REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Recomendation / Decision on New Bike

3748 Views 39 Replies 13 Participants Last post by pushie, Feb 1, 2022

wcharon

Discussion Starter · Jan 18, 2022

Hi and Happy Holidays...

I am new to the forum and will like to know what you think. I have a old MTB Schwinn 26" that still runs OK but have several friends that are in the Hobby and they are pushing me. I am more focused on street but with some low level off road.

I have been looking around to upgrade and there are so much options that get me thinking. I am a person that don't like to buy twice if i stay in the Hobby so i have maybe 2 options that i have found that attract me.

Option 1 is from a friend and it is a Specialized Rockhopper Sport 2017 with 2x10 speed. He have upgraded some parts like 29" Tires Maxxis, Transmission Shimano and Crankset XT and Cassete 36 Shimano. He is asking $1,000.00 and for that price i think it is better to go new. What you think?

Option 2 is a new Kona Mahuno 2021 which is 1x11, Proprietary Brakes Tektro, Shimano Shifter and Rotor and they are asking $1,300.00.

Option 3 is a new Cannondale Trial SL2 2021 Aluminum with Remote and Air Suspension Fork, Shimano Transmission, Hydraulic Brakes, Schwalbe Rocket Tires 29. Everything is Shimano basically but they are asking $1,800 for it.

To be honest i like the Cannondale but i don't think for a starter like me i will use all those goodies. Sorry for the long post as i am just trying to give all the information.

Your opinions please and thanks in advance.

1 - 20 of 40 Posts

eb1888

· #2 · Jan 19, 2022 (Edited)

It depends on the terrain you have to ride.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/puerto-rico/

Archives

Puerto Rico mountain bike trail information. Maps, photos, and reviews for 37 mountain bike trails in Puerto Rico.

www.singletracks.com

For trails with rocks/roots the fork performance is very important.
For smooth trails and bike paths it isn't as critical.
All the bikes listed are the smooth trail type. The Cannondale has an air fork, but the damper is junk and can't be upgraded.
Same with the Kona fork plus it has 450mm chainstays. Way too long. 435 is normal for 29s. It'll handle slow.
For the Kona money look at Wiggle/CRC for the Ragley Big Al 1.0. Great fork, good geo, wide rim wheels. Ready to ride anywhere. No upgrades for several years or more.

Chain Reaction | MTB, Gravel & Road Bikes | Epic MTB Gear

We love bikes & MTB. Discover our epic bikes, bike parts, cycle apparel, accessories & more. Let us hook you up with all the gear you need to send it!

www.chainreactioncycles.com

Get on the email list for the next shipment. It updates at 8am UK time about 3am eastern. Click it fast or wait for the next shipment.

Reactions: 1

Monty219

· #3 · Jan 19, 2022

One thing is for sure, don’t buy the used rockhopper for $1000.

Reactions: 5

julianw

· #4 · Jan 19, 2022

definitely don't buy the 2017 rockhopper for 1000. ride your current bike and get the email notifications from chain reaction cycles for the ragley big al or marley. they offer a lower spec without dropper seatpost and cheaper front fork. my recommendation is to get the more expensive spec if you are able to, it'll save you money because you won't need to upgrade anything. your skills will be able to grow into either of those bikes.

the cannondale and kona have 68 deg head tube angles. i'd recommend a 67 deg head angle as a max for a hardtail (66 would be my max, i currently ride the mmmbop at 64 deg), will be better for steeper trails and be more stable at speed.

Battery

· #5 · Jan 19, 2022

Doesn't hurt to go new and get a warranty/shop support for your product. Plus it's advantageous to let a bike shop fit you to the correct size bike.

Reactions: 1

2021Mach6

· #6 · Jan 19, 2022

eb1888 said:
It depends on the terrain you have to ride.

https://www.trailforks.com/region/puerto-rico/

Archives

Puerto Rico mountain bike trail information. Maps, photos, and reviews for 37 mountain bike trails in Puerto Rico.

www.singletracks.com

For trails with rocks/roots the fork performance is very important.
For smooth trails and bike paths it isn't as critical.
All the bikes listed are the smooth trail type. The Cannondale has an air fork, but the damper is junk and can't be upgraded.
Same with the Kona fork plus it has 450mm chainstays. Way too long. 435 is normal for 29s. It'll handle slow.
For the Kona money look at Wiggle/CRC for the Ragley Big Al 1.0. Great fork, good geo, wide rim wheels. Ready to ride anywhere. No upgrades for several years or more.

Chain Reaction | MTB, Gravel & Road Bikes | Epic MTB Gear

We love bikes & MTB. Discover our epic bikes, bike parts, cycle apparel, accessories & more. Let us hook you up with all the gear you need to send it!

www.chainreactioncycles.com

Get on the email list for the next shipment. It updates at 8am UK time about 3am eastern. Click it fast or wait for the next shipment.

