I’ve been inspired by @Bagsy and plan to buy a bike. My last one, a Raleigh mountain bike, doesn’t fit me and needs too much work to justify fixing it up, so I’m going to buy something new.
I’m inclined towards mountain and cross-country bikes. Currently, REI has their in-house brand on sale. With its front air shock, dropper post, and 12 speeds, the DRT 1.3 is most interesting. It retails for $1,400 and is on sale for $1,120. Trek’s Roscoe 7 has similar components and is marked down from $1,700 to $1,400. Do any of y’all have experienced with either model or brand? Anything else you recommend I check out
Do you want serious mountain biking or just something that can kind of go off road? If the latter I would check out so called “gravel bikes”. I would also look at Specialized’s entry level offerings.
Pawn shop or some other place to buy used. If you find you are riding consistently and believe you need an upgrade, then invest in something more expensive. Resist the temptation to buy more bike than you need.
I agree for novice bikers. I used to commute by bike on the aforementioned Raleigh and am more returning to riding than learning what I want.
In fact, the Raleigh was a used bike, which I bought off a doctor and was immaculately maintained. Now, I have a better idea of what I want and what fits in my price range. If I ever commute by bike regularly, I’ll invest in a good road bike. Getting a solid, upgradeable mountain bike fits with my experience level and interests.
I bought my specialized stumpjumper from a pawn shop for around $700. It was almost new at the time, and the going price for a new one was $1800.
FWIW, I agree with getting a used bike. So many people buy a nice bike, go out for one season, or a few rides an give it up and sell for less than half what they paid.
Also, @TriednTrue, I’d go with a cross country mountain bike based on what you have said. Cross country bikes are pretty capable for rocky trails, and even stuff like drop offs. At least in my area (MN), there isn’t a need for anything more aggressive than a cross country bike. You likely don’t need rear suspension (it makes the bike heavier, costs more, and sucks energy from your pedal strokes). I’d look for a bike that comes with a front shock that is able to be serviced (this is mid range and up for rock shock brand, and likely all the Fox shocks are serviceable). I’d also look for a 1 by gearing (no front derailleur). The front derailleur is just a PITA IMO, and with the rears now having 10+ gears, it just isn’t necessary if the front gear is sized properly.
For reference on pricing, this ladies carbon fiber Framed bike is on my local Craigslist for $950, could probably be had for 800-$850.
I am just saying, take a look on the used market to see what is out there.
I agree 100%. And if you get one with a front suspension, get one that you can lock out.
Almost all my riding was on gravel or crushed rock trails. What was most important to me was.
Rugged semi-slick tires. (Armadillo’s)
Double wall wheels.
More upright riding position. (Hybrid)
A comfortable saddle.
Pedals that your feet will not slip off of when wet.
I think a gravel bike is a great choice if you’re simply wanting to go off-road, but a mountain bike would be better if you will ride on truly technical trails. Sounds like you’re leaning toward the latter already though.
I second checking out the used market. Not necessarily just Craigslist and the like but also used bike shops. There might be one near you, and that way you can (probably) get a better sense of its condition. For example, my used road bike was already upgraded with tons of new things like wheels and pedals. And it was a steal!
I’m a big fan of Giant. They make most of the frames for other companies. Check out the Talon 1 if you’re looking hardtail. Should be just under $1000.
If you are looking for a mountain bike expect to pay around $1500 for a semi decent hardtail, or $2500 for a semi decent full suspension. It is generally a buyers market because of massive overstock coming out of the pandemic boom in MTB.
I am a Trek girl! I’ve had both mountain and road bikes. I like them because they fit me well. I’ve also had Giant and Specialized bikes, but I always come back to Trek!
My rec is to test “drive” some different models and brands and pick the one that feels the best - because that’s the one you’re gonna ride!
And if you don’t get clip-in pedals, I highly recommend getting baskets put on. Then you can push and pull - more power and awesome hams too! lol
Cages are the worst of both worlds, which is why no one uses them anymore. Your foot still moves around, and they don’t let you out in a sketchy moment. 2 things you really don’t want mountain biking.
For MTB a decent pair of flat pedals and vans/skate shoes will do you fine. If you want MTB specific shoes for flat pedals, 5.10 shoes are easily the most popular for good reason (sticky rubber). If your flat pedals don’t have metal pins, or have reflectors, they suck. Housebrand plastic pedals with pins should be about $30-$40 and will do fine for a beginner.
If OP wants to go the clipless route, and they have no experience with clipless, then I would suggest 5.10 shoes again (or any other skate type shoe with a clear), and platform clipless pedals so they can run spring tension super low to start until clipping in/out becomes second nature.
A lot of good suggestions in here. My only suggestion is to go with a bike brand that has good local bike shop support. I am lucky that I have an REI, a Trek dealer and a Specialized dealer, actually 2 of those, within 10 miles of my house. Some people are not that lucky. Most bike shops will work on anything, but warranty issues if you ordered and shipped a bike could be a pita.
I am also more inclined to buy from a small bike shop instead of REI. They are good to have around and need community support more than a corporate REI type store.
It would depend on what he’s doing. He mentioned cross country and mountain biking. For CC, clipless would be better. In fact, there is no reason why you can’t have both and change them as needed.
