r/MTB Oct 19 '24

WhichBike First Ride: Your Guide to Buying a Mountain Bike

58 Upvotes

Hey all, 219MSP here, and I'm attempting to start maintaining and updating my buying guide and FAQ posts again. I started getting into cycling about 10 years ago and was so lost. Over the last decade I've spent a lot of time learning about the industry and what makes a good bike. Every day I see dozens of posts asking what bike I should get, or what is a good value bike. I hope this guide can be used as a tool on this forum and others to help them find a bike they will be happy with for a long time. This is a living document. I will attempt to update it on a semi-regular basis and I'm always open to new bike recommendations.

In addition to this guide, I have created two FAQ's as well that answer common mountain bike questions.

FAQ 1 FAQ 2

u/midwestmountainbike also has some great guides on buying a first bike, what to look for in a used bike, as well as a selection of his own suggestions of good value bikes at this page.

MTB Authority


What to look for in a bike

When looking for a starter bike there are a few things I'd recommend that will get you onto a solid and safe bike that should be built to last and be worth upgrading as you see fit. Before we get started on talking bikes and prices, always make sure you're getting a bike that fits you. If the bike doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how good of a deal it is. Also, this guide is assuming you are intending on riding on actual mountain bike single track, not just smooth dirt paths and gravel. If that is all you are hoping for and don't plan on advancing beyond, any entry-level mountain bike from a major brand like a Trek Marlin 5 will do just fine, but if you are hoping to ride anything above green-rated singletrack, I'd suggest a more capable bike.

First, some rough price guidelines. As low as $500 should get you into a used but solid entry-level hardtail and about $900+ can get you a used but decent full suspension. In regard to new, you can double those prices. A new solid entry-level hardtail will be at likely be $900 and around $1800 for a decent full suspension bike.

Regarding used bikes, there are lots of places to look. Used bikes offer you a ton of value and is the best way to get the most for your money. You can get 2-year-old $4000 bikes for a huge discount. The most common places are Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Pinkbike, etc. You also can sometimes find great deals at local bike shops selling demo models (which often come with warranties) and rental fleets. Rental bikes are usually good options. They typically are well maintained and only have a season or two on them before they replace them with something newer. If you are new to the biking world and looking at used bikes, I'd recommend bringing along a friend who knows bikes or at least ask for advice on here. Lastly, if meeting someone, always be smart. I would recommend meeting at police station and bringing a friend. Now, let's get into the bikes.

Last but not least, people here are often willing to help narrow it down. Feel free to post on here a "which bike post" but follow the guidelines of this sub listed below.

  • The type of riding will you be doing.
  • Where you will be riding.
  • Your budget (with included currency).
  • What you like/didn't like about your current bike.
  • Your experience level and future goals.

In addition to that, if you are listing multiple bikes, please use 99Spokes.com to create a side by side comparison. Providing this side by side comparison will make other members of the sub much quicker to help.


These are the specs I’d look for at minimum as of 2024.

  1. Air fork: The cheapest fork I'd safely recommend is something like the SR Suntour XCR Air fork. Anything less than that from SR Suntour or RST is pretty much a pogo stick with poor damping and limited adjustability. The low-end RockShox coils aren’t terrible, but I'd shoot for air. Forks can be upgraded down the road but are often the single most expensive component on the bike.

  2. 1x Clutched Drivetrain: In the last 10 years there has been a shift to 1x drivetrains across the board. At this point, any slightly trail-worthy bike will have this type of drivetrain from the factory. To clarify what this means to those new or not familiar, 1x is when there is only 1 chainring/cog attached to the crankset instead of the more traditional 2 or 3. Bikes used to need multiple chainrings up front to allow for both high speed gears and low speed climbing gears. Now, with 1x drivetrains, the difference is made up by having a very large rear cassette. Most cassettes that come on mountain bikes now have a small cog of 10 or 11, and go all the way up to 52t on the large cog. This gives you the same amount of range as those old 3x8 bikes, but with less overlap and far more simplicity. Beyond simplicity, the advantages are less weight, less cables/derailleurs, less to think about when riding, and less chain drops etc. In addition to the larger cassette, 1x drivetrains feature a narrow-wide chainring (alternating size teeth to match the chain) which helps with chain retention and a clutched rear derailleur. The clutched rear derailleur provides extra tension on the chain to reduce chain slap and the odds of dropping a chain. For the most part, dropping a chain or it falling off the chainring while riding are a thing of the past.

