you could try a marin rift zone 1 or 2. a trek fuel ex5
Noob needs input on what bikes to consider
Sorry to be one of those guys starting one of those threads but I seek your wisdom.
I’m a 41 year old string bean who is considering venturing into the mountain biking world. I’ve been a roadie on and off since 07 so while I know plenty about road cycling bikes /equipment I don’t know jack about mountain gear. I’ve been on more of an off phase with cycling the last year so fitness level isn’t great.
I’d like to start riding trails because my son is 11 and our weekends spent hiking are now seeking a little more adventure. I’m hesitant to take him on the road and think trails would be more fun for us anyway. He has an older front suspension trek mtb but I don’t have anything to get dirty on.
looking at options I’m kinda lost where to begin. I’d like to think my riding will be mostly tame trails with some jumps here and there. No bombing over boulders downhills or 20 foot drops happening anytime soon. Been reading up on hard tails and entry level f/s. I am the first to admit I love swag and buying cool **** is a blast.
Part of me thinks go f/s so I don’t regret not going that route later on and also appreciate that it would be more forgiving on me. I’ve been steered toward a trail bike and was looking at polygons because their ads are everywhere. The d7 to t8 but am curious if this is just too much bike. From what I’ve read the t8 is a great deal spec wise. But I am sure there are varying opinions and comparable bikes from other brands. Canyon has been mentioned to me as well. Really wouldn’t want to spend more than $2500. So what would you be looking at in my shoes?
Any input or advice is much appreciated,
I’m a 41 year old string bean who is considering venturing into the mountain biking world. I’ve been a roadie on and off since 07 so while I know plenty about road cycling bikes /equipment I don’t know jack about mountain gear. I’ve been on more of an off phase with cycling the last year so fitness level isn’t great.
I’d like to start riding trails because my son is 11 and our weekends spent hiking are now seeking a little more adventure. I’m hesitant to take him on the road and think trails would be more fun for us anyway. He has an older front suspension trek mtb but I don’t have anything to get dirty on.
looking at options I’m kinda lost where to begin. I’d like to think my riding will be mostly tame trails with some jumps here and there. No bombing over boulders downhills or 20 foot drops happening anytime soon. Been reading up on hard tails and entry level f/s. I am the first to admit I love swag and buying cool **** is a blast.
Part of me thinks go f/s so I don’t regret not going that route later on and also appreciate that it would be more forgiving on me. I’ve been steered toward a trail bike and was looking at polygons because their ads are everywhere. The d7 to t8 but am curious if this is just too much bike. From what I’ve read the t8 is a great deal spec wise. But I am sure there are varying opinions and comparable bikes from other brands. Canyon has been mentioned to me as well. Really wouldn’t want to spend more than $2500. So what would you be looking at in my shoes?
Any input or advice is much appreciated,
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
For a hardtail I like to suggest a Ragley Big Al 1.0. CRC Bikes.
You'll need to be on the notification list for the next shipment.
If you get an email respond immediately because they sell out in a few minutes.
You'll need to be on the notification list for the next shipment.
If you get an email respond immediately because they sell out in a few minutes.
The top trim on the Rocky Mountain Growler.
Canfield Nimble 9. It's Beyond your budget but worth a peek. I just got in a frame and my full build is in the $2500 range all in, but I am using used and also some generic parts and doing singlespeed.
Canfield Nimble 9. It's Beyond your budget but worth a peek. I just got in a frame and my full build is in the $2500 range all in, but I am using used and also some generic parts and doing singlespeed.
ragley big al or marley but it will be difficult to get them when chain reaction gets them in stock. for me the time difference between the UK and california was such that the stock notification came out around midnight my time, so by the time i woke up in the morning the bikes would be sold out.
What bike do you want your son to be riding when he's 13 or 14? That's the bike you should buy now, because you're going to hand it down to him when you buy your next bike.
So that means CRC sends out the stock email at 8 am in the UK. 3 am eastern US.ragley big al or marley but it will be difficult to get them when chain reaction gets them in stock. for me the time difference between the UK and california was such that the stock notification came out around midnight my time, so by the time i woke up in the morning the bikes would be sold out.
Delay gratification and try lots of stuff same time you build or refresh some basic fitness and skills. Pretty much all name brand stuff is good these days. That trying stuff and learning will help you know what you vs someone else likes.
The said, I saw the Nimble 9 comment and I can't ever disagree with someone advising the versatile, fun and durable bikes like it and steel Honzos. Some of the steel hard tail 29rs are getting so slack they're losing the good for anything characteristics. I point out that because it's also great to have a bike you love to ride from your home as much as on trail.
