[Dwhitt1981]

I went out for my first ride Saturday. I was on a Trek 4300 and had a ton of fun. But I'm looking more at the Giant Yukon FX for my first bike. I think I'll like the full susp. a little better. I'm just looking for some feed back on this bike. I think it's hard to beat for under $1000. Thanks

 

[pfox90]

Don't. Most new FS bikes under $1000 are a complete waste of time. That being said I found you a new one that has been tested and is pretty nice for the price:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI272B08-Jamis+Parker+I+Bike+09.aspx

Go on craigslist, look for used FS bikes in your area for that pricepoint, and you will find some screaming deals. If you don't know what is what, find a few bikes you like and then post them back up on here with: pics, price, and components.

Used is always going to be the best way to go for squeezing out the best bang for the buck, especially if you can get a bike with limited wear and tear. If you bring your price range up to 1,500 or so you can start looking at FS bikes that are fairly nice, like so:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI278B17-Mongoose+Khyber+Elite+Bike+10.aspx

Of course I don't know what type of riding you do. The Jamis would be more suited for XC and the Mongoose if you wanted to get a little on the wild side. But look at your local craigslist first or pinkbike.com

 

[Dwhitt1981]

First off thanks for the fast reply. As for price $1000 is as high as I can go for now. and Craigslist in my area is a bust everyone's looking for a new price for 1 and 2 yr old bike. I'm not going to give that for a used bike. Plus this will let me support my LBS also. I'm sure with cash I can get it at a good price.

 

[pfox90]

I would rather negotiate with the people on craigslist letting them know that bike value diminishes rapidly after use and they are lucky to get half of the price.

 

[gradeAfailure]

Actually, the Yukon FX is kind of the exception to the "cheap FS is rubbish" rule - as long as you're talking about the FX2 or FX1, right? I recommended the FX2 to a friend of mine who was looking for a cheap but good new bike (it was £465 delivered here in the UK) and he loves it. Air rear shock, Shimano hydraulic discs, WTB eyeletted rims, Kenda Nevegal tyres, and all the Giant own-brand kit is good quality for the money. Only things I would change on it if budget allows would be to swap the front 160mm rotor out for a 180mm depending on your size/weight, some lock-on grips, and maybe change the RS Dart coil fork for something like a Suntour Epicon air fork.

That's just me being picky though! I've had a ride on it and it certainly didn't feel like it cost 1/3 of what my Trance did.

 

[Dwhitt1981]

Here's the link to the bike.
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-US/bikes/model/yukon.fx/7326/44104
Looks like a good deal to get into the sport with.

 

[gradeAfailure]

Ah, looks like the US-spec Yukon FX is slightly different to the UK. How much is it in the US? I'd definitely want to change the brakes to hydraulic disc if possible...

 

[Dwhitt1981]

List price is $940. I'll probably keep the brakes til try need replacing just because this will be my first bike of this caliber and it will all be a learning curve for me in the beginning.

 

[gradeAfailure]

Best thing I can suggest is that you can get a short sit/test ride on one first - it might be the bargain of the century but if it doesn't fit then it's worth nothing! Giant are one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world though, and have a lifetime warranty on their frames so it's definitely better than a random store-brand bike.

 

[Dwhitt1981]

I'm going to try and ride it this week sometime see how it goes. As for fs thats all I can do for now. I can't drop $1500 to $1700 for my first bike. I'd love to but the wife would probably leave me. lol

 

[mrice0118]

I'm going to try and ride it this week sometime see how it goes. As for fs thats all I can do for now. I can't drop $1500 to $1700 for my first bike. I'd love to but the wife would probably leave me. lol

Same here. My wife would have killed me. I have been very happy with my Yukon. Got it for way less then the MSRP. The main thing I like about it is it has solid frame worth upgrading if you choose to do so.

I looked at buying used, there just wasn't anyone selling in the area that was worth a damn. Just Department store bikes, road bikes, and/or wrong size.

 

[Huncowboy]

So now that I have almost made my mind up I am reading this thread.

I was planning to get a bike for a fun cardio workout. But since I have been away from biking for a very long time (and I used to do road biking but forget the public roads in FL) I figured I will try with a basic hardtail bike and keep the price under $1000. I figured if I am going to end up sticking to the sport after a year I will go and spend $3-4k for a better bike and keep the hardtail as a lonaer for friends.

But looking at the bikes mentioned here, that Yukon is only a few hundred more. Do you think it is worth getting a full suspension (I have never even ridden one) as a first mtb for me? Considering also we are living in FL where we don't have too many awesome trails and I am not looking to do any technical stuff anyhow. I am almost 40 and not a risk taker anymore so I will definitely not fly around with my bike like some of you guys.

So what do you think? Should I look into that Yukon and other FS bikes or stick to the original idea and get a Scott Aspect or a Wahoo and see what happens?

Thanks!

 

[hdparrish]

So what do you think? Should I look into that Yukon and other FS bikes or stick to the original idea and get a Scott Aspect or a Wahoo and see what happens?

First, a caveat in the interests of transparency: I'm working my way up the bike ladder and haven't yet made the jump to full suspension. Bear that in mind.

Sounds like you're only doing some light (relatively flat and not too technical) trail riding in Florida? If that's the case, I don't see any reason why you'd ever need a full-suspension ride.

You can get a light, nicely comped hardtail for less than a $1,000. There are even some decent, entry-level 29ers under that budget. Your full-suspension options will be limited, however, and the comps won't be near as good.

Also, a hardtail will make you a better rider. You'll learn when to be light in the saddle and how to use your body to absorb the hits rather than relying on your bike do it all for you.

Ultimately, though, it's all about your riding style and preferences. Just go with what feels best for you and what most motivates you to get out there and ride.

Happy trails,

HP

 

[Huncowboy]

First, a caveat in the interests of transparency: I'm working my way up the bike ladder and haven't yet made the jump to full suspension. Bear that in mind.

Sounds like you're only doing some light (relatively flat and not too technical) trail riding in Florida? If that's the case, I don't see any reason why you'd ever need a full-suspension ride.

You can get a light, nicely comped hardtail for less than a $1,000. There are even some decent, entry-level 29ers under that budget. Your full-suspension options will be limited, however, and the comps won't be near as good.

Also, a hardtail will make you a better rider. You'll learn when to be light in the saddle and how to use your body to absorb the hits rather than relying on your bike do it all for you.

Ultimately, though, it's all about your riding style and preferences. Just go with what feels best for you and what most motivates you to get out there and ride.

Happy trails,

HP

Yeah I think I will just stick to the hardtails for now. Any ideas under 1k other than the Wahoo or the Scott 45?

 

[hdparrish]

Any ideas under 1k other than the Wahoo or the Scott 45?

There are tons of options. To narrow them down, you should first ask yourself if you're willing to buy online or if you'd prefer to go with an LBS.

Buying locally will generally cost you more, but you'll have a chance to test the fit of a bike before taking it home. Also, most LBSes will throw in a tune up or two as well as a water cage, a helmet or some other extra.

There are some screamin' deals online, of course. For example: Rocky Mountain Element at JensonUSA. That's a lot of bike for the money, particularly for a light trail FS. I've never purchased a complete bike online, though, so my concern would be how well it was assembled and how much assembly is still required when it arrives at your door.

Local dealers will also discount their stock if it's not moving. Check shops around your area and see if any of them have some 2010 models they want to get rid of.

Another question to answer is whether you want a standard, 26-inch frame or a 29er. Again, the best way to answer that would be to hit your local bike shop and take one for a spin. Many shops have bikes to rent, so you might be able to take a 29er for a day and see if that's your thing.

As is often said--buy the best bike you can afford ... and that you will actually use. If you plunk down a thousand bucks on a nice hardtail and ride it for a week or two and then forget about it, you probably would've been better off buying a Schwinn at Wal-Mart.

 

[Huncowboy]

Damn. I ended up picking up a Trek fuel EX 5. I guess entry level full suspension. Going into these bike stores is dangerous. My reasoning ability went away in an instant and I got into giggle mode. Like a toy store. Had I stayed another 10 min I would have gone for the 8 but this bike is already an overkill for me. I ended up spending well over budget but I liked everything about it. :thumbsup: Too bad it did not fit into my trunk and my rack is still with fedex so I had to leave it in the shop. I hope I get some time on it tomorrow.

 

[hdparrish]

Damn. I ended up picking up a Trek fuel EX 5. I guess entry level full suspension. Going into these bike stores is dangerous. My reasoning ability went away in an instant and I got into giggle mode. Like a toy store. Had I stayed another 10 min I would have gone for the 8 but this bike is already an overkill for me. I ended up spending well over budget but I liked everything about it. :thumbsup: Too bad it did not fit into my trunk and my rack is still with fedex so I had to leave it in the shop. I hope I get some time on it tomorrow.

Yup, that's an entry-level FS, but it's a solid bike with a great frame and some great tech. It's also very upgradeable.

For the sake of your wallet, I hope you were able to negotiate a good deal, but you won't regret buying it so long as you ride it.

So get out there and ride! And congrats! :thumbsup:

Happy trails,

HP

 

[C.M.S]

This is what I did , I got a hold of a 2004 specialized s-works enduro frame and built it with updated components and have around 1000$ invested in it . Bide your time and you can build a pure bad ass . Took me 2yrs to do it , but ebay deals and reasearch goes along ways.

 

[Huncowboy]

Yup, that's an entry-level FS, but it's a solid bike with a great frame and some great tech. It's also very upgradeable.

For the sake of your wallet, I hope you were able to negotiate a good deal, but you won't regret buying it so long as you ride it.

So get out there and ride! And congrats! :thumbsup:

Happy trails,

HP

I did not get an awesome deal, just under msrp for $1600. This whole bike purchasing turned out to be more difficult than I thought. Some deals in this very thread look great but the size would not work or they would not ship, etc. It took me a ton of calls and driving yesterday until I finally got this bike. I did not see any deal for this specific one online. Plus it has been a real long while last time I had to assemble a bike, and that was before hydraulic brakes. I will get into this slowly. But as far as building your own. I bet that is the best way to go especially if you like things "your way". I do. But I am way too new to mtbing. Quite possible the next one will be custom made.

 

[hdparrish]

If it fits well and if you wind up riding it to hell and back, it'll be a good deal no matter what you paid. Let us know how the "maiden voyage" goes. Have fun and be safe!

Happy trails,

HP