Thoughts I've found useful on that topic. It's worth considering buying a mid-level or high-end bike from 5 years ago vs a low end brand new bike. Keep it for a year or two and learn some as much as you can to see what kind of bike / riding style fits you. Single speeds are cheaper than geared. Hard tails are cheaper than full suspension. It depends where you live and ride (smooth / rough / hilly terrain as he mentioned in the video). You have to decide if you can live without various luxuries new bikes and still enjoy riding which is the whole point of mountain biking. A well designed bike without the latest widgets can still be a lot of fun... This glosses over a ton of research and details.... but perhaps it will help spark some ideas on a tight budget. In reality, most mountain bikers are in the same boat and on a budget (or don't own a car because they spent all their money on the bike). It's just easy to notice the folks on super nice rigs. Good luck and hope to see ya on the trail!
Honestly, mood. Bought my first bike for 200€. Was an out dated entry level hardtail that was pretty sorry, didn't even have dust seals on bearings... rode it for 3 years before it fell apart. I found a used 2016 hardtail online, the original price when new was 700€ but i got it for 135€ second hand. It's basically new and a beast of a bike. If you don't have the budget to buy from a shop, the second hand market is significantly cheaper and often has what you're looking for.
@MotoPaisano haaa brought back memories. My first MB back in @ 2002-2003 GT Agressor. I didn't have it long before I upgraded to a Gary Fisher Sugar 3+ then bought a Giant XTC1 didn't like hatdtails as much as FS and sold it. Now after 15 years of being dormant went out and bought a Guerilla Gravity Trail Pistol
I'm out on my 2019 Trek Marlin 4. About as entry level as it gets (3×7 Shimano Tourney, 75mm SR Suntour fork, no dropper) but I'm happy with it because it's the first bike I ever purchased for myself. It's the first bike where everything I've done to it was done with my own money that I worked hard to earn on my own. I don't ride trails, but I still love the versatility of the mountain bike. I've made a few small changes to it (got a 720mm bar and a 60mm stem compared to the stock 620mm bar and 100mm stem) and I plan to do a few more things to it as time goes on. Idk if I'll get another bike in the future, but I do know that I want to keep this one for as long as humanly possible because it represents several important milestones in my life
Im saving up for a Downhill Ebike which doesn't exist yet. It will take me about 4 more years to get it but by then it should exist, technology should progress, and prices should go down so by then I should be able to afford a pretty sweet ride :-)
Dude that’s a killer bike! I had one of those and absolutely smashed it and almost killed myself a couple of times 😂 just the frame survives but i had the best time on that bike and absolutely recommend it for a first mtb approach. Best thing is you can break every part and upgrade it slowly on a budget.
Just got back into MTB. It’s been 25 yrs since I rode. Currently I have a Trek Marlin 6, upgrading everything by the frame. In another two years I should have my skill set to where I can get on a full suspension and appreciate it. 52yrs young!
2019 Motobecane(yes from bikesdirect online bike store) 29er full suspension, RC3 in rear, 150 Pike up front, XT 8000 brakes and GX drivetrain. All for 2k... best bike ever and like you say, it's all about having fun and putting a smile on your face. Great video
2005 KONA DAWG, been givin it the modern day upgrades ,bars ,stem ,bigger rotors , tires ,new sektor rl 1500mm forks,1x drive . Just a newbie havin some crazy fun
I would say the most important thing to do when wanting to get a new bike is test ride them. Not in the store parking lot, but on actual trails. You will find what you like and not like that way. Be wary of people telling you that you should get this bike or that bike. Everyone has different tastes/needs/skill levels. Cause of my condition, I had some shops, internet peeps, etc recommend certain bikes or aspects of bikes. After riding a bunch of different bikes, I found I like bikes that were the opposite of everything I was recommended.
2019 Bronson! I recently rode a basic level hard tail mountain bike in Mexico without a dropper post and boy was it a different feeling from riding my Bronson!! 😱😱 glad where bikes are now in terms of components!!
