What to look for in a Mtn Bike? Never Been

[ridgefire]

Have you thought about buying a E mountain bike? I have both and the regular mountain bike is collecting dust now. You can get a new Rad Rover for $1500 or so.

 

[tdot]

I dont think an XC is the right hike for anyone approaching or over 200 pounds. The light components wont take the beating for long.

I'd suggest something more like an All Mountain bike. It should have more relaxed geometry and more durable parts. Hard tails are excellent to learn on, but a good deal on a Full Suspension bike is worth pursuing too.

27.5 or 29 would both work, dont get hung up on it. I'd normally suggest 27.5 but that size seems to be fading and 29 seems to be making a resurgence. The bikes geometry will play a bigger role then the tire size.

Dont get sucked into the debates about different hub or bottom bracket standards. They all work, some have benefits, but at your experience level and price bracket, it's not something to worry about.

Disk brakes are a must.
I'd suggest flat pedals as opposed to clipless.
Components are less of an important issue then in years past. Anything lower midrange and up is generally very adequate.

 

[Jardo]

Most bike stores will rent bikes and will even credit rentals if you buy. Sample the bikes for a day by renting them then decide what you want.

I have a lot of bikes. Most XC and downhill. I race XC.

My next bike will be a e-bike. Most likely a Specialized Evo. Nothing like ripping straight up the mountain with the pedal assist.

WARNING: Mountainbiking will become an obsession an will divert funds from hunting... be prepared to spend a lot of money, make a lot of new friends, and break a few bones.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ScottinPA]

Good info. Bought a mtn bike last year from an online company and screwed up - too small of a frame. Will hold on to it for my youngest son and go back to my 1991 DB until I can get to a local shop and try out a few.

 

[damxam]

I would strongly advice shopping for a used Santa Cruz in whatever style you end up preferring. Top of the line bikes and plenty of life in them even after someone bashes them down the mountain. You don’t need the latest and greatest but something built well with good components. Mountain biking is my main summer activity for going on 15years.


Second owner 2013 carbon nomad, 26” ghetto tubeless with thousands of miles under her and thousands ahead

Can’t make it up or down that on a hard tail

 

[Trevor73402]

Can some of you more experienced riders give your opinions on this bike? Build, components, etc....

(this is not mine. Just one I found for sale).

Titus El Viajero - bicycles - by owner - bike sale

Newly Built, Titus El Viajero Trail. Approximately 15 miles on new components. Not finding the...

dallas.craigslist.org

 

[Poser]

Can some of you more experienced riders give your opinions on this bike? Build, components, etc....

(this is not mine. Just one I found for sale).

Titus El Viajero - bicycles - by owner - bike sale

Newly Built, Titus El Viajero Trail. Approximately 15 miles on new components. Not finding the...

dallas.craigslist.org

It’s kind of a weird but interesting build. I’m not sure what I make of it because it’s such a mix of components. It does have a $900 front shock on it, but the rear shock is a Suntour which, I don’t know much about, but tend to make lower end, budget components. I saw at least one Brand X component on the list. That’s cheap stuff. I suspect this was built raiding parts from other bikes, which means that even though it’s a “new” build, the components are recycled, otherwise, I’d expect it to cost more than $2200, but it might be a a combination of just enough higher end and complete budget components that the price point works.

It’s a lot of bike for Texas. Unless your hitting the lift served bike park, it’s super overkill. At the same time, almost everyone is riding overkill bikes these days. I’m suspicious of this being what you’re looking for, but I’ll be interested to read the other comments too.

 

[Trevor73402]

It’s kind of a weird but interesting build. I’m not sure what I make of it because it’s such a mix of components. It does have a $900 front shock on it, but the rear shock is a Suntour which, I don’t know much about, but tend to make lower end, budget components. I saw at least one Brand X component on the list. That’s cheap stuff. I suspect this was built raiding parts from other bikes, which means that even though it’s a “new” build, the components are recycled, otherwise, I’d expect it to cost more than $2200, but it might be a a combination of just enough higher end and complete budget components that the price point works.

