1. The most important thing about buying a new
bike is to make sure it fits. The only way you'll know if the bike is right
for you is to size up the bike and make sure that the bike's geometry matches
your body's geometry. Ask questions and do some research.
2. If possible, try to find a shop that will
let you demo the bike on real dirt. Five minutes in a parking lot won't cut
it. You wouldn't buy a car without a real world test drive, and a bike should
be no different.
3. Don't belive the hype. Just because
your favorite rider or best friend rides a certain bike, that doesn't mean
that's the best one for you. Have an open mind and be realistic about your
needs and ability.
I've been riding my old clunker for a while now, and its time for a new bike...
Before I go any further I thought I'd ask for advice and opinions, as there's such a wide array of bikes to choose from out there.
My budget is (ideally) around to $2,000.
I'd originally considered a Specialized Carve Pro as it was in my price range, but the recent mention on mtbr.com of the Foes F275 (http://reviews.mtbr.com/foes-f275-ph...a-trail-design) has piqued my interest. At $2399 however, its at the top of my budget...
...What I don't want to get into is, if I spend just $X amount more on this, and $X amount on that, I can have... and before I know I've added hundred(s) more to the price.
So what other bikes should I be considering?
I'm currently riding the local trails in Orange County, S. Calif
I'm 6' 2", so I like the idea of 29", but I'm not adverse to 27.5 (like the Foes F275) - but don't mind staying with 26
If anybody has any suggestions for bikes I should be looking at (and test riding) in the $2,000 to $2,500 range, I'd love to hear your recommendations.
I've been riding my old clunker for a while now, and its time for a new bike...
Before I go any further I thought I'd ask for advice and opinions, as there's such a wide array of bikes to choose from out there.
My budget is (ideally) around to $2,000.
I'd originally considered a Specialized Carve Pro as it was in my price range, but the recent mention on mtbr.com of the Foes F275 (http://reviews.mtbr.com/foes-f275-ph...a-trail-design) has piqued my interest. At $2399 however, its at the top of my budget...
...What I don't want to get into is, if I spend just $X amount more on this, and $X amount on that, I can have... and before I know I've added hundred(s) more to the price.
So what other bikes should I be considering?
I'm currently riding the local trails in Orange County, S. Calif
I'm 6' 2", so I like the idea of 29", but I'm not adverse to 27.5 (like the Foes F275) - but don't mind staying with 26
If anybody has any suggestions for bikes I should be looking at (and test riding) in the $2,000 to $2,500 range, I'd love to hear your recommendations.
Thanks!
The "best" bike for you is the one that you like best. The only way you can determine that is to ride them.
Ride as many as you can in your price range. Buy the one that feels best to you. At 2,000+, you're going to get a good bike. There is no "best" choice, only fanboy opinions.
A hard tail like the Carve will get you the best for your budget .
Last years Scott Scale Expert has come up on ebay in your range or lower.
You can test a 930, its new 2013 name, for sizing. An XL may be available new as a 2012 at about 2300 or less.
The other option is a little more difficult to get. The bike that was used to win the Leadville 100 this summer is the just released Grand Canyon CF SLX 29. The 8.9 level would be in your range after VAT refund and getting a friend to ship it to you. Canyon raced it here but doesn't yet ship to NAmer. Canyon Presents 2013 CF SLX Carbon Hard Tail 29"ers
I'd originally considered a Specialized Carve Pro as it was in my price range, but the recent mention on mtbr.com of the Foes F275 (http://reviews.mtbr.com/foes-f275-ph...a-trail-design) has piqued my interest. At $2399 however, its at the top of my budget...
Sorry to be a downer, but that $2,399 is for the frame and the shock, not a complete bike.
Since your're in Orange County, you at least have a load of bike shops within a reasonable radius to check some things out. I've never been there myself, but I've read lots of raves about The Path in Tustin. They have a pretty good selection, and you might check out their clearance bike page. Clicky.
$2,000-$2,500 doesn't buy as much bike as it did 5 years ago unfortunately, but if you take your time, you should be able to get something pretty nice.
"Back off, man. I'm a scientist."
- Dr. Peter Venkman
There is quite a bit out there. And as evasive pointed out, being in SoCal is a plus. You can easily find a 2012 or even a 2011 model year for discounted prices at lots of LBS's. If you do your homework and be patient you will find a great deal.
Don't count out FS bikes.