Have fun shopping and learning!
The said, I saw the Nimble 9 comment and I can't ever disagree with someone advising the versatile, fun and durable bikes like it and steel Honzos. Some of the steel hard tail 29rs are getting so slack they're losing the good for anything characteristics. I point out that because it's also great to have a bike you love to ride from your home as much as on trail.
Have fun shopping and learning!
Where do you live? $2500 I'd go hardtail, but it'd be helpful to know where you're located. Big difference between AZ, BC, somewhere in the Midwest, UK or someplace else.
Also, would you feel comfortable buying from an online retailer? If not, what brands do your LBS sell?
Also, would you feel comfortable buying from an online retailer? If not, what brands do your LBS sell?
I am in NY. Any reason why you’d recommend hardtail over FS? Would FS be too much bike?Where do you live? $2500 I'd go hardtail, but it'd be helpful to know where you're located. Big difference between AZ, BC, somewhere in the Midwest, UK or someplace else.
Also, would you feel comfortable buying from an online retailer? If not, what brands do your LBS sell?
id be totally fine buying online. I have many bike shops by me so brands aren’t too much of an issue. All cannondsle, trek, specialized, giant are carried among others. Only issue would be if they have stock which was a problem a while back when I was looking.
For a hardtail I like to suggest a Ragley Big Al 1.0.
You'll need to be on the notification list for the next shipment.
If you get a email respond immediately because they sell out in a few minutes.
Email seems to go out at 8am UK or 3am eastern.
You'll need to be on the notification list for the next shipment.
If you get a email respond immediately because they sell out in a few minutes.
Email seems to go out at 8am UK or 3am eastern.
Try to demo anything you can get your hands on. I knew right away that a hardtail is not for me.
If you are going to be riding with a teenager, you may want to over-bike with slack geo and more travel, as presumably your son will want to ride more technical trails. A capable bike buys you a lot of comfort and room for error, with just a bit more work to get it uphill.
If you are going to be riding with a teenager, you may want to over-bike with slack geo and more travel, as presumably your son will want to ride more technical trails. A capable bike buys you a lot of comfort and room for error, with just a bit more work to get it uphill.
Because of your price range. $2500 can get you a really nice hardtail, where the equivalent full suspension will cost significantly more, even in the used market right now.I am in NY. Any reason why you’d recommend hardtail over FS? Would FS be too much bike?
id be totally fine buying online. I have many bike shops by me so brands aren’t too much of an issue. All cannondsle, trek, specialized, giant are carried among others. Only issue would be if they have stock which was a problem a while back when I was looking.
I’m also toying with the idea of a steel hardtail again right now if I can’t get my short travel frame to feel right.
I have trouble keeping up with my teenager and I ride a burly enduro bike.Try to demo anything you can get your hands on. I knew right away that a hardtail is not for me.
If you are going to be riding with a teenager, you may want to over-bike with slack geo and more travel, as presumably your son will want to ride more technical trails. A capable bike buys you a lot of comfort and room for error, with just a bit more work to get it uphill.
If your trails are chunky enough to warrant a full suspension bike, then the Polygon T8 is unbeatable for the money. My cousin has one and loves it.
If your trails aren't too rough, then the Big AL is a very awesome bike.
If your trails aren't too rough, then the Big AL is a very awesome bike.
Giant Trance 29-3, which I am currently riding, is in stock. Great spec and value in a short travel trail bike with dealer support.
Forgot about them. Best bang for the buck in full suspensions.Giant Trance 29-3, which I am currently riding, is in stock. Great spec and value in a short travel trail bike with dealer support.
I also loved the look of the T8 and Vitus Mythique VRX, which are more comparable I think to the Trance X than the Trance 29.
I ended up with the Giant because it was available and had a dealer. The T8 and Mythique are bit longer travel and more rugged than the Trance, which I don't really require for most of my riding.
I ended up with the Giant because it was available and had a dealer. The T8 and Mythique are bit longer travel and more rugged than the Trance, which I don't really require for most of my riding.
Here in the PNW, we have a lot of steep and rugged trails where the T8 works pretty well.I also loved the look of the T8 and Vitus Mythique VRX, which are more comparable I think to the Trance X than the Trance 29.
I ended up with the Giant because it was available and had a dealer. The T8 and Mythique are bit longer travel and more rugged than the Trance, which I don't really require for most of my riding.
Nukeproof Scout. Solid bike and will be more than capable for your needs. I just added a Scout Comp 29 to the stable last month and its an awesome bike to ride and great value.
1 - 20 of 27 Posts
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