Show off your Mountain Bike!!!

Geometry is going to matter for comfort. Definitely ride diff bikes to see what feels good to you. You want something that can be upgraded in the future so tapered headset, thru axles and 1X front drive train is important features which the salsa and Kona both have. Both also have an air fork up front which are on the same levels as each other. A Fox or Pike fork is better but that’s a diff price range and can always be acquired later with an upgrade as your skill set grows. Size and fit is really important. You don’t want to be reaching too far or be uncomfortable after a short ride

 

This for certain. If possible, ride the bikes you're interested for more than just a pedal in the parking lot. Also, if you ride now, ask friends/folks on the trail to try different setups. Most folks around my area are pretty helpful, and a beer in the parking lot only makes that easier

 

Jumping down to a 1k budget? Is this more realistic for a beginner?

I do like to live by the buy once cry once method, but $1000 is alot of money. But it seems like quality, reliability, and capability seem to drop significantly with the $1000 dollar budget bikes. Not to dis on $1000 bikes by any means.

Being stuck at home indoors, not going out to restaurants, and not having a single hobby has made me realize how boring I am and how much money I have been saving by not going out. I guess I'm trying to find a hobby that isn't costing me an arm and a leg and not knowing how long this hobby can last.

Haha shit maybe I'm just in over my head. Who knows.

 

I think it will be hard to find and air fork within that budget along with a 1X drivetrain. My initial bike was a Specialized Pitch Expert before I knew what I wanted to do. It was under 1000. Kept it one season and sold
It and bought my Kona for 1500$. You will also need to invest in a good set of pedals but you can get some raceface Chester’s for around 40$.
Dropping to $1000 or below will also more than likely limit your ability to upgrade later and cost you more in the long run. But once cry once for sure.

 

Maybe look into something in the used market? A grand is indeed a lot. But it's sort of at the bottom of the ladder for quality mtb. Even Walmart's new bike is more toward $6k than $1k (which is where you'd expect them to be).

You can save money with a manufacturer that offers different component packages. Each of the packages offer a different quality level. XT and XTR are top of the line. Most everything else will be some combination of off-brand components and house brand components. With a quality mfg, you'll do OK at the lower end but will probably wonder why you didn't go XT (XTR is not worth it unless you're a gear head or a really good rider).

Anyway, look at used bikes-you can definitely find a quality bike for less money.

 

This is likely what I'll end up doing if I drop the budget to 1000 or less. Selling and then trading up. Like we said buy once cry one. Appreciate the info man!!

 

Def not opposed to the used market. Ive kind of been looking off and on.

Had no idea walmart had bike like that. Is it actually worth a darn? Or is it one of thier mountain bikes that have a disclaimer on the bike that says don't use as a mountain bike. Haha.

 

Surprisingly, Pink Bike said it was OK.

 

Karate Monkey’s are fun

 

Transition sentinel

 

Transition is a very affordable bike and from what I can tell, it's a great value.

 

This thing is incredible. I snagged it as a 2019 close out alloy GX for $2600 normally $3200

 

I did find that Pitch at a great deal and sold it for a profit to offset the price of my Kona but it along with some reading and education from more experienced riders helped me see what i was missing. When i 1st bought it, my thoughts was i'll just ride some easy paths and not try anything in the woods or a real trail. Well one day at my local park, i said, let me see what this trail riding is all about.

I couldnt fly through the trail fast and didnt know a thing about real bike control or anything else but i had fun and realized i was not in the shape i thought i was in either. Hitting the roots shook the hell out me and had me bouncing around like i was on a bucking bull ( due to the coil shock on the bike, more like a pogo stick)!!! The main thing i got from that ride was i wanted to try it again and i was having fun.

I asked a few guys some questions on another forum like this but for MTB called MTBR. They schooled me on why my ride was the way it was and why my bike was making so much noise while riding even though it was only ridden a few times by the previous owner. The 3X front drive train made all the noise of the chain clapping and the rear derailleur didnt have a clutch so there was no tension to help prevent chain drops. None of this i knew before just "wanting a decent bike to ride". I asked more and more questions and read more threads and ended up making some good friendships on there with guys i could text and ask advice from regarding bikes i was looking at the pro's and cons of each.

I would definitely check out that forum and the beginners section and just read and soak in the knowledge. But they all will say Fit and seat time on diff bikes will help your decision. Like someone mentioned, a parking lot ride wont really do it for you. They have bike days at some trails where you can rent a bike and take it down a course to see how you like it or even try to meet some guys from here at your local trail to see if they can teach you some. It truly is a different world from the bikes we grew up on as kids. You do get what you pay for as with anything. Now can you always buy and resell to upgrade, YES but is it always cheaper, NOT AT ALL. Keep us posted on your thoughts and check out your local bike shop. Building a relationship with them will help and many offer free tune-ups with a bike purchased from them.

 

This is extremely helpful!!

A friend of mine invited me to a bike park this weekend. I didn't really want to go, but I think I might and get a gauge of where I'm at. Is that the honzo or honzo dl?

Thank you again!

 

Go for it, it can be a little intimidating going with more skilled riders as you can feel like you are holding them back but since its a friend of yours, he can give you some direction and help you out with questions. GET A HELMET, those trees come fast and they dont yield to oncoming traffic, lol. Have fun and let us know how it goes.

 

@slowlane True statement above. You will also want a good bike rack or stand for the bike vs tossing it in the back of the truck laying on its side. Check out some youtube vids or new riders like ToogyHowser. It has progressed in the past couple of years and vlogs his first bike up to what he has now. Also Seth's Bike Hacks is a good channel that shows some good tips and hacks as well as giving good info about beginner bikes and direction to go

Its the Honzo, the Honzo DL is a diff color and has a fat tire @slowlane

Also a good bike for the money that i have seen a lot of people start with is the Diamondback Sync'r. The new version comes with a dropper seat post as well which is a game changer. You can adjust the seat height with a button on the handlebars. makes a difference when you need to stand or sit while pedaling.

 

I do like modding.....welp another bike to throw in the mix. Thanks!!!

 

Awesome thanks again, great info! I'll be sure to check out those YouTube chanels.

 

I saw a post from my LBS, Trail Head Cyclery, who posted a few images on IG, @trailheadcyclery if you wanna see one.

 

SC Tallboy!!!