All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Ideally something around 1000-1500. I can stretch my budget further if it's something that is a solid base for upgrading later.

I'm also open to buying used.

 

I see a few Salsa Timberjacks on sale here at a local store https://aroundthecycle.com/collections/bikes/height_5ft-10in+type_mountain-fat-bikes+brand_salsa

 

That’s one you could keep along time.

 

If you buy used I would stick to finding a newer lightly used bike. Small fixes on bikes can start adding up fast.

New - like disconnected/paleh0rse mentioned I would look for a decent 29er hardtail. A hardtail with a little more progressive geometry than entry level hard tails - you will spend a little more up front but you will get a better riding bike that like you said has a good platform for upgrades.

So something like the following:
Specialized Fuse (make sure the frame is the nicer one with sliding drop outs)
Salsa Timberjack
Santa Cruz Chameleon
Trek Stache/Roscoe
Giant Fathom

Theres alot more in this segment.

 

A 1-1.5k budget is pretty solid! That timberjack SLX build for 1399 looks like a solid deal to me!

Can’t go wrong with those bikes tbh.

 

That's an excellent budget to start with. If you hunt for bargains, your options could include the Santa Cruz Chameleon, Trek Stache, Trek Roscoe, Salsa Timberjack, Surly Krampus, and several other great hardtails that allow for 29+ wheels and 120mm travel up front. With your height and build -- which happens to be identical to my own -- most medium-sized hardtail frames should fit you pretty well (though, I highly suggest testing them first if/when you can). With full suspension, you may need "Large" frames, but that's a slightly more complex decision process.

If you're willing to buy used, the classifieds on Pinkbike.com are an excellent place to shop. You could easily end up with a $3000+ bike for less than $1500 if you look carefully enough. (The deals made through PB usually involve shipping the bike through two bike shops, so you can always request a full shop inspection as part of the deal).

A 29+ hardtail -- which simply means it allows for wider tires that are 2.6-3.0" in width -- is a great platform for learning/upgrading and will likely handle every beginner or moderate-level trail you ride. If you're still into the hobby after a few years, you could then consider adding a full suspension arrow to the quiver for more aggressive downhill-type riding. You could also transfer parts you have from one of the bikes above to an entirely new frame after a few years -- the possibilities are really endless at that point, and you should definitely know by then what you like or dislike.

 

Finally making the hop to Bend?

Pisgah is def worth the trip. So much good riding.

 

I'd argue a Stache could handle all the way to medium blacks (Utah blacks that is) depending on your skillset. For a datapoint, I got my Stache 9.6 second hand for $1300.

 

Just discovered Wolftooth sells a 26 tooth Eagle 12sp chainring. At a 1.92:1 gear ratio, you could prob pedal up staircases Wouldn't get anywhere fast, but you could climb anything.

 

Someone could ride a unicycle down gnarly black-level trails if they're fearless and have enough skill.

You're right, though. Pretty much all of the bikes on my list above can be ridden on just about everything, and the Stache is very much at the top of the list of fine options.

90+% of my riding is done on 29er hardtails, and most of that is singlespeed. My full squish "dream bike" gathers dust throughout most of the year, but that's primarily due to the fact I live 4+ hours from the nearest real gnar. If I lived at the base of the trails in Pisgah, the percentages would likely be reversed...

 

That's the plan. We'll know for sure by the end of April.

 

I'll be there likely next June. If you're there, I'll bring you a housewarming gift!

 

I just ordered a 2020 olive green Giant Trance 3. I’m waiting for it to be delivered, I can’t wait. Anyone have this bike? I test rode it and loved it. Huge improvement over my Giant Talon.

 

Congrats! New bike, new truck, you're on a roll.

I dig that colorway. The maestro platform is a solid piece. Have fun buddy!

Time to update that truck pic in your avatar.

 

I had a 2018 trance for close to a year, personally loved it. Solid bike for a solid price.

Upgraded to the Ibis Ripmo though, best bike I've owned hands down

 

chill ride today after intervls yesterday.

 

Thanks! Yeah I gotta get out and take some good pictures haha.

 

Damn. I just looked up that Ripmo. That thing is dope. Which model did you get?

 

I just went with the NX build, but upgraded the fork to the Factory Fox 36 with the grip2 damper, and the Fox X2 in the rear, swapped out the brakes to Magura mt5's 4 piston brakes, Renthal bars and stem. Loving every bit of it. Will upgrade the drivetrain eventually but I've actually had zero problems with the NX.

 

Nice! That’s a significant upgrade man! That’s awesome.