Deciding on a New Bike

[rmzsuzuki89]

I'm new to mountain biking, so I'm not really shire what to look for and what is good. I would like to get something with both front and rear suspension, but don't wanna spend a fortune and a half on one. I would like to keep it pretty close to $500-$600 ish. What would be a decent, affordable bike with front and rear suspension for someone just starting. I was thinking about that hard tale bikes, but it just seems like it would't ride as good. I thing my mx experience kind of plays into that belief haha.

Also, what size frame size (I think I saw that there were different sizes) would I want being 5'10" and around 170 lbs?

Also what would the pros and cons be to the 29"era vs the 26"ers?

Sorry for the dumb questions, I just want to make sure that I get something that I'll be happy with.

[HelloMyNameIsSean]

I don't think you're gonna find anything new in that price range, especially full suspension. My first bike was a Raleigh Talus 5.0, and I paid 550 for it. I destroyed it riding it around the neighborhood and fire roads. I would either look used, or up the budget. I think for 800-1000 dollars you can find something a year or two old with full suspension and some upgrades.

H/t vs. F/s, if it's your first bike, H/t might not be a bad idea. It'll give you more skills instead of relying on the suspension to get you through, and to teach you to use your legs as your rear suspension. They're also a lot cheaper and a lot less maintenance. It's just food for thought.

As for the 29 vs 26 issue, it comes down to preference IMO. I've ridden a 29er before and I can't see myself ever riding one. With your Mx background, I feel like you would like 26 better. They're more maneuverable and more flickable. Cornering is also a lot easier. I just felt very unstable on it, please don't tear me to pieces because I shared my opinion guys.

[While At Rome]

-With that price range you could afford a used entry level hardtail 26. Save more money, and go shopping again when you have twice the money. I started on a hardtail 26 4 years ago and it isnt a bad thing at all, makes you able to pick lines well and eases you into climbing.

-You would probably be a medium frame size with most companies

-Dont even think about a 29'r at this price range

[HelloMyNameIsSean]

^ I always thought it was While In Rome?

[While At Rome]

Originally Posted by HelloMyNameIsSean

^ I always thought it was While In Rome?

usually taken so i did this one

[rmzsuzuki89]

Originally Posted by HelloMyNameIsSean

I don't think you're gonna find anything new in that price range, especially full suspension. My first bike was a Raleigh Talus 5.0, and I paid 550 for it. I destroyed it riding it around the neighborhood and fire roads. I would either look used, or up the budget. I think for 800-1000 dollars you can find something a year or two old with full suspension and some upgrades.

H/t vs. F/s, if it's your first bike, H/t might not be a bad idea. It'll give you more skills instead of relying on the suspension to get you through, and to teach you to use your legs as your rear suspension. They're also a lot cheaper and a lot less maintenance. It's just food for thought.

As for the 29 vs 26 issue, it comes down to preference IMO. I've ridden a 29er before and I can't see myself ever riding one. With your Mx background, I feel like you would like 26 better. They're more maneuverable and more flickable. Cornering is also a lot easier. I just felt very unstable on it, please don't tear me to pieces because I shared my opinion guys.

I'll probably stick to the 26 then. I like the idea of being more maneuverable and flickable. I may up the budget a tad if I have to and a good deal is there to make me haha. I was also thinking maybe starting kinda cheap for a starter and upgrade in a few months or a year to something better.

And how did it get destroyed? haha

Originally Posted by While At Rome

-With that price range you could afford a used entry level hardtail 26. Save more money, and go shopping again when you have twice the money. I started on a hardtail 26 4 years ago and it isnt a bad thing at all, makes you able to pick lines well and eases you into climbing.

-You would probably be a medium frame size with most companies

-Dont even think about a 29'r at this price range

What would you say would be some good brands/models to keep an eye out for.

[rmzsuzuki89]

So I may be able to get a decent starter full suspension bike be in my budget if I upped it to around $1k.

[nauc]

this lists for $1050

Yukon FX (2012) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | United States

they make good bang for the buck bikes

you might use this as a guide for bike size Fit Calculator - Competitive Cyclist

[RaptorTC]

You might be able to find a decent used full suspension bike for that price. I was watching a Giant Trance 0 that was a couple years old go for just a hair over $1,000 on eBay the other day. If I were you I'd go with a hardtail though. You'll be able to get more bike for your money in that price range.

[vigla2002]

A used Santa Cruz Heckler will be a good entry FS bike in the range of $1100!

[While At Rome]

Originally Posted by rmzsuzuki89

I'll probably stick to the 26 then. I like the idea of being more maneuverable and flickable. I may up the budget a tad if I have to and a good deal is there to make me haha. I was also thinking maybe starting kinda cheap for a starter and upgrade in a few months or a year to something better.