I'm 6'1" and 230# and now ride a Salsa Spearfish.
Pedals like a HT (very little pedal bob) and the suspenson takes the edge off.
It also climbs like a goat.
$2000 to $3000 range.
I'm loving mine after riding my HT for a while.
Sorry to be a downer, but that $2,399 is for the frame and the shock, not a complete bike.
Since your're in Orange County, you at least have a load of bike shops within a reasonable radius to check some things out. I've never been there myself, but I've read lots of raves about The Path in Tustin. They have a pretty good selection, and you might check out their clearance bike page. Clicky.
$2,000-$2,500 doesn't buy as much bike as it did 5 years ago unfortunately, but if you take your time, you should be able to get something pretty nice.
Yep, frame and shock.
There are a few reputable shop in OC check them out, the bike company, and Path bicycle are pretty awesome. I know that Path bicycle has good deal on demos and new old stock models.
For the money Giant Trance X is a great choice and well within your budget, if you would not mind blowing it a little then the special blend Ibis Mojo would be my top choice at $2750. Give them all a test ride or demo ride, pick the one that fit you and your riding style.
Thank you everybody for your input, especially if you mentioned a specific brand/model. Looks like I have lots of test rides ahead of me. Thanks again, I appreciate it!
I've seen all kinds of deals around locally and on the Internet. Al tallboys and al tblts. Can't remember the exact model but I have seen several Fs Scotts that are sweet for around $2000.
Test ride and ride some more
Sent via my heady vibes from the heart of Pisgahstan
I love my Trek Superfly AL Elite. I tried several brands and really liked the way the Trek 29ers handle. Super stiff and light frame, and has good-quality components.
I have a 2012 model, which listed for around $2250, $100 less than this year. I had a $100-off coupon from a Trek factory demo, and the dealer discounted $150.
Go to your local bike shop and test ride to see if a 29 is something you like (with or without FS) and then I'd take a chance on either one of these. The BMC I think is the best 'value' bike in that you get an Recon fork, SLX parts and disc brakes...heck you even have a little money to do some minor upgrades and still be very much below your intended budget.
The Salsa is really nice..Fox fork, SRAM x7ish parts. Not sure how the longer wheelbase rides but if you really like full suspension, this is well regarded.
Either way, both bikes have enough quality parts you should not feel major upgradeitis
The couple of bikes you mentioned are totally different types (one is a light, hardtail XC machine, the other a 6" trail/all mountain FS bike). I think it's a good idea to narrow down the style of riding you want to do and then the type of bike that best suits that style of riding. No one can decide that for you.
I think you can get a nice setup for your budget in any style of bike, especially this time of year when shops are clearing out last year's models. If you do decide on a trail bike (5+" full suspension), I would suggest looking at the Santa Cruz Nickel deals on Competitive Cyclist (they currently have full X9 builds for $1999). I just bought one with a couple small upgrades, but it's a really great setup for the price stock. Someone else mentioned the Giant Trance X, which is also a great bike for the money. The new for 2013 29" version of the Trance X 29er 2 retails for only $2750. Snagging a 26" 2012 in your budget shouldn't be too tough.
For XC bikes, you'll generally get higher level components for your money on a hardtail, but you can still get a nice FS build on your budget as well. Someone mentioned Scott - they're typically high value builds in my opinion. The Scale is their XC hardtail and the Spark is the FS XC rig. Trek's Superfly is another great XC option. The Superfly 100 AL would probably be within your budget.
, I have a dilemma, I am a beginner and looking at a full sus bike for around £1000, I have two ideas at the moment and I would appreciate any comments from any more experienced riders. The two bikes are;
Hello, fellow noob to the forum here but been riding single track stuff since I was a kid. I'm looking to upgrade as well so thought I'd drop my 2 cents here. I've got a Specialized Rockhopper that has served me very well for the past four years. But I'm also looking for an upgrade in the $2k range. I've looked at a lot and have gone back and forth for awhile but have settled on the Trek Stache 8. When comparing to Specialized, Giant, Salsa, Transition, etc., it seems this is the best "bang for your buck" single-track bike available in this price range. It gives you the best components for the money plus comes with Fox's CTD 120mm front fork which I'm pretty stoked about. I've got one earmarked once my LBS gets them in and it's looking like first part of February. Hope this helps and feel free to shoot holes in my thoughts/findings, there are tons of people on here a lot smarter than me!
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Originally Posted by swerverider