Kudos to you for being so honest about the pros and cons of each way for buying bikes...awesome to see a retailer accurately and honestly presenting all the routes for obtaining dope whips. Y'all's videos are great as always!
Just got an Orbea Occam with 150/140mm exactly a week ago. My first fully and I'm lovin it! Whats great about it is that you can customize it completely. So I could get a Fox 36 Factory and a Fox Dpx2 on the lower budget model.
Big upgrade! Enjoy. Jumping up to my full suspension Giant Stance (still pretty entry level) from a $500 hardtail changed my life. That was 3 yrs ago and I’m now at the point where everything needs to be replaced or upgraded... aka new bike time. I never imagined there would be a more capable bike than when I bought that first hardtail when I was 16, but there’s levels to this sport for sure.
Just bought a Specialized Enduro Carbon 29er for 2020 and it's amazing. It empowers me to do things I would have not been capable of with my old bike. It's not just a bike, it's a trail weapon.
Never tried yet a softail, nor a carbon hardtail. Currently spending most of ride time on a 29' aluminium single speed and loving it. Best recent upgrade is 4 pods front brake. Looking to upgrade the fork now.
my HARDTail 29” er. Mangoose with disk breaks and front shock was doing the job for me for last 7 yrs ! Peddles squeaking, wheels aren’t exactly straight, grip bars keep sliding off and seat keep sliding left to right ! But it still rides and able to take it to local park trails with my kiddo ! Open for new bike suggestions on budget ........
Bought myself a 2017 Marin Hawkhill last year and feels great. Swapped out the Fork, shock,wheels, brakes, dropperpost, drivetrain and basically everything. Then decided to grab a 2015 Devinci Wilson SL on a spanking deal this January. Have a pretty dialed setup right now. But definitely have a void for a 150-160mm bike. I’m a firm believer that there is no “do everything bike” which is why a small quiver is necessary (3-4 bikes) get a trail bike, a street bike and a hard hitting park rig.
MTB Freeks very sweet ride! Regardless I still don’t believe there is a do it all. Just my opinion. I’d rather have a rig for everything as I’ve ruined far too many trail and enduro bikes at bike parks.
@@peaohvee1784 I get it which is why I have a DH bike too it takes the abuse better than the trail bike but I enjoy the feel of my trail bike better so I'm gonna give away my DH bike on my channel
Thanks for the super helpful info. I just started thinking of getting an MB again after 10 years without one. Wow, things have changed a lot. Research starts now!
good luck finding one, im pretty sure theres no bikes left in the uk at all lol. atleast it the temptation of impule buying insnt really a problem now, although it wouldve been nice to have a bike for the summer.
I have a 1990's Specialized HardRock 26" with an Aerospoke rear wheel. My dad got it for $500 in the mid 90's and passed it down to me. I ride it constantly but maybe it's time...I'm considering buying a new mountain bike. Although, I don't know much about them! Thanks for the video.
New to the 29er XC Trail here - Santa Cruz Blur. With all the changes - wheel size, weight, 1x drive train, geometry - the seat dropper is the one thing which made the most impact on my riding. As said, game changer.
Entertaining and informative video. Great host! thanks! I've been on the same bike the last 15 years, and its incredible how much has changed in the MTB world. Time to get back into the mix with a new ride.
New to the sport..just have a 2019 Felt Dispatch 9/90..however, after starting to ride trails in Tucson, I definitely think a full-suspension would have been better. I'm now stuck in wanting to upgrade virtually every component on the bike (I already went tubeless and upgraded to Maxxis Ardent tires) and just saving for a full-suspension. Ultimately, I still want to keep my current bike if mostly for a back up so it will be upgraded at some point.
I ride a Giant ATX 870 that I bought new in 1997 for $570.00. It was originally $770.00 but I got it at an end of model year, close out sale at my local bike shop. I primarily used it for urban commuting in the early years, then stopped riding for almost fifteen years. I recently had my local bike shop do a mild build on it. They put high rise handlebars and a shorter stem on it. They switched out my old clipless petals for some flat ones and put some more aggressive Hard Rock'r Flak Jacket tires on it. It's a completely different bike now, and after a long hiatus of not riding, it has totally reinvigorated my passion for riding again. At 53, I'm back out on the trails almost every day now.
Tech/price changed a lot over the last two years. I bought an MTB 2 years ago, but it was stolen. Just bought a new one and was amazed that I could now find 1x12 Deore at the €900/$1000 level. Two years ago that wasn't available, only XTR which is way more expensive. Also: good air suspension included, frames are a little bit lighter, etc.
Ahaha 4 who somebody who lives in a cardboard Box $5000 for a bike? Lmao You must not have kids or a car Or eat groceries lmao, When you said affordable I actually googled the bike off of your word I'm from Seattle and I make $42 an hour working construction by no means is that pocket change and you're talking about a $5000 bike that is absolutely ridiculous thats definitely not affordable
I bought a Diamondback Line, through my work I got a discount plus my fitness allowance I was able to get a 800$ bike for 86$ out of pocket! First new bike in 20 years!
I ride a 2014 Kona Raijin Ti SingleSpeed hardtail. It's not modern with a 71* HTA, but it's made me a stronger, more skilled rider over the last few years. I'd like to get a modern trail bike soon, but when I do I will be thankful for having ridden this thing to have forced me to learn and improve certain skills.
This presenter resembles way too many sales people in bike shops - he (and they) only talk up and talk about the kind of riding and bikes they are interested in. 26" mtb rims (ISO 559; there are other 26" rim sizes) with suitable tires work well and are the most commonly available rim/tire world-wide.
That's my dude, #brokebois. Nah but really my coworker at my shop let's me borrow his 26" 100 mm fork travel hardtail for free and that's how I got started biking in January 2020. Of course it's got a ton of disadvantages since I'm riding it on serious downhill trails but also if you can ride/ survive a trail on a 26" hardtail and learn the technique good then you'll absolutely shred if you ever upgrade. None the less it's still an enjoyable experience, let's me get out with my friends, still has plenty of thrills and has allowed me to roll into this wonderful world of mountain biking. I'm hoping to upgrade and finally buy my own bike in the next half year, but I'll never forget my 26" hardtail roots!
@@trailladymtb7700 mainly concerned about climbing. I was wondering if the shock and fork at mid setting makes the bike feel like a lesser travel bike in effect.
@@ryankeen6756 I bought a 2018 Yeti Turq SB 5.5. Got it used/like new locally for a good price. Very happy with it. It's 140/160mm with the switch infinity link which people say effectively adds travel to the back. I would say Jeffsy would be the sweet spot for one quiver bike but who knows.
I picked up a 2020 Giant reign 29 for my first bike in a decade. What a riot it is! Cannot wait to test out others manufacturers and feel the difference between them though!
Just got a 2019 Giant Talon 2 for cheap on craigslist as my entry to the sport. I could have bought a nicer bike, but was able to snag two of these bikes instead so my wife can join me in this new adventure!
I stop racing mtbs back in 94 till now got a 2020 sumpy pro carbon totally happy and still amazed how mtbs handle this day’s I can tackle just about everything 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
My new bike has 2 wheels. I also like to ride it outside my garage sometimes.... places like my driveway and one time I took it to the street, but don’t tell my parents.
All dirt jump bikes are 26" and Crankworks has a 26" minimum for its pump track races so I dont see 26" disappearing anytime soon unless they move toward 24" but that is even less likely bud.
I ride a 2021 Kona Process 134 27.5. It would fall right in between the trail and enduro classes of bikes with its 140 mm of front travel and 134 mm of rear travel. Such a great bike!
I've got a 2019 Marlin 5. Had it for a year now and love it. I've replaced the handlebars, stem, and pedals on it. Probably won't replace much else because I'm in the early stages of looking for a full suspension.