It’s a lot of bike for Texas. Unless your hitting the lift served bike park, it’s super overkill. At the same time, almost everyone is riding overkill bikes these days. I’m suspicious of this being what you’re looking for, but I’ll be interested to read the other comments too.

I appreciate the response. As for being suspicious as to what I’m looking for, I have no idea what I’m looking for. I’m new to this. My current bike has a 300cc 2 stroke motor. I’m not a pedal pusher. I just want a good bike that I’m not already wanting to upgrade 3-4 weeks after I get it. I like to buy good shit the first time.

 

[tdot]

I appreciate the response. As for being suspicious as to what I’m looking for, I have no idea what I’m looking for. I’m new to this. My current bike has a 300cc 2 stroke motor. I’m not a pedal pusher. I just want a good bike that I’m not already wanting to upgrade 3-4 weeks after I get it. I like to buy good shit the first time.

I agree with the above poster. It's a different build, some decent parts and some questionable parts without a long track record.

Titus changed hands in the last couple years. I dont know anything about the new company. It used to be a boutique frame builder.

At your weight and as a motocross rider, I'd not hesitate to suggest a slightly stronger build, like this one. My biggest two concerns with that build are the wheels and the shock. Both expensive items to replace if they suck. Wheels are only a concern cuz of your weight and typically MX guys push harder into turns and are a bit straight line over nasty bits, so they're bit harder on wheels.

 

[darcytribe]

Can most of these be converted to an e-bike with the bafang kit? Any geometry specs you need to be aware of related to fitting the motor, and especially the battery pack?

 

[Poser]

Can most of these be converted to an e-bike with the bafang kit? Any geometry specs you need to be aware of related to fitting the motor, and especially the battery pack?

My guess is that most any modern geo full suspension bike is going to lack the space. Most barely have room for one water bottle and it has to be a side entry cage. Salsa is an exception that comes to mind because their designs are geared towards bikepacking and tend to have more space in the frame triangle.

 

[rjf611]

Trance 29 3 (2021) | Trail bike | Giant Bicycles US

This super-versatile trail machine is built on a lightweight, stiff and super-strong ALUXX SL frameset that blends our latest Maestro suspension technology with progressive, trail-oriented geometry. To soak up every bum...

www.giant-bicycles.com

For the price this is really tough to beat. Great all rounder with excellent frame and suspension design. Much better than Giant Stance for minimal $ more imho.

I was in a similar situation last year before I made my purchase, I am 48 as well. Was looking at hard tails in your price range online. Came to the conclusion that a hard tail would beat me up too much. I recommend finding a good shop that can help you before and after purchase. They may have used demos for sale or last years unsold leftovers up to 30% off. I went to local shop where I purchased a barely used owners bike( Trance 29 Carbon). I’m very happy with this bike as it does everything well that I need it to do. Became friendly with guys in shop and go on some shop sponsored group rides. Also keep in mind that a low end bike will b tough to sell if you decide to upgrade.....and you will upgrade once you get into the sport more.

 

[tdot]

Can most of these be converted to an e-bike with the bafang kit? Any geometry specs you need to be aware of related to fitting the motor, and especially the battery pack?

Also look at the CYC Motor X1 kit. I just finished a build with one and it's way nicer then the Bafang kits, imo.

The bottom bracket standard is the big thing to watch for, along with the chainline. The ebike kits arent that adjustable for chainline, and some bikes can have unusual chainlines.

Lots of options for battery packs. You can generally find one that fits most frames. Though you may not like the capacity they offer. Better to buy a bike with this in mind.

 

[jmez]

Trance 29 3 (2021) | Trail bike | Giant Bicycles US

This super-versatile trail machine is built on a lightweight, stiff and super-strong ALUXX SL frameset that blends our latest Maestro suspension technology with progressive, trail-oriented geometry. To soak up every bum...

www.giant-bicycles.com

For the price this is really tough to beat. Great all rounder with excellent frame and suspension design. Much better than Giant Stance for minimal $ more imho.

