advice from MT bikers needed!

UPDATED WITH POLL!!!

I am wanting to get into Mt biking to hit some trails up. Nothing too crazy for awhile. I want to keep it under $600. I've gone to the local Trek shop and another local shop here. These are the bikes I found that I liked. I can get the Scott for $500 before tax but it comes with lifetime tune-ups. It has 26" wheels. The trek would cost me around $550 before tax without any free tune-ups. The Trek has 29" wheels.

2011 Scott Aspect 40
http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10030/55714/217989

2011 Trek Marlin
http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/mountain_hardtail/fisher_29er/marlin/

I've found reviews for both bikes saying the forks aren't anything special but I don't think I'd be doing anything gnarly enough to warrant me spending close to a grand for a hardtail; if I was willing to spend a grand I'fd rather save up longer to get a nice full-suspension bike.

So its between these two. What do you experts think??

 

i am 6'1 190lbs. why would you go with the scott with the 36" wheels when the trek has the 29" wheels.

 

Go with the trek. 29s are the way to go with your size

 

You will regret either bike once you progress pass the beginner phase. They are both built with total garbage. Maybe look at CL or a local mtb trail riders forum and see if they have a BST section.

 

I'm no experts... But, here is my opinion...

The 29er is better for straight trails like fire roads… The bigger wheels help you build speed and roll over obstacles also gives better traction better than the smaller wheels on the Scott…

The Scott would be a better bike if you are on twisty signal track trails…

I still ride a GT Zaskar with 26” wheels… Because of your height you maybe better on the 29er…

 

x2 It really depends on how hard you plan on riding.

 

This is perfect advice.

 

thanks for the input guys. i just signed up at tucsonmtb.com and ill ask those guys what they think and if they have some bikes for sale that would be more suitable.
ill keep you guys posted.

 

Yo hit the nail on the...

If you go lower end you will end up spending that money later on to upgrade it anyway possibly at a higher cost. When I got mine ('07 specialized rock hopper) it was good but now I am wanting a new fork and gearing and what not and looking at having to sink about 500 into it and that was already an $800, in the end the only thing thats gonna be left on it is the original frame. I've already destroyed a set of rims that came stock on it before upgrading them to heavier beefier rims (that is more due severe abuse on campus though than on trails though)

also stick to 26's easier to find tires that fits your needs and all that... 29 is awkward and belongs on the road, it feels too large.

For new you will be looking in the area of just under a grand for a decent setup.

Also your not going to find a decent dual suspension for under at least 1500-2000 unless you start looking at used bikes.

Get a bike with a good frame, and then focus on higher end mechanicals... at a minimum above deore level gearing components. My specialized has a rockshox fork (can't remember which one... in winter storage) which were ok but the lockout no longer works, it does preform acceptably though.

Image of my bike right now (set up for screwing around on campus more then trail riding recently)

 

I switched from 26 to 29er wheel size a few years ago. I ride all sorts of trails and will never go back to the little wheels. I'm 6' and 160lbs. If you have the bigger wheels, you don't need as much suspension because the big wheels roll over bumps, ruts, and tree branches much more smoothly. Full suspension is only beneficial if you ride really rocky downhill type stuff IMO.
I agree that in the long run, buying a bike with quality components up front is worth it in the end. Something used is probably worth looking into as the previous posts said.

 

if you are seeking advise on a new bike, knowing what to look for in a used bike will be more difficult. MTBs are equal to a Taco that's been wheeled a lot. You are better off finding one that's not been off road. Do what ever you can to step up to the $1k price point and get a 29er hard tail. All the major brands offer a capable bike at that level. Ride it hard and often for 2 years and by then you'll have all the info you need for your next purchase.

 

Yeah I've been checking out craigslist. There isn't much in the other forums BST section. Man now I don't know. I know it would be best to just buy a great bike but I don't want to wait another six months saving to buy a top of the line bike. I'd rather be riding in the next couple of weeks riding something that would last at least a year and a half before i start taking it on challenging trails.

 

Thats what I'm thinking. Any hardtail with good forks is close to a grand. I'm more worried about the forks than anything else.

 

Any bike you buy will have a FORK not a forks.

 

x2. Pinkbike.com check that site out. You can definitely find a slightly used bike for that price that is MUCH better. Look for a specialized. I have an 04 rockhopper that I have been beating the hell out of since it was band new... even ran it in to a train bridge on top of my car.... still perfect!

 

any NEW hardtail.... Like in my above post. Look for something slightly used. You can get better components for the same price.

 

Hell yeah. Pinkbike is good, you can get a deal on ebay sometimes too, just know how you fit on a bike if you are going to buy one sight-unseen. I'm guessing you'll want between 18-20" bike at your height.

I also HIGHLY recommend Specialized. I have an 09 Stumpjumper FSR. I should have gone to hospital on that thing a dozen times, but the suspension has saved me everytime.

 

OP is saying he wants to GET INTO mountain biking. He may barely use the thing or he may use it everyday. I would say get one of the first two you looked at and if you find you get real into it then look at buying a better one and selling the one you get now. Most of what I would take from all these comments is to not get cought in the sinkhole of upgrading all the parts if you find that this is your new passion. You can get alot of trailriding out of a $600 bike.

 

You could also look at single speed 29ers. It may sound crazy, but you'd be very surprised what you can ride on a fully rigid (no shocks) single speed 29er. I rode one for 3 years before slapping some gears on. Here's a few from the top of my head: Kona Unit 29er, Redline monocog 29er, Raleigh xxix. They're often much less expensive than their geared counterparts, simple, low maintenance, and super fun.
Just a thought.

 

I have a stumpy 29er and will no longer ride anything but, 29ers are amazing!!!