General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations? Rss Feed  
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2015-11-23 2:00 PM

Regular
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Tempe, AZ
Subject: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
I want to get a mountain bike for offseason and take a break from my tri bike. Just looking to do something different for the next 4-5 months.

That being said, I also dont want to spend more than $1000 on a mountain bike because I know I will ramp up next April/may-ish for a 70.3.

In my research, I have noticed that a dual-suspension is not in the question, and I am ok with that. does anyone have any recommendations on great starter bikes that are good value for the money? I've had my eye on the trek caliber 8, but curious to gather some other opinions here.

thanks.


2015-11-23 2:56 PM
in reply to: amills1210


319
100100100
Sarasota, Florida
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
Not much a bike enthusiast but I'll just throw mine out there since nobody has replied. I have a Haro Flightline 2, and it's served me well. I'm not very picky though. Basic brakes and shifting nothing fancy. Purchased about 8 years ago. Its 28 lbs., 26" wheels but I don't compete. It's a fun hard tail to bash around on for about $300. Minimal rust on the fork but my wheels have bent a little beyond repair. I also have a Cannondale and the Haro has actually held up better. I have heard weight complaints regarding the newer models but I have nothing to complain about with low expectations. I've been thinking about trying 27.5" and I did swap the seat out but happy overall.

I was in the shop earlier this year and Giant and Felt were getting all the attention from customers and staff. The hard tails looked more XC to me but had many listed lower than what's on their sites.
2015-11-23 9:45 PM
in reply to: amills1210

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Veteran
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Southampton, Ontario
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
hard to go wrong with a Trek but you will pay for that name,. At $1000 avoid full suspension at all costs (which I think you already know) I would look for 29inch wheels, rockshok or Fox fork and hydro brakes, mix of Deore/SLX possibly XT on the rear derailleur. Your biggest shortcoming with be crappy heavy wheels and fork at that price point - both of which are expensive to swap out. Personally I would go to a couple of bike shops and see what they can do for you. Now is a great time to snag a end of year deal.

Be-careful with the mountain bike, next thing you know you will be selling your tri bike buying a nice full suspension XC bike, nice wheels to take 2.2lbs off the bike and focusing solely on Xterra races - Or maybe thats just me!
2015-11-24 1:56 AM
in reply to: amills1210

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Pro
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Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?

Take a look at Bikesdirect MTB's.  Sometimes the deals are pretty good, $35 was the shipping last time I bought from them.  Minor assembly and tuning was all I had to do.

2015-11-24 3:52 AM
in reply to: amills1210

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Champion
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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
Airborne is a good place to look if you aren't a brand . Seeker is $829 and Goblin is $1099, both are punching above their price point.
2015-11-24 6:28 AM
in reply to: Donto

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Veteran
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Southampton, Ontario
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
hard to argue against Bikesdirect based purely on the specs/price. I guess the frame is the question as to if its any good.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/29er-mountain-bikes/...

Add in tubeless tires and this looks like a pretty nice setup.


2015-11-24 7:13 AM
in reply to: #5153369


1

Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
Don't rule out a full suspension on a budget. Check out Devinci on EBay. $1199 and free shipping gets you a 2013 dexter rc. SRAM x7/9, Fox (comes with suspension air pump). If you want a 29er you would have to move up to the Atlas for 1500, $300 for big wheels, worth it for sure but now we've busted your budget.

Ships from Canada in about 3 days (for me in TN). I got the Atlas from these guys several months back and have loved it.
2015-11-24 7:40 AM
in reply to: #5153475

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Indian Hills, CO
Subject: RE: First mountain bike less than 1k - recommendations?
Will you actually be riding single track? Is it technical terrain where you live? Some people get mountain bikes for riding dirt roads, some people live where there is rocky, rooty, technical terrain.

Different bikes handle differently depending on head tube angle, wheel base length, etc. A good fork alone can cost close to $1000. I wouldn't recommend planning to upgrade that later.

My recommendation is go to your LBS and see if you can demo on some actual trails. I also recommend getting from a shop because if you are actually mountain biking this bike will see much more maintenance issues than any road bike.

If you are just riding dirt roads get a 29er. If it's at all technical then ride 29 and 27.5 and pick which one you like best. Don't bother with a 26 inch wheel unless you are short (or want used). If you're tall get 29er.

Lots of used 26 inch full suspensions to be had. Just keep in mind the complexity of a full suspension and the potential for problems.

Good luck!
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