I was in a similar situation last year before I made my purchase, I am 48 as well. Was looking at hard tails in your price range online. Came to the conclusion that a hard tail would beat me up too much. I recommend finding a good shop that can help you before and after purchase. They may have used demos for sale or last years unsold leftovers up to 30% off. I went to local shop where I purchased a barely used owners bike( Trance 29 Carbon). I’m very happy with this bike as it does everything well that I need it to do. Became friendly with guys in shop and go on some shop sponsored group rides. Also keep in mind that a low end bike will b tough to sell if you decide to upgrade.....and you will upgrade once you get into the sport more.

That is what I ride. Mine is a few years old and I'm not a fan of the geometry. I don't know if they have changed them or not. Mine is really light on the front end. Not an issue until you start climbing.

When you climb the front wheel floats off the ground and you have pretty much zero control of your line. For technical climbing it flat sucks.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[darcytribe]

Tdot, I've never heard of this kit. Has it been around a while? Proven reliable? Do you know if it is at all waterproof for riding in wet conditions? Also, how does power consumption/battery life compare to modern Bafang? I'm assuming it offers PAS AND thumb throttle. Thanks for any real world experience you can offer!

 

[rjf611]

Jmez:
The Giant Trance 29 was introduced in 2019. I am assuming you have the 27.5 wheel size. Same name, completely different bike.
If your front end wanders, try lowering your stem and/or pivot your bars forward a bit. It will put more weight forward. Also maybe slide seat forward a bit.

 

[jmez]

No, the Trance had been around a while. Mine is 5-6 years old and it is a 29er. You can find reviews online about the bike online from several years ago and they all mention the front end float and geometry issues.

It can be improved some with different bars and neck but persists even with the changes. I'm sure they have addressed it on the newer bikes.

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

 

[Titan_Bow]

I picked up a Salsa Timberjack a few years ago, and I love it. The 1x drivetrain is QUIET which is great for hunting. It's been a great all around bike

 

[Beendare]

My question is I’m a heavier guy. I’m 220-225 pounds depending on what time of year it is.
....

Yeah, it makes a difference. I'm around 240# right now and I feel like I'm working against my full suspension bike when I'm not clipped in.

I rode a buddies Trek Farley [the big fat tires] and on uphills it felt like I was just compressing the tires working hard and going nowhere. He is about 130# and its perfect.

I think we are seeing....this is like picking out a bow or a rifle...no one size fits all.

Watch about 5 min of this to see what some of these bikes are capable of....awesome, but thats NOT me.....I'm too big and old for that....

 

[JLane330]

I didn't read all the replies, but did skim thru. I just bought two mountain bikes in the last month, one for my son and one for my GF, both of them are your height (5'8"). I went thru the sizing drill and can help you out. I prefer 27.5 over 29, and full suspension vs hardtail. I also prefer Shimano 11 sp over SRAM 11 or 12 sp. My recommendation is to buy more bike than you think you'll use...it is addicting.

I bought my son a used 2016 Ibis Mojo HD3 in Large. It's a GREAT bike, easy to ride, climbs extremely well and descends great. I happened to get lucky on a bike in great shape locally. It was $2k. These were/are really popular and there are a lot of them out there.

I got my GF a 2016 Santa Cruz 5010 c (v2) in a Medium. This bike is very similar to the HD3 but with less travel. It was a steal at $2100 given the parts build and extra parts. I've seen aluminum versions go for $1700 range and consider that a great deal if the bike is very clean.

Between the two bikes, either will do what you want. Check out Pinkbike (buy/sell), lots of options on there.

Another option is Fezzari bikes. Check out the Abajo Peak. It gets excellent reviews for $2K price range and it's brand new.

I know these seem pricey, but in all reality in terms of quality mountain bikes, they aren't. I've seen some interesting budget bike options on YouTube. Some of the new GT options look decent. Be cautious of weight, if the bike is heavy or doesn't function well (poor brakes, suspension or steering), you may be less likely to use it. I've seen this often.

Maybe check out this video: