Like it or not, 26" wheels are dying out. We all used to ride them, and they were fine, but there is something to be said for the rollover on larger wheel sizes. That deal on the Fuel Ex is not unique, and you'll continue to see deals on 26" bikes as the owners move to 27.5 or 29er.

Do you have any comparable used 29ers in your area on Pinkbike, Craigslist, etc? An FS 29er would be more, but used can often allow you to get better components. Yes, as you mention, in the $500 range for hardtails, and up to $800 on FS bikes, you'll see a cheaper fork, which is typical.

 

You said it better than I did, but that is where my mind was going with the 26". The used bike search for 29ers has been frustrating! Every thing seems to be listed for $100 or less than a new one which isnt worth it at all, and I see online deals for new leftover 17 models for less than what people want for used. Now if you get out past my price range, perhaps you can find better 'deals' but the bikes are still $1400-2000 and more than I want to spend getting going. ARe there other options I should consider in new? I saw a couple of online deals diamondbacks that are $800-$1000 that seemed to have much better drivetrain and better forks, but I don't know if its REALLY better, or if I should just buy one from LBS and either sell it or upgrade the worst of the pieces if I stay in it.

 

I'd recommend not getting a 26" bike. Just my opinion.

Diamondback is blowing out their 2017 models on this website:
https://aventuron.com/collections/bikes/products/diamondback-mason-trail
https://aventuron.com/collections/bikes/products/diamondback-overdrive-comp-27-5

The most budget friendly full suspension i have seen (that is still a solid bike) is the Marin Hawk Hill:
Marin debuts $1500 full suspension Hawk Hill - Mtbr.com

 

https://bikepedia.com/QuickBike/BikeSpecs.aspx?item=3011760

no SRAM brakes, yay!

I worked in a Trek dealer when that generation of the Fuel was new and relevent and sold a TON ofthose. that was an awesome bike! $500 sounds like a solid deal. if you can get over the 26" wheel thing, I would check with your local Trek dealer if they can still get suspension parts for that frame. if the pivots are worn out and parts are not available, it might be a completely useless frame. also make sure there are no cracks or damage anywhere on the frame, as that would also render it a paperweight.

 

Excellent advice, and something I wouldnt have thought of at all!

 

#26aintdead. Keep in mind, this is for a 12 year old. A 29" tire might be too much for him to push around at this point.

My son is 13 and been riding on a 2012 Fuel EX 5 hand-me-down for a few years. He love the full suspension, and we can ride pretty much anything we want to. He even competes in the local XC races with it.

So, for $500 you are getting a GREAT bike with GREAT components that will last a LONG time. And 26" components are super cheap right now (I got some Nobby Nics for his bike for $7 each on Jenson USA). Go with the high end Fuel instead of some crappy low end 29er.

 

#26aintdead. Keep in mind, this is for a 12 year old. A 29" tire might be too much for him to push around at this point.

Actually this is for me I want to ride with him. If a great deal on a 26" nice bike in a small frame popped up for him I would be much more willing to jump on it, as I know whatever I get won't last long before he hits another growth spurt.

My son is 13 and been riding on a 2012 Fuel EX 5 hand-me-down for a few years. He love the full suspension, and we can ride pretty much anything we want to. He even competes in the local XC races with it.

So, for $500 you are getting a GREAT bike with GREAT components that will last a LONG time. And 26" components are super cheap right now (I got some Nobby Nics for his bike for $7 each on Jenson USA). Go with the high end Fuel instead of some crappy low end 29er.

Yeah the quality of the suspension, drivetrain components, wheelset, etc is what got me questioning the entry level new stuff at that price. But I don't know how abused it has been yet. I asked a lot of questions, but haven't looked in person yet. Heck, it may not even fit!

 

I was in a somewhat similar situation. In and out of mountain biking. Caught the bug again. Im in my early 40's and have only ridden 26" with aggressive geometry. I found a 2012 EX7 that had been upgraded here and there. I paid $750 for and still feel good about it. I switched out the very wide handlebars and super short stem for a little more narrow and longer. My old 26" EX7 is a lot better then anything new in the price range. I ride a lot of rocky rooty trails in the mountains of NC and have no problems and probably faster then most riders my age. My suggestion is get the best bike you can afford and don't get hung up on wheel size and no matter what your riding ride as much as you can with your son.

 

Great info! I think I am going to go to some bike shops and check out the new stuff, and if nothing really jumps out I may grab the trek!