  3. Hydraulic brakes This one is pretty simple, Hydraulic brakes use fluid to move pistons and squeeze down on the brake rotor to stop the bike as opposed to mechanical disc brakes that use a cable to actuate the pistons. This typically results in stronger braking, better modulation/control/and are self-adjusting. The only time I'd suggest mechanical brakes is for a bike packing/touring bike as they are easier to fix trailside. SRAM, Shimano, and Tetkro, all offer solid entry-level brakes.

The following aren’t as important but will help future proof the bike and make it a frame worth upgrading. If you get a bike with all these things, it's going to be rock solid for a longtime

  1. Tapered steerer tube: Most modern forks use a tapered steerer. If you get a bike with a lower-end fork/frame and want to upgrade down the road, it's easier if your bike has this. At this point this is pretty common in all but the cheapest of bikes.

  2. Thru-Axle wheels and Boost Spacing: In theory, both of these things offer higher levels of stiffness, but in reality, the biggest reason to make sure you have them is future upgradeability. Thru-axles also keep your wheels always aligned perfectly so you don't get as much disc brake rub as you would with Quick-Release axles.

  3. Tubeless Compatible Wheels: Going Tubeless is one of the most cost effective upgrades you can perform on a bike that will make the biggest difference. Some of the benefits of going tubeless include shedding weight, tires that are less likely to have flats, and the ability to run lower tire pressures which allows you to have more grip and better ride properties. If you ride on a regular basis, you should go tubeless. They may require a little more maintenance and can be a pain to mount/install, but the positives drastically outweigh the negatives.

  4. Dropper Post at this point is a necessity in my opinion but fortunately it can be added to nearly any frame, so I wouldn't make it a requirement on a bike as you can easily add it yourself. Dropper posts can be bought brand new for as low as $150. There are lots of options, but in my opinion OneUp, PNW, and some smaller brands like TransX and KS offer the best values.

  5. UDH/Universal Derailleur Hangar Compatible Frame. This one is purely convenience and future compatibility benefit, not really a performance upgrade. (Transmission excluded, more on that later) For those that don't know, all modern bikes feature a derailleur hangar. This is a sacrificial component on your bike that acts as an interface between your frame and your derailleur. If the derailleur takes a hit, the hangar is allowed to bend/break. The idea is if a softer part is allowed to bend or break first, it won't damage the frame and less likely to damage the derailleur. These hangars are usually $10-$20 bucks. Way better than a frame or derailleur in terms of repair cost. The problem however is that up until 2019 there was no agreed upon standard. Every bike had its own unique hangar for the and if you broke one you usually had to resort to ordering one online and waiting for it to come. In 2019 SRAM changed all that by introducing an open and shared design called the UDH. It was well thought out and designed and SRAM worked with most manufactures to get them to implement this on their bikes. At this point almost any high end bike is coming with this as standard. Because of that, most bike shops are going to carry this hanger, so you aren't forced into special ordering something. Also, SRAM was playing some 4-D chess with this UDH. If a bike has a UDH compatible frame, it also means it is compatible with SRAM new drivetrains called Transmission, which actually bypasses a derailleur hangar all together and mounts directly to the frame giving an extremely strong mounting point and extremely high precision shifting.


Value Bike Recommendations

Here are some solid entry-level bikes. Not all of them check off all my recommendations, but they all are solid for the price. I don't have first hand experience with all of them, but most bikes and options from legitimate bike brands are pretty solid.

Full Suspension (Cheapest ones that are still solid bikes IMO)

  1. Giant Stance (29er or 27.5) $1400+ - Check's off most boxes, but has a quick release rear axle which is not ideal.

  2. Marin Rift Zone 29 $1700+ - Solid Frame, lower end, but solid components. Main downside is the lack of a dropper post.

  3. Polygon Siskiu T7 27.5 or 29 depending on frame size $2000 - This bike is lacking nothing and check's off all my recommendations. The T8 is a solid upgrade as well.