And how did it get destroyed? haha



What would you say would be some good brands/models to keep an eye out for.

Look for all 2008+ at the oldest... here are some that just come to mind there are tons more. Look at bikes in your price range and then read reviews on them. Dont buy the first bike you find either.

Full suspension about 1000-1300 used
Specialized Stumpjumper
Specialized Pitch
Trek Fuel
Giant trance
Giant Reign 2 possibly
Santa Cruz Heckler (thanks to vig)

[Richard_]

the problem with waiting for the right deal on a used bike , is the right size ! that is the problem I am having , I'm 5'5" 30-31" inseam , most every thing i have seen so far has been to big

[Richard_]

what type of riding are you planning on ? I was all set on a FS , now I am leaning towards a nice HT , Giant Talon 29er1

[fsrxc]

Originally Posted by Richard_

the problem with waiting for the right deal on a used bike , is the right size ! that is the problem I am having , I'm 5'5" 30-31" inseam , most every thing i have seen so far has been to big

You might have good luck buying new - quite a few clearance '10 and '11 bikes are still available in Sm and XS sizes, check your LBSs.

[rmzsuzuki89]

Originally Posted by Richard_

what type of riding are you planning on ? I was all set on a FS , now I am leaning towards a nice HT , Giant

I plan on doing a lot of trail riding around Tampa Bay FL, and elsewhere when traveling. I'd also like to make myself some jumps when I get the opportunity.

[dirkdaddy]

Tampa? I think you probably have mostly tree roots to deal with, I'd go with a good HT for your 500 budget, maybe used if you are skilled at evaluating bike condition - need to check driveline wear and fork condition, etc. A bike from this forum classifieds is an option as most of these guys/gals are going to give a honest deal, but you still might be better going local shop ask about trade ins that sort of thing or craigslist. Used you want to get good enough deal you can afford to replace some major thing and still be happy with the deal. A heck of a lot of "wanna be" bike riders get talked into buying a nice bike and it sits in garage. I've seen bikes on criagslist that look new. I got my daughter a nice HT that still had the rubber nubbies on the tires as it had hardly been ridden out of the driveway! Good luck. Lots of people going 29 too so deals on 26.

[Axe]

650b.

[rmzsuzuki89]

Is an '09 Fuji Thrill LT 2.0 a good bike? I found a 17" one on closeout for $1199.99 on close out. Not sure what shipping will be though.

Or would a '12 Giant Yukon FX for $1049 pick up be a better deal?

[dirkdaddy]

Did your budget just go up 100%? LOL I've been there myself....

Obviously the Fuji has a lot more suspension travel which is a bonus on rough terrain, not so necessary for XC type riding and likely some weight penalty, but ...that's the trend toward 150+ mm travel bikes, where as 120 used to be pretty awesome.

Both have cable disk brakes which should work well enough and entry level suspension shock / fork, as they are going to have to cut corners somewhat to at that price point.

I'd get the better frame. The fuji has a higher original price, if you want a lot of "cush" in your ride that's the one. Either one is light years ahead of my first real mtn bike! I had a full rigid cro-mo Nashbar house brand with U brake under the chainstays, thumb shifters, etc. Yea it sucked, but the cannondale I bought next I still have it.

[While At Rome]

I would say go with the Fuji. x9 & hydro brakes (tektros arent THAT bad) will be a great ride to start out on.

[rmzsuzuki89]

Well come to find out that the Fuji can't be shipped.

Is a Specialized FSR XC Comp, 09 for $1399 shipped a good deal. Or there is a Rockhopper 29er at a bike shop here for $850. Or maybe a Trek Mamba at a shop by my house, I think it was like $900.

[While At Rome]

Look for a Specialized Camber

[BUSTELO]

Save up to 60% off new Mountain Bikes - MTB - Motobecane Fantom 29PRO have a look at this bike? not a pretty name however if you are not into bling these guys offer excellent value.of course the more you pay the better the components are.

[longboarderj]

Originally Posted by rmzsuzuki89

Is an '09 Fuji Thrill LT 2.0 a good bike? I found a 17" one on closeout for $1199.99 on close out. Not sure what shipping will be though.

Or would a '12 Giant Yukon FX for $1049 pick up be a better deal?

Check out the Airborne Marauder @ Airborne Bicycles very similar to the Fuji Thrill, I have one and it is a rock solid bike.

[While At Rome]

Originally Posted by longboarderj

Check out the Airborne Marauder @ Airborne Bicycles very similar to the Fuji Thrill, I have one and it is a rock solid bike.

Stay away from Airbornes 6-7 year old single pivot bikes. They are an inferior and out of date design.