[Murtaugh]

After several attempts to purchase a bike and finding the majority of my picks out of stock I think I have it narrowed down to one I found in stock. There are three packages and I've narrowed it down to two because I'm not spending the money for package three.

For what it's worth, and the fact I'm just getting started, I'll mostly be trail riding, maybe some down hill stuff if I can get to a park (probably be the slowest guy there), I'd like to try some jumps and maybe learn some tricks, nothing major. I can't afford to break bones and be out of work. I figure I'll get this one and then ride it a couple years and see where I end up.

I've gone through and found all the differences between the two packages. If it's not listed, then it's the same on both bikes. There is basically a $1,000 OTD difference and I'm trying to figure out if it's worth the difference. Prices are $1,717 and $2,674 I think it might be but just not sure.

I'm leaving brand out of it for now, mainly because I think I finally found something in stock and not sure my head can handle more options. Thanks in advance.

Build A $1,717

Rear Shock	X-Fusion 02 Pro R Large Volume w/ Rebound Adjust, 200x57mm
Fork	SR Suntour Aion, 27.5", 150mm Travel, Air Spring w/ Rebound Adjust, 35mm Stanction, 1.5" Alloy Taper Steerer, w/ Boost 110x15mm Thru-axle
Cranks	FSA Comet Direct Mount 1x, w/ 30T Steel Chain Ring
Bottom Bracket	FSA Sealed Outboard
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Deore M6000 Shadow Plus, 10 Speed
Shifter	Shimano Deore M6000, 10 Speed
Cogset	Shimano HG500 Cassette, 10 Speed, 11-42T
Chain	KMC X10EL, 10 Speed
Front Hub	32h Alloy, Boost 110x15mm Thru-axle, Sealed Cartridge Bearing
Rear Hub	32h Alloy, Boost 148x12mm Thru-axle, 4 Sealed Cartridge Bearing, Cassette
Tires	WTB Vigilante, 27.5x2.3"
Brakes	Shimano BR-M395 Hydraulic Disc, w/ 180mm Rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano BL-M425
Pedals	DB4L Alloy Platform w/ Replaceable Pins
Seatpost	DB Alloy Micro Adjust, 31.6mm

Build B $2,674

Rear Shock	Fox Float DPS EVOL LV, Performance, 3 Position Lever, 200x57mm, 22.2mm Eyelet Width
Fork	Fox Rhythm 34 27.5", 150mm Travel, Grip Dampener w/Sweep Adjust, 1.5" Tapered Steerer, 110x15mm Thru-axle
Cranks	Raceface Æffect Cinch w/Steel 30T Direct Mount Narrow Wide
Bottom Bracket	Raceface Outboard Bearing
Rear Derailleur	Shimano SLX M7000 Shadow Plus, 11 Speed, GS
Shifter	Shimano SLX M7000 Shadow Plus, 11 Speed
Cogset	Shimano SLX M7000 Cassette, 11 Speed, 11-46T
Chain	KMC X11EL, 11 Speed
Front Hub	32h Alloy, Boost 110x15mm Thru-axle, Center Lock, Sealed Cartridge Bearing
Rear Hub	32h Alloy, Boost 148x12mm Thru-axle, Center Lock, 5 Sealed Cartridge Bearing, Cassette
Tires	Maxxis Minion DHF 27.5x2.3" EXO, TLR, Folding / Maxxis Minion DHR II 27.5x2.3" EXO, TLR, Folding
Brakes	Shimano SLX M7000, w/180mm Front /180mm Rear Rotors
Brake Levers	Shimano SLX M7000
Pedals	DB CNC Platform, Sealed Cartidge Bearing w/Replaceable Pins
Seatpost	TranzX YSP32FL Internal Dropper, 31.6mm w/Trigger Remote, SM = 125mm, MD = 150mm, LG/XL = 170mm

 

[XenoVelo]

If you can afford it, option B is a substantially better build. I don't have any experience the TransX or Suntour suspension components on option A, but my hunch is the Fox components will perform much better, and it will likely be easier to find a shop to service them. And while it's possible to ride trails, even technical trails, without a dropper post, modern bikes are designed with a dropper post in mind, and it will allow you ride the bike the way it's designers intended. The better build will let you grow into the bike. And, god forbid, if you decide you don't like mountain biking, it'll probably hold a better resale value.

 

[Battery]

Sometimes it's best to share the make and model of the frames too. We have to understand the frame geometry and how they work with the parts. Plus it helps us understand the $1k difference in price. The frame is taken into consideration when it comes to the overall price difference.

 

[Rolltide386]

That's a no brainer

 

[MSU Alum]

B....

 

[randum]

good luck buddy

 

[wayold]

Get the Release 2. In previous years the 1 had a GX drivetrain and RockShox suspension and was a pretty good deal. For the 2019s, though, I think the 2 is the sweetspot. You also might want to ask on the DB forum where there are some folks who've spent a lot of time on different Release builds.

 

[noapathy]

"A" plus a dropper. Decent ones for around $200 these days.

 

[Lone Rager]

^^^ which?