That Ragley has to be the most recommended bike on this entire website!

EDIT: Finally just looked at it for the first time. I can see that the hype is all about. Yeah, that's a solid bike. Good value, good geo and upgradable.

Sparticus

· #7 · Jan 19, 2022

Currently out of stock but worth the wait.
=sParty

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #8 · Jan 19, 2022

Perfect. Thanks to all for the feedback and suggestions. Valuable information posted which i will assure to look at.

For sure i will take a look at the Ragley. I will not be going to deep on the Mountain side as i am looking for more exercise and crusing..

I went to other store and they are exclusive GIANT and also recommended the FATHOM TACOMA 29 version 2. Fathom 29 2 (2021) | bike | Giant Bicycles US.

Again, thanks for all the feedback as i am new in this and really don't want to pay twice.

fly4130

· #9 · Jan 19, 2022

My brother in law picked up a Fathom 29 1 spec build last year. It is decent enough, though I am not a huge fan of the fork. That said, it wont do you wrong. I do think the Big AL is pretty sweet though, and would pick that myself if I was making the choice between options presented in this thread for more emotional/irrational reasons. I just think Ragley is cooler than the big brands.

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 19, 2022

fly4130 said:
My brother in law picked up a Fathom 29 1 spec build last year. It is decent enough, though I am not a huge fan of the fork. That said, it wont do you wrong. I do think the Big AL is pretty sweet though, and would pick that myself if I was making the choice between options presented in this thread for more emotional/irrational reasons. I just think Ragley is cooler than the big brands.

Thanks. I just subscribed to the site. What got me thinking is that for warranty purpose if any maybe a local store will be easier to work with. Anyway i am still looking and as i am really not going so deep on the Mountain route maybe i don't have to worry about upgrade parts.

What you think?

fly4130

· #11 · Jan 19, 2022

The shop dealing with warranty issues is a plus, but not always a guarantee. There are plenty of stories here about shops blaming manufactures and not being all that helpful post sale when a possible warranty issue arises. There are plenty of stories as well of shops being invaluable to the process and kicking butt. No one tells the story of how things went as expected.

If you trust the shop and just don't want to deal with issues directly there is no harm in working through them. @Battery makes a good point on fitting as well. That said, they will still service any bike when the times comes for repair/upgrades so don't assume you need to buy new from them to have those options later. Bike shops are not like car dealer service departments. I have had my shop work on a warranty issue for a bike I bought from them, repair bikes purchased elsewhere, and I have dealt with warranty issues directly with manufacturers. If they won't service anything they didn't sell you have your answer on whether or not to do business with them.

Like I said in my earlier post, with my level of experience and comfort working on bikes and dealing with issues I would have no problem ordering the Ragley. If you would rather not deal with some of the potential issues and headaches (that may never arise from a warranty standpoint) then outsourcing those issues to a shop is perfectly fine as well.

At the end of the day the best bike is the one you ride. You can only ride a bike if you have one, and you will only keep riding that bike if it fits you and your riding style. It is way too easy to nauseate over options.

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wcharon

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jan 19, 2022

fly4130 said:
The shop dealing with warranty issues is a plus, but not always a guarantee. There are plenty of stories here about shops blaming manufactures and not being all that helpful post sale when a possible warranty issue arises. There are plenty of stories as well of shops being invaluable to the process and kicking butt. No one tells the story of how things went as expected.

If you trust the shop and just don't want to deal with issues directly there is no harm in working through them. @Battery makes a good point on fitting as well. That said, they will still service any bike when the times comes for repair/upgrades so don't assume you need to buy new from them to have those options later. Bike shops are not like car dealer service departments. I have had my shop work on a warranty issue for a bike I bought from them, repair bikes purchased elsewhere, and I have dealt with warranty issues directly with manufacturers. If they won't service anything they didn't sell you have your answer on whether or not to do business with them.

Like I said in my earlier post, with my level of experience and comfort working on bikes and dealing with issues I would have no problem ordering the Ragley. If you would rather not deal with some of the potential issues and headaches (that may never arise from a warranty standpoint) then outsourcing those issues to a shop is perfectly fine as well.

At the end of the day the best bike is the one you ride. You can only ride a bike if you have one, and you will only keep riding that bike if it fits you and your riding style. It is way too easy to nauseate over options.

@fly4130 ...Thanks for the honest opinions and for sure i respect your advise and experience. I will keep a eye on Ragley.

Once again, Thanks...

Reactions: 1

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jan 19, 2022

Checking the Marley 1.0 and it seems that it doesn't come on 29 and only on 27.5. Wrote them to see what they say. Following advises. Jajajajjjajj

eb1888

· #14 · Jan 19, 2022 (Edited)

The Fathom 2 is a decent second choice. Much better than your other initial choices. Giant had problems with the fork initially. They had to replace some with another product.
Read the posts to be up to date. Ask your dealer about the fork problem.

www.mtbr.com

Giant Crest 34 fork recall

Any news on a recall on the Giant Crest 34 fork ? I have a Giant Fathom 1 29 pre-ordered. Normally the fathom 1 29 is supposed to have this fork...Wonder if it's going to affect delivery date.

www.mtbr.com

You can get on the email notification list for 29er bikes you like. Stock comes in. The email notifications go out at 8 am. UK time. They sell out. Then you wait for the next shipment. If you buy it takes 4-10 days to arrive. Free shipping no sales tax.

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 19, 2022

eb1888 said:
The Fathom 2 is a decent second choice. Much better than your other initial choices. Giant had problems with the fork initially. They had to replace some with another product.
Read the posts to be up to date. Ask your dealer about the fork problem.

Giant Crest 34 fork recall

Any news on a recall on the Giant Crest 34 fork ? I have a Giant Fathom 1 29 pre-ordered. Normally the fathom 1 29 is supposed to have this fork...Wonder if it's going to affect delivery date.

www.mtbr.com

You can get on the email notification list for 29er bikes you like. Stock comes ih. The email notifications go out at 8 am. UK time. They sell out. Then you wait for the next shipment. If you buy it takes 4-10 days to arrive.

Perfect. Thanks @eb1888

Leveq

· #16 · Jan 19, 2022

I ordered a 2022 Fathom 29-2, getting it end of March (Canada). Not too worried about the fork issue, I believe it was mostly an issue with earlier batches. They also had chainring problems with the 2021 "2", but drivetrain has been changed for 2022 so.

It's definitely a better choice and good bang for the buck compared to what you linked in OP. It'll be able to handle a lot more tech and gnarly stuff.

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jan 20, 2022

Leveq said:
I ordered a 2022 Fathom 29-2, getting it end of March (Canada). Not too worried about the fork issue, I believe it was mostly an issue with earlier batches. They also had chainring problems with the 2021 "2", but drivetrain has been changed for 2022 so.

It's definitely a better choice and good bang for the buck compared to what you linked in OP. It'll be able to handle a lot more tech and gnarly stuff.

Thanks @Leveq .. Actually i will be going to a Giant Bike Shop today to see what they can come out. Did you reserve online that you can share the link to see if they ship to PR?

Also to update all that have gave me some honest insight I called a friend of my for some information as i know he was in the hobby for several years with several bikes and he told me that is getting out of the cycling due to knee problems.

Short information he offered me a Giant Anthem 29 2015 Full Suspension and he said to go get it, try it and also take it to the shop for verification and analysis. He also said that he made some changes and one of them was convert it to 1x11. We haven't talked about cost so i can't compare that part yet. To be honest, i am more inclined to new but you never know until i see it and get more information that for sure i will post here for your GREAT help.

What you guys think as i was checking prices but haven't check if those parts are costly or difficult to find or if something happen they can be replaced with newly years parts?

Once again, really appreciated.

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eb1888

· #18 · Jan 20, 2022

1x11 is just as good as 1x12 and the replacement parts are available and less expensive.
It'll have a steep head tube angle and long chainstays. The opposite of current geo. It'll be stable on trails because of the long chainstays and slower turning because of them.
The Fox fork of that era is supposed to be serviced a lot. Not good small bump compliance.
The rims will be skinny compared to 30mm internal rim width of current bikes. That requires more air pressure in the tires to avoid foldover. You get less traction and more abrupt slide-out of the front tire.
It will not have room at the rear for wider tires.
It should shift and stop fine.
You can always resell it.

celswick

· #19 · Jan 20, 2022

I didn’t read all the recommendations, but I’m sure there is some great advice here.

You mentioned you’re a beginner and don’t think you need certain features. My advice is, you won’t be a beginner for long, and if you get something “good enough” now; you’ll be wanting something better in a few months.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Reactions: 1

wcharon

Discussion Starter · #20 · Jan 20, 2022

eb1888 said:
1x11 is just as good as 1x12 and the replacement parts are available and less expensive.
It'll have a steep head tube angle and long chainstays. The opposite of current geo. It'll be stable on trails because of the long chainstays and slower turning because of them.
The Fox fork of that era is supposed to be serviced a lot. Not good small bump compliance.
The rims will be skinny compared to 30mm internal rim width of current bikes. That requires more air pressure in the tires to avoid foldover. You get less traction and more abrupt slide-out of the front tire.
It will not have room at the rear for wider tires.
It should shift and stop fine.
You can always resell it.

Thanks once again @eb1888. Super great technical points. I think this means that it will not be a bad buy if the price and conditions are OK. I will post a pic when i get it this afternoon.

I think i have nailed down to these 2 options at the moment; Used Giant Anthem Full Suspension or the Giant Fathom 29 1 or 2.

1 - 20 of 40 Posts

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