Does anyone have advice for a fast growing 12 year boy?! 5'2 27.5" inseam so should be in an adult bike I think! He is light and not adult strong though...

 

I just bought my 10 year old son an adult 27.5 Norco Storm, size XS. It's slightly too big for him (and pretty heavy), but we opted for this over smaller kid-specific bikes given future use, compatibility, and hopefully it will hold its value pretty well given his growth rate.

 

A few guys around here grabbed that Mason, if you are not riding on pavement a lot, I wouldn't worry too much about tire wear. Plus gives you extra comfort, my next bike whenever that maybe, will be a Plus+ bike.

 

I'm going to seriously consider it! Is there anything difficult about assembly on the Internet bikes? Vary by mfg?

 

It will vary but you'll need basic knowledge of tuning up a bike. There are directions on the db website.

 

We sound very alike lol. My youngest son got me into mountain biking 2 years ago when he was 15 and I was 52. I've been very fit but not doing biking. At the time he bought a Specialized Pitch Sport in size small. I had a 2012 Fuel EX-9 (a new warranty frame/shock) I bought for ironically, $500. Over time I upgraded the brakes, rims, tires (tubeless), handle bar, cassette, front fork and added a dropper. Rode that for a season and bought a 2017 EX-8 27.5+ last month on closeout. I really liked the 2012 EX-9 but it doesn't compare to my new EX-8. Gave the EX-9 to my 20 year old in college (it is a tad small for him) to enjoy. In hindsight I wish I used the money I put into the EX-9 for my new bike but live and learn. We can all look back and say, "I wish I would have _______."

 

Thats funny! That definitely is eerily similar. The pitch was my favorite so far of the entry level stuff i have looked at for my son too haha!

 

Well a 2015 Cannondale Trail 3 29er that is basically unused, turned up on the FB marketplace. Decently equipped with slightly better rockshox fork rather than the suntour junk on everything else I have looked at. Can get it for $450 if i like it and its as advertised! Im thinking this could be a pretty great option, and will be hard to lose money on this one if I decide I want something better next year. Now if something similar would popup for the kid! lol.

 

My first real bike was a Trail SL3 (26")but was a great HT, and I sold it pretty well when I was ready for an upgrade. Solid bike.

You can go into Cannondale forum to see some reviews.

 

Got the Cannondale Trail 3 today! It was pretty much flawless shape, barely ridden as stated, and over the short distance I rode it was great! So I guess as far as the original question in the post, I decided mainly against 26". The draw to 29er was too much. If I would have bought a new one, I would have gotten either the mason trail, or the base Specialized FUSE plus sized wheels. I may still do that if we really get into riding! THanks for all of the advice!

I'm going to start a new thread now about finding out about NICA in our area and what stuff I should look at for accessories for my son if he decides to do that! Thanks for all the help guys.

 

Got the Cannondale Trail 3 today! It was pretty much flawless shape, barely ridden as stated, and over the short distance I rode it was great! So I guess as far as the original question in the post, I decided mainly against 26". The draw to 29er was too much. If I would have bought a new one, I would have gotten either the mason trail, or the base Specialized FUSE plus sized wheels. I may still do that if we really get into riding! THanks for all of the advice!

I'm going to start a new thread now about finding out about NICA in our area and what stuff I should look at for accessories for my son if he decides to do that! Thanks for all the help guys.

Congratulations! I think you will be happy, great starting bike. The only thing I upgraded on mine was the pedals (not sure if yours came with decent ones) and tires, if it has the stock tires. That will be based on personal preference and where you ride.

We also require bike porn around here Enjoy!!

 

Porn coming your way when I get some daylight to take a pic! lol! What pedals do you recommend. Just getting started back on our rocky trails, I dont know if I want to go clipless yet??? Tires are completely a mystery as well. I assume the LBS would be best to tell me for our local conditions??

 

I've never used clipless, so I will recommend flats:

These are very popular and threw them on my Gravel bike, but when my current pedals die on my MTB, I will probably move to these:

Race Face Chester Composite Pedals > Components > Pedals > Platform Pedals | Jenson USA

What I currently have on my MTB (they are a bit heavier, but very solid):

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZH1HWM/ref=twister_B006ZH1J5W?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Tires: Yes check with your shop, or ask around the trail, to see what works for people, or even the local forums here if there is one for your location.

Those RaceFace pedals are a pretty good deal, and work great with the right shoe. You do have 10.000.000 options when it comes to pedals.