

I've only come across a few bikes that fit my budget and I'm wondering how much of an upgrade I'd really be getting considering my low budget

Option 1 - Polygon D7
Pros - The components seem to be a slight upgrade or lateral move compared to the current setup on the Marlin. I really like my Epixon fork despite most people writing off most of Suntour's stuff, but it seems comparable to the Recon.

Cons - The front wheel is not boost, but I don't think that bothers me much as I doubt I would be upgrading the fork. I hate the color scheme, but I've ridden uglier bikes in the past. I'd take a better bike over a prettier bike.

Option 2 - Polygon D7 SE
Pros - Boost fork. Really like the paint job on the SE

Cons - The tradeoff for the boost fork appears to be a step down in suspension quality. It comes with a Raidon fork which is a step down from what I already have on the Marlin. Also, it's not currently available in my size.

Option 3 - Canyon Neuron 5
Pros - Canyon seems to have a better reputation than Polygon. Same suspension as the D7. Best looking bike of the bunch and I have ridden an older model in the past that I liked, supposedly the new ones address what complaints did exist about the previous models

Cons - $400 more than the other two for essentially the same component group of the D7. I'd rather have 10 or 11 speed Deore than 12 speed SX based off previous experience. I absolutely hated the performance of the SX shifter and derailleur on another bike. This is cheaper and easier to swap out than a fork though so not a deal-breaker, just sucks that I need to add even more money on top of the more expensive bike.

Option 4 - Just keep ribiding the Marlin for a year or more. I don't see my budget increasing as like I mentioned, my main focus is on gravel and I don't want to spend $2000+ on a mountain bike. I'm never going to race XC, where I might race gravel. I'm not going to be hitting any jump lines, just Michigan singletrack.
Click to expand...
bikesdirect.com... stop paying for an ad campaign.
 
#9 ·
KestrelC said:
bikesdirect.com... stop paying for an ad campaign.
Click to expand...
and if you really want to challenge yourself and improve your pedaling form (your legs should contact the top tube lightly on every pedal stroke if you are out of the saddle and once you get good at it even in the saddle(directing energy in a straight line instead of sideways. YOu do not need a dropper post on a hardtail unless it is the new cockpit design(diff angles;different ride position) and I have to mention the ultimate training tools... middle finger breaking and ride as slow as you can from point a to point b. Do trackstands. if you can handle a bike at 0 mph, you can also handle 40 mph much better. Attempt some trialsy stuff. watch eddie roman's 'hammer time'. Feeling really ballsy?
Purchase a single speed conversion kit. Run 28x16/17 or 30x18/19 or 32x19/20.
Convert it back to geared for gravel riding. You rarely need to pedal on a downslope on mtb trails. When the up gets too much, get out of the saddle. ss conversion means you get stronger legs than lungs. Dropper posts are kewl, but do you really want to have it serviced every 50 hours of ride time? They wear out too quickly. Glad to hear that some people still ride analog. If you want to make your bike unique, put a 26x4" (=29x2.5" overall diameter with a
RIGID fork.) You now have 3.5" of travel in your tire and a tire tread contact double the 29".
Put some aluminum foil on the spokes.
Paint it flat black, then smoke some crack. Ride it like you stole it. Drive your car over an interstate bridge.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SrsTD90t4
yeah, that's right. Do whatever i tell you. You might regret it. You want a real challenge? come on over to my house and you are 70 miles from the longest downhill trail in the U.S. Palisade plunge. Yeah, that's right, buddy. I have a spare bedroom. I sleep on the roof, like snoopy. If you can drink a gallon of whole milk in under an hour, and then hold the empty jug over your head, rent is free. Change your chain at least annual and because you have more than one bike in your stable, purchase a ParkTool ChainChecker(saves your drivetrain)https://www.rei.com/product/830220/...6843&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7LCuOzdgAMVbDetBh0ldgeUEAQYASABEgKb1_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
awesome show, great job
 
#11 ·
KestrelC said:
and if you really want to challenge yourself and improve your pedaling form (your legs should contact the top tube lightly on every pedal stroke if you are out of the saddle and once you get good at it even in the saddle(directing energy in a straight line instead of sideways. YOu do not need a dropper post on a hardtail unless it is the new cockpit design(diff angles;different ride position) and I have to mention the ultimate training tools... middle finger breaking and ride as slow as you can from point a to point b. Do trackstands. if you can handle a bike at 0 mph, you can also handle 40 mph much better. Attempt some trialsy stuff. watch eddie roman's 'hammer time'. Feeling really ballsy?
Purchase a single speed conversion kit. Run 28x16/17 or 30x18/19 or 32x19/20.
Convert it back to geared for gravel riding. You rarely need to pedal on a downslope on mtb trails. When the up gets too much, get out of the saddle. ss conversion means you get stronger legs than lungs. Dropper posts are kewl, but do you really want to have it serviced every 50 hours of ride time? They wear out too quickly. Glad to hear that some people still ride analog. If you want to make your bike unique, put a 26x4" (=29x2.5" overall diameter with a
RIGID fork.) You now have 3.5" of travel in your tire and a tire tread contact double the 29".
Put some aluminum foil on the spokes.
Paint it flat black, then smoke some crack. Ride it like you stole it. Drive your car over an interstate bridge.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-SrsTD90t4
yeah, that's right. Do whatever i tell you. You might regret it. You want a real challenge? come on over to my house and you are 70 miles from the longest downhill trail in the U.S. Palisade plunge. Yeah, that's right, buddy. I have a spare bedroom. I sleep on the roof, like snoopy. If you can drink a gallon of whole milk in under an hour, and then hold the empty jug over your head, rent is free. Change your chain at least annual and because you have more than one bike in your stable, purchase a ParkTool ChainChecker(saves your drivetrain)https://www.rei.com/product/830220/park-tool-chain-wear-indicator?sku=8302200001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890000792945&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=103051228217&CATCI=pla-931368007169&cm_mmc=PLA_Google|21700000001700551_8302200001|92700056158845086|NB|71700000062146843&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi7LCuOzdgAMVbDetBh0ldgeUEAQYASABEgKb1_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
awesome show, great job
Click to expand...
Quoted for posterity.
Amazing!
=sParty
 
#20 ·
Do you feel like you're running into limitations with the Marlin? I've ridden a lot of trails in MI and I don't think a FS is necessary for MI riding outside of the UP. My vote is to keep enjoying the Marlin.
 
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
About this Discussion
33 Replies
20 Participants
Last post:
mnigro
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion