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What should I look for in a mountain bike and why are they so damn expensive?

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Hodor
Posts: 503 - Karma: 2,578
As a newcomer to the sport, the cost of getting a decent bike seems crazy. I have been riding a used intro level hard tail cannondale 29er for the past year which has been awesome to learn on but want to move on to a full suspension next year. Have fallen in love with the sport and want to get more serious, do some riding in utah, other parts of Montana and just go faster in general.

Anyways, anybody have recommendations for any full suspension bikes that are $2500 and under? It is just insane to me that this price range is "cheap". Also when comparing bikes what should I look for? I know literally nothing about it, but what makes for a good fork, good rear shock?
Apr 26 2016 12:05PM
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Huck_Fin
Posts: 355 - Karma: 968
I would look for something that is lightly used with high level components. If you buy a cheap bike that is brand new you will probably have problems with it further down the road because of crappy components.
Apr 26 2016 12:17PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
Yeah prices can be crazy but it's worth it some how.

It all depends on what type of riding you want to do. If you're looking for a trail bike you can get a cheaper entry level bike well with in that price range. you gotta know the difference between you're performance brands and you're value brand.

Couple value brands worth checking out would be Giant, Trek, and Norco.

I would suggest buying a good frame that has some different trim levels. The Giant trance is a solid trail bike that has a trim level in your price range.

use the frame for a couple years and add new better components as you get more money or know what you want.
Apr 26 2016 12:27PM
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
What travel are you looking for?
Apr 26 2016 2:13PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
What is you're budget?

You're best bet is to check out the buy/sell section of Pinkbike. You'll be able to pick up a super solid bike for less than something new. Especially because you are still sort of getting into it.
Apr 26 2016 2:32PM
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arnie_grape
Posts: 3451 - Karma: 11,678
its probably the most expensive sport next to polo.
when I was 13 I bought a $500 bike thinking that was a lot and it was trashed in a month. haven't been on a bike since lol
Apr 26 2016 2:40PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
saskskierWhat is you're budget?

You're best bet is to check out the buy/sell section of Pinkbike. You'll be able to pick up a super solid bike for less than something new. Especially because you are still sort of getting into it.


My bad. Somehow missed the $2500 thing.

Do you want to stick with 29" or wanting to go down to 27.5" or go back to good ol' 26". Regardless, I'd still recommend Pinkbike. Do some browsing on there and check out what's available.
Apr 26 2016 2:45PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
HodorAlso when comparing bikes what should I look for? I know literally nothing about it, but what makes for a good fork, good rear shock?


if I was looking for a bike it would have to have...

-160ish travel f/r
-dropper post
-11 speed 40t or 42t out back
-solid brakes from shimano or sram (xt, zee, or guides)
-Nice lightweight wheelset and hubs
-Fork would have to be a Rockshox pike or lyrik, or fox 36
-Air shock such as rockshox monarch or vivid air, cane creek double barrel air, or fox x2
-wide bars but those are cheap to replace

like the Norco Range, Nukeproof mega Am, santa cruz nomad, evil insurgent, giant reign, knolly chilcotin, YT capra, ibis mojo, specalized enduro, trek slash, yeti sb6c or sb5c, or pivot firebird
Apr 26 2016 4:54PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
kung_powpowif I was looking for a bike it would have to have...

-160ish travel f/r
-dropper post
-11 speed 40t or 42t out back
-solid brakes from shimano or sram (xt, zee, or guides)
-Nice lightweight wheelset and hubs
-Fork would have to be a Rockshox pike or lyrik, or fox 36
-Air shock such as rockshox monarch or vivid air, cane creek double barrel air, or fox x2
-wide bars but those are cheap to replace

like the Norco Range, Nukeproof mega Am, santa cruz nomad, evil insurgent, giant reign, knolly chilcotin, YT capra, ibis mojo, specalized enduro, trek slash, yeti sb6c or sb5c, or pivot firebird


Did you see his budget?
Apr 26 2016 10:20PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
TingaDid you see his budget?


Hey, look. There is almost an option here that fits his budget. Ha ha ha.

Apr 26 2016 10:40PM
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kung_powpow
Posts: 1990 - Karma: 3,671
TingaDid you see his budget?


If it's used then you'll be able to get pretty close to those specs. No way if its new haha
Apr 26 2016 11:08PM
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whiteboi
Posts: 477 - Karma: 1,228
I'd recommend checking out the Specialized Camber series. I bought my Camber 29er as my first dual suspension trail bike a while ago for $1900. It rips so hard
Apr 26 2016 11:18PM
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250r
Posts: 2276 - Karma: 1,013
if you must get a new bike get one thats left over from last season. they'd probably all be gone by now though. i got a new specialized enduro comp for 3k instead of the original 4k a couple months ago.
Apr 27 2016 12:00AM
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tac0.slayer
Posts: 254 - Karma: 947
I would highly recommend looking for a good used steel freeride/all mountain hardtail. Something with around 160 mm travel up front with modern agressive geometry. I actually built my NS surge completely from scratch for under 2500, saving a huge chunk of cash by buying a lightly used complete wheelset and a used fork. By buying or building a hardtail you save a significant amount of money on the frame and suspension components, thus allowing a much better build.

I would highly suggest looking into them, something such as a On One, NS Eccentric or Surge, Chromag Stylus, Ragley, Transition Trans Am. These are all highly capable bikes, and in my opinion if you are on a budget, it's way better then dumping all your money into a full suspension with crappy components. Somethig with 160mm up front, slack and wide bars and short stem and 1x gearing is what you'll want to look for. I ride mine anywhere where people take their full suspensions including lift accessed bike parks, tech trails, 20+ foot doubles, literally anything. Super versitile and low airborne compared to a full squish.

I built mine completely from scratch, but unless you have lots of experience and knowledge working on bikes and standards I would look for a used one and upgrade if needed.

Just my 2cents, but hope it helps.
Apr 27 2016 12:09AM
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MacMahoooon
Posts: 9009 - Karma: 3,305
I'll toss my 2 cents in for a Kona Process line, they are an incredibly fun geometry that pedals well but really rips on the down. I ride the 153 as my all arounder for everything from long climbs to gnarly deccents. For something a little tuned back, the 134 is a great bike as well and still handles great.
Apr 27 2016 9:41AM
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uturn
Posts: 183 - Karma: 380
Bike shops/parks will usually sell off year old rental bikes for a considerable discount, that are for the most part are pretty well taken care of
Apr 27 2016 1:06PM
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ReetsAdeets
Posts: 1531 - Karma: 611
100% get a used bike, you'll save yourself hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Apr 27 2016 1:38PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
250rif you must get a new bike get one thats left over from last season. they'd probably all be gone by now though. i got a new specialized enduro comp for 3k instead of the original 4k a couple months ago.

Yup, it's all about getting closeouts because you get a warranty with it.

I got my enduro29er comp on closeout in october, put new rubber on, a reverb stealth, new bars and stem, a one-up 42 tooth in the back, plus upgraded brakes for under 3k. All new stuff as well. The old saying is cheap, light, durable... Pick 2. I always pick cheap and durable haha, my bike is a bit on the hefty side.
Apr 27 2016 3:17PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,175
So I have a chance to buy an '09 Fuji Outland Comp that's in "like new" condition. I haven't taken a look at it yet so idk how like new it is. It's $250, is that a pretty good deal for a full squishy? I've never had a full suspension mtb before so will this suit me for the mediocre mountain biking opportunities that MN has to offer?
May 17 2016 8:21AM
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User1
Posts: 402 - Karma: 2,217
JAHpowSo I have a chance to buy an '09 Fuji Outland Comp that's in "like new" condition. I haven't taken a look at it yet so idk how like new it is. It's $250, is that a pretty good deal for a full squishy? I've never had a full suspension mtb before so will this suit me for the mediocre mountain biking opportunities that MN has to offer?


That's probably a good deal but honestly there is no reason to have a full suspension in Minnesota, our trails are so smooth that you could run a rigid and be fine
May 17 2016 8:34AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
JAHpowSo I have a chance to buy an '09 Fuji Outland Comp that's in "like new" condition. I haven't taken a look at it yet so idk how like new it is. It's $250, is that a pretty good deal for a full squishy? I've never had a full suspension mtb before so will this suit me for the mediocre mountain biking opportunities that MN has to offer?


If you want to ride trails that a 42 year old mother of 3 would, and at a similar pace, and in a similar manner... Sure that bike will suit you just fine.
May 17 2016 9:51AM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
User1That's probably a good deal but honestly there is no reason to have a full suspension in Minnesota, our trails are so smooth that you could run a rigid and be fine


I'm guessing you ride in the twin cities... that sucks.
May 17 2016 9:53PM
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mike759
Posts: 877 - Karma: 1,969
Santa Cruz bikes look sick and the Heckler is in your budget
May 17 2016 10:02PM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
At the end of the day an expensive bike is a good investment if you ride all the time. It's also better to buy a bike with better performing and durable components so you don't have to replace stuff as often. And mountain biking is free for the most part when it comes to riding trails compared to skiing where you can spend 100 dollars a day. If money is a problem it's probably better to pay attention to the pinkbike buy and sell section where you can score a nice bike for a really good price.
May 17 2016 10:04PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
yungsteezeAt the end of the day an expensive bike is a good investment if you ride all the time. It's also better to buy a bike with better performing and durable components so you don't have to replace stuff as often. And mountain biking is free for the most part when it comes to riding trails compared to skiing where you can spend 100 dollars a day. If money is a problem it's probably better to pay attention to the pinkbike buy and sell section where you can score a nice bike for a really good price.


Lol. MTB is significantly more expensive upfront, and in the long run. Also, nicer components are a waste for beginners. Mid range stuff works just as well, it just weighs more than high end components.

My buddy just got an almost new Norco Fluid 7.1 off pinkbike for 1400. Woulda been a great bike for a begginer in MN. pinkbike and CG are the way to go for sure... unless you get a killer closeout deal from a shop.
May 17 2016 10:14PM
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yungsteeze
Posts: 673 - Karma: 1,969
californiagrownLol. MTB is significantly more expensive upfront, and in the long run. Also, nicer components are a waste for beginners. Mid range stuff works just as well, it just weighs more than high end components.

My buddy just got an almost new Norco Fluid 7.1 off pinkbike for 1400. Woulda been a great bike for a begginer in MN. pinkbike and CG are the way to go for sure... unless you get a killer closeout deal from a shop.



Never said it was cheaper just pointing out how after the initial investment there's fewer expenses. The thing about weight being the only difference for the most part is only true when you're comparing absolute top end parts to high end parts, like shimano xtr vs xt. Xt will be more durable and perform better than deore or slx mostly because of primarily metal construction rather than plastic.
May 17 2016 10:24PM
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User1
Posts: 402 - Karma: 2,217
TingaI'm guessing you ride in the twin cities... that sucks.


Yeah, anything that is remotely close isn't worthy of full sus, maybe the south loop of theo but it's unnecessary
May 17 2016 10:59PM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
2 seasons ago I bought a 2011 Banshee Rune w fox 36 kashima and dhx 5 kashima w xt/zee build for just over 2K. keep looking in your local area and youll eventually find a good one in your price range! 100% buy used
May 18 2016 1:00AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
yungsteezeNever said it was cheaper just pointing out how after the initial investment there's fewer expenses. The thing about weight being the only difference for the most part is only true when you're comparing absolute top end parts to high end parts, like shimano xtr vs xt. Xt will be more durable and perform better than deore or slx mostly because of primarily metal construction rather than plastic.


Eh, deore works plenty well IMO. As for fewer expenses, idk about that. I easily spend more biking (broken parts, gas, travel, lift tickets, beer,. Consumable parts and soft goods) than I do skiing. A big reason I started biking g a few years ago was because I thought it would be a minimal expense after the initial investment... haha how wrong I was.

And I get shop form on parts/equipment and do all wrenching on my bike. Still gets very pricey.
May 18 2016 2:10AM
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mehregan15
Posts: 780 - Karma: 753
$2500 will get you an amazing bike off Pinkbike.com. I just bought this guy: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1939990/

Set the search area, put your max price at around $3000 (gotta haggle on PB), and find one that has been maintained by a bike mechanic!
May 18 2016 9:22AM
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SurfaceHoar
Posts: 311 - Karma: 240
nothing to really add except, I was bleeding my brakes yesterday and accidentally grabbed a half full cup of mineral oil, filled it up with water and chugged it like an idiot.
May 18 2016 11:39AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
mehregan15$2500 will get you an amazing bike off Pinkbike.com. I just bought this guy: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1939990/

Set the search area, put your max price at around $3000 (gotta haggle on PB), and find one that has been maintained by a bike mechanic!

Are you able to get warranty on it because you're getting it through a rep? That frame gouge, especially on a carbon frame would worry me...

But otherwise, totally agree. Some great deals to be had on PB.
SurfaceHoarnothing to really add except, I was bleeding my brakes yesterday and accidentally grabbed a half full cup of mineral oil, filled it up with water and chugged it like an idiot.


How'd it taste?
May 18 2016 12:11PM
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
User1Yeah, anything that is remotely close isn't worthy of full sus, maybe the south loop of theo but it's unnecessary


Duluth is only a couple hours away.
May 18 2016 9:49PM
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,175
TingaDuluth is only a couple hours away.


There is a very good chance that I will be moving there in the next month or two. That's why seeing this full suspension intrigues me.
May 19 2016 1:40AM
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mehregan15
Posts: 780 - Karma: 753
californiagrownAre you able to get warranty on it because you're getting it through a rep? That frame gouge, especially on a carbon frame would worry me...

No warranty, and I considered the scratch, but it's pretty mellow. Plus, it's on a location on the frame that doesn't endure as much stress as say, the rear triangle or near the bottom bracket. Not to mention I got that bike for 1800, which is a damn good deal. And finally, the last two bikes I owned (Scott Voltage and Giant Glory) both had cracked frames and I put 1,000+ miles on the two of them combined, without a single problem.

So no, not worried one bit :)
May 19 2016 10:56AM
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ghosthop
Posts: 631 - Karma: 1,027
Buy used or check out bikes like the SC Heckler, Giant Stance, Kona Precept. You can piece together a cheap bike, but judging from your questions, good luck. Also, the bike industry has been changing so much in the past few years you might be able to find a good deal on leftover stock from a year or two back that isn't spec'ed with the latest and greatest.. People will tell you that you NEED 1x11 and a dropper and I say that's bullshit, you won't notice a difference if you've never ridden them.

used bikes can be had for great deals, but again, judging from your questions you might really benefit from the experience of a good shop. Beware of buying a used bike with specifications you will have trouble buying parts for like a straight 1 1/8 inch steerer or non-DH 20mm fork axles.

Where in MT are you?
May 19 2016 6:28PM
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Jesseselman
Posts: 16 - Karma: 142
Check out pinkbike. It's like ns but for bikes and there is all sorts of good used bikes on there, that's where I got my bike for a great price
May 20 2016 10:01PM
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willifast
Posts: 248 - Karma: 299
mike759Santa Cruz bikes look sick and the Heckler is in your budget


If you want to go for a new bike, Santa Cruz is coming out with an aluminum version of the Bronson next year, which is one of the best trail bikes currently (http://blistergearreview.com/gear-reviews/2016-santa-cruz-bronson), with a decent build package for $2,700. It will have the same geometry, and be around a pound heavier than the Bronson C which is miles ahead of a Heckler.

Another great option would be to contact all of your local shops and see what they will sell the demo fleet for around late August, the price is usually 20-30% off retail and it won't have an issues. unlike there being a possibility of one when buying a bike off pinkbike or craigslist where it wasn't shop maintained and checked over/ fixed after every ride.

I recently bought a bike off of PB, and it had several issues that I couldn't see without actually pulling everything apart as they were all internal within the freehub and dropper post, so just like when buying a car just be very careful or take it to a mechanic and go over everything, it's worth the cost to make sure it won't bite you in the ass a few weeks down the road.
May 22 2016 7:29PM
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