[cs23rd]

I have been interested in getting a 29er for a while .Don't know where to start not sure if i'm gonna like it. I've been riding a regular mountain bike for a very long time. Looking for the best bang for my buck 29er for under 1000 bucks. Please help.... Thanks.

 

[UBUgoat]

if you want simplicity http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_514228_-1___

but if you want more than one gear and more plush this isn't the machine...$700+ bike was $500...now down to what it is now...i just ordered one to test the 9er waters

 

[mtnbiker72]

If you have a Performance nearby, check out the Access 9.7 as it represents a very good deal for the money. They are getting discontinued so stock is getting low. Online the Motobecane and Windsor 29ers sold at BikesDirect represent a very good value, though they come without the service a Performance or LBS can offer you. At the LBS there are many brands such as Specialized, Trek, and Giant offer bikes in that price range that you may want to look at.

 

[cbchess]

If you can find a Vassago frame (they had them at huck and roll.com last I heard) you can get a great frame that rides very well. right at your price point.
The Redline monocog is very affardabile as well.

Bike direct has some super cheap bikes with excellent specs for the money but I haven't ridden one.

 

[timberline12k]

I needed a 22" frame so I ordered a 2011 Kona Unit Complete Bike for $849.

GT Peace is $375.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_514228_-1_202650_10000_202616

or with gears is $700
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_522985_-1_202650_10000_202616

 

[scottishyard]

Felt nine trail?

 

[lumber825]

I have 3 rides in on my new Giant Talon 29 ER1 and like it a lot. $900 at LBS. I'm no expert but I'm real happy with it.

 

[kattrap]

if you want simplicity http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202673

I think he meant http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_514228_-1_202650_10000_202616

I know nothing about this bike, just fixing a bad url...

 

[UBUgoat]

I think he meant http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_514228_-1_202650_10000_202616

I know nothing about this bike, just fixing a bad url...

thanks...i did somehow mess it up...
...or are the URLs changing? i fixed it, but it's even different than yours...o well. a deal for sure at that discount.

 

[cs23rd]

cool thanks alot all. its a start I'm going to check these links and bikes and check back in

 

[2002maniac]

The component specs on the bikesdirect bikes in your price range make them a real bargain in my opinion. I was in the same position a few months ago and ended up going with the Windsor Cliff pro.

 

[mefistofeles]

I would look at 2010 Giant XTC 29er2. I've seen the 2010 XTC 29er1 for $1575 and my local bike store even had it marked down to $1400 at one point.

I you should be able to get a 2010 XTC 29er2 for approximately $1,000. The main features that make the bike worthwhile are its' tapered headtube and 15 mm t/a fork, these features improve the bike's handling steering signficantly.

 

[Drth Vadr]

I think the best 29er on a budget is a Sette Razzo. The spec list is great and if you have the phllosophy that one frame is easier to upgrade then a laundry list of good components You come away with component that will travel with you like loggage or easily sell for value to get what's needed. I also like the Fuji Tahoe SL, it has a killer spec for the money and ediscount bikes have a few different sizes available on ebay with best offer takes it..

 

[pamt]

I would look at 2010 Giant XTC 29er2. I've seen the 2010 XTC 29er1 for $1575 and my local bike store even had it marked down to $1400 at one point.

I you should be able to get a 2010 XTC 29er2 for approximately $1,000. The main features that make the bike worthwhile are its' tapered headtube and 15 mm t/a fork, these features improve the bike's handling steering signficantly.

+1 for the XTC2. Awesome bike for the price with a great spec at this price level. If you look hard you should be able to come up with a 2010 leftover but even the 2011 could be had for around $1, 200.00 I'm sure

 

[subspd]

I know some hate on Motobecane but for the money they are hard to beat. Customer service for me has been excellent as well. Just my 0.02

 

[UBUgoat]

I know some hate on Motobecane but for the money they are hard to beat. Customer service for me has been excellent as well. Just my 0.02

i considered one....but the non-disc brakes...and no name component aspects kept me from leaping...oh and they were out of most last week i think....the copper one was cool looking. and still, a steal...

 

[gregnash]

I agree with the Felt and Giant entry level 29ers. Since you are not sure if you will like the kool-aid. I would start low or find an LBS that will allow you to demo one for a weekend.

 

[subspd]

i considered one....but the non-disc brakes...and no name component aspects kept me from leaping...oh and they were out of most last week i think....the copper one was cool looking. and still, a steal...

This was a joke? They have disk brakes and all name brand components.
http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantom29_elite_xi.htm

 

[Thunder938]

LOVE my FELT Nine Trail..check them out

 

[curtboroff]

Specialized rockhopper! The frame is wicked light, stiff and flickable (was the stumpy frame a couple years ago). I have an '09 expert that has a better spec than the newer models, but the newer models are less $. Upgrade the wheels though, I trashed the stock wheels in one season.