I ride a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Pro (2009). It's a 26" wheel platform and I fully upgraded it last year with new Hope Wheels with the Pro4 Hubs (in black). I also converted it from a 3x9 to a 1x11 using a Hope 32T front Chainring and Shimano XT derailleur, shifter and cassette. The cockpit got an overhaul with Renthal's FatBar Carbon 35 (800mm) bars with an Apex 35 (40mm) stem and Hope V4 front and rear brakes (in purple) with Hope discs (also in purple, 203mm front and 180mm rear). I then colour coordinated the build with Hope F20 pedals (in purple) with steer spacers (you guessed it, also in purple). To finish the build I slapped on some Maxxis DHF and DHR II front and rear respectively. It feels like a new bike, yes its on an old platform, and yes I could have got a brand new and better spec-ed bike for that money, but it was my first full-suspension bike aged 12 and it finally looks the way it always deserved to. #26aintdead EDIT: I had to change the fork and got an SR Suntour (120mm) fork with a straight steer 1"1/8 due to the age and design of the frame. The fork is great but I periodically have issues with rattling so it gets returned for a check and tighten frequently. I do all other maintenance and repairs myself but I'm not a suspension specialist and so far haven't had the time to learn but that's something for the future. I probably will get a new bike shortly and will go for a 29er full-suspension Aluminium frame with 160/170mm travel.
I went out on a limb and bought a YT Jeffrey carbon for my first nice bike. It’s so sweet. Good for every thing, up hill down hill, jumping. It does it all for me.
Still reppin' a 26 inch rigid Garneau that was like $340 CAD when I bought it back in 2014. Upgrading to a hardtail Giant soon, this video helped a lot.
Don't forget the single speeder option, I race on a hard tail singlespeeder 29er and it's great fun. I have a geared full suspension trail bike but I love the simplicity of my single speeder, always fun when leaving people on geared bikes for dead at a trail centre because they don't read the trail ahead of them properly and are too eager on the brakes. Nothing quite like knowing that you have a hill coming up and need to carry as much speed as possible to stand a chance of getting to the top and you're going to need to get your butt out of the saddle for the up hills with no option to wimp out and drop to a low gear. Really good for boosting your fitness levels too. When I do get back on my trail bike it feels so easy in comparison, almost a bit of a lazy choice. The other upside of single speed is the cost of the drive train, extra durability and the lack of complexity. Makes maintaining on a budget a little more wallet friendly which is nice too.
Currently riding a 26" Specialized Rockhopper hardtail with a measly 100mm in the front. It's not great but it definitely gets the job done, and after a bit of adjusting and upgrading I've been able to jump into the wonderful world of downhill biking. I'm looking forward to upgrading to something more enduro worthy as soon as I can save up enough money in the near future, but I'll never forget my 26" hardtail roots. As hard as it was (for both my nerves and joints) I love that I started with such a bike because I think it's really forced me to learn a lot of technique and awareness and was great as a beginner experience. I think I'll really appreciate a full suspension bike now and ride it well rather then let it do the riding for me.
I ride a 2014 Trek Remedy 9.7 with many upgrades to keep it current. So other than the geometry being old school, something that is not bad in my mind, this bike is totally current. Love your videos. Keep them coming.
Currently riding the following: 2016 Scott Big Ed (totally rebuilt) 2019 Commencal Meta Am Hardtail 2018 Jamis Dragonslayer Single Speed 2018 Cannondale topstone 105 2012 Vassago Jabberwocky (full rigid 29er single speed) Really want to get a sweet Full Suspension Trail bike, just torn over what to get. I'm leaning towards Transition or Commencal Meta Trail 29. Any suggestions? I ride mostly flowing single track, but do wander to Kingdom Trails, highland bike park and mountain creek here on the east coast. I would lo e 130/140 travel.
2016 trek xcaliber 7. It is my first mountain bike and I have upgraded the fork to a fox 32, switched to a 1x Shimano XT drivetrain, tubeless setup on bontrager xr3 tires, 50mm stem, wider bars, ODI vans lock-on grips, Shimano XT Deore brakes... I love it, but i am looking forward to getting a full suspension trail bike with thru axles and more modern geometry as my skills are finally out growing the ol’ trek!
Listening to him describing ebikes, one really wonders if he has ever ridden one . If you use them seriously they can be quite demanding. The engine offers support going uphill, it still can be very hard. It is fun and enables one to go downhill more often in the same time. Other channels seem to comprehend this better.
I've basically got a freeride hardtail - a Trek Roscoe 7 (2020) with 120 mm of travel, 27,5" Plus size tires and I've found the bike to be perfectly able to handle what I'm able to throw at it. It's not the bike itself that is the limiting factor at all so I'm perfectly happy with it. It's just not as fast as my brothers lighter XC-bike with thinner 29ers but much more playful and more confident on steeper descents.
Just got a 2019 Cannondale Bad Habit 2. Left over stock got it for a really good price and I love it. HUGE upgrade from my 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper!
I’m in the uk and haven’t ridden a mountain bike since about 2011. Just bought a Mondraker Foxy. Man, bikes have changed. The last bikes I had were a super slack hardtail - an On-One 456 (I doubt you ever got them in the States) with a Pike fork, and a really light scandium framed Kona, running a Reba fork. Can’t wait for it to arrive and get out there. I stopped just after the first dropper posts came out and they were so, so bad, especially in muddy, gritty conditions. Cheers from the UK.
Great job on the video. I was just inquiring with my friend last night about many of the topics noted in this video as I'm in the market for a mtn bk. Nice work Worldwide Cyclery!
Yeah fastly. That got my attention too :) When native English speaker uses such words, I no longer worry about my English as my second language lol. Good video BTW
I can say as someone living in the Mid West of the US. Fatbiking is getting super common to see and getting HUGE in MN in particular for year round riding for the riding looking for fun and entertainment versus hardcore performance. The Otso fatbike is pretty awesome and there are Wyatt bikes also that happen to be made in the USA.
The advantage of 26" is it fits better where you shouldn't / can't ride. It can take sharp turns slow-speed in dense undergrowth and you can climb through fallen treetrunks easier.
Great video as usual! I ride a 2018 Cannondale Fat Caad 1 w/Lefty and a Pivot Mach 4. All my winter fat biking is on the same single track I ride in the summer. The snowmobile trails near me do not allow fat bikes. The fat bike is a fun all year hardtail. Building up a set of 29er wheels (2.6 front 2.4 rear) to change it up from time to time. With a fat bike, everyday is leg day!
In 2008 I purchased a 2008 Specialized SX Trail One 26" x 2.3" with the Green/Evergreen Tree color scheme. I still have the same bike which has required zero major repairs.
Currently Riding a Tern Link UNO foldable bike with fixed gear, but I am thinking of purchasing a Mountain Bike. Thank you for your video!! It sure is very helpful for a newbie like me. :)
2019 trek fuel ex. Cane creek helm up front set at 160mm. Cane creek rear shock 140mm. Shimano slx brakes. 2.8 schwalbe Nobby Nic up front, 2.4 continental mountain king in the rear. 800mm dirty bars. FUNN 50mm stem. No dropper post. 65.3 head tube angle. Bike rips on everything. From boring Florida trails to up north bike parks
I just got into the sport through a coworker...after one day on the trail on his wifes bike i went out and got a norco fluid 2019 size M....it was on blowout at the local bikeshop....great bike
Helped my son pick out a consumer direct 26" with nice Shimano components. He's allowing enough cash to have a local shop properly assemble it for him. Safer, the shop still makes some money and Dad gets peace of mind knowing the cables are correct, etc.
2020 Yeti SB140 which is the bestest bike evah!.....previous bike was a 2016 Trek Fuel EX 29er which I didn't really luv. You're absolutely right that the tech really changed within these last few years....all for the better!
Currently rolling a 2020 Whyte 905 hardtail upgraded with some Ibis 742 logo carbon hoops that is an absolute riot and my 2018 Orbea Rallon M-team for when I want more more squish. Wish there was two of me so I could ride both simultaneously.