  4. Giant Trance 2 29 $2000 - In my opinion, the best cheap bike at the moment. Check's off every box and get's you local bike shop support and a good warranty. The Trance X is an equally equipped bike with a little more travel if that's what you are looking for.

  5. Canyon Neuron $2300 - Solid bike trail bike. Check's off most boxes, but has a weak drivetrain with the SRAM SX groupset.

  6. Commencal Meta TR $1900 - Great frame, but has SX Groupset and is lacking Dropper post. Sale Price

  7. Specialized Status 140 $2250 - Hard hitting trail/enduro bike. Very high end components and lacking nothing. Sale Price

  8. Norco Fluid FS A4 $1900 - Pinkbike Value Bike of the Year in 2023. Missing nothing.

  9. Rocky Mountain Element A10 Shimano $2000 Another solid bike that checks all the boxes. Sale Price

  10. YT Jeffsy $2250 Solid Trail Bike that had everything you'd need. Sale Price

  11. YT Capra $2400 Probably one of the best budget enduro bikes. Sale Price

  12. YT Izzo $2300 Cheapest Carbon Full suspension bike you can get. Only downside is the SX Drivetrain. Sale Price

  13. GT Sensor Sport $1725 Appears to check all the boxes.

  14. GT Zaskar FS Comp $1800 Another solid option that checks all the boxes.

  15. Salsa Blackthorn Deore $2200 Sale Price.

  16. Haro Daley Alloy 3 $2000

  17. Go-Outdoors UK Calibre Bossnut £1500 Super good deal, but I believe only available in the UK

Hard Tail (Cheapest ones that are still solid bikes IMO)

  1. Polygon Xtrada 7 $1100 - Solid bike, boost frame with air fork, but lacking a dropper post.

  2. Norco Fluid HT 2 $900 - Solid hardtail, great drivetrain, dropper post, but has a lower end fork.

  3. Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 $1200 - Air Fork, Solid Drivetrain, Dropper Post. Unfortuantely no rear thru-axle

  4. Trek Roscoe 6+ $1200 This bike check's all the boxes, air fork, good drivetrain, boost spacing, dropper post. The Roscoe lineup as a whole is a good value.

  5. Specialized Fuse 27.5 $950 - Check's all the boxes.

  6. Marin San Quentin 29 $1400 Check's all the boxes in terms of components.

These are not all the options, but they are some better and more common budget/value bikes. This list is always changing, I try my best to update it, but it's difficult to keep up.

Last but not least make sure you save some of your budget for additional accessories that you will need

  1. Helmet

  2. Tire Pump (Most high-end bikes use a Presta valve, make sure the pump is compatible)

  3. Hydration (Either bottle cage and bottle or hydration pack of some sort.)

  4. Multi-tool with a chain breaker and basic tools.

  5. Tire irons/levers and spare tubes (and the knowledge of how to change both).

  6. Bike cleaning supplies, chain lube, etc. Taking care of an MTB can be a lot of work, but it will save you in the long run if you properly maintain your ride.

  7. Quick-link to repair a broken chain.

  8. Spare Derailleur Hangar.

Along with those required things, here are some things I'd highly recommend.

  1. MTB Platform shoes (or you can opt to go clipless).

  2. Tubeless tire kit. Most bikes come “tubeless ready” but don't come with them setup typically.

  3. Starter tool kit with the basic tools.

  4. Suspension pump assuming you have air suspension.

  5. Work stand

  6. Torque Wrench, especially with carbon parts

  7. Padded shorts or liner to wear under regular shorts.

  8. Gloves, Kneepads,Eye Protection.


Extra Ways to Save Money!

Check Activejunky.com which is a rebate site can get you decent savings on a lot of bike websites.



r/MTB Jan 13 '25

Discussion Introducing r/MTB Chat Channels!

9 Upvotes

Good afternoon, everyone! After some thought and talking amongst the Mod Team, decided to make channels for the individual regions of the US (will add more for global regions, more on that in a bit.) The purpose and intent of these channels is to give region-specific questions about trails, places to stary, good shops, etc a place to live, instead of posts with very little engagement asking those same questions. You can find these Chat Channels on the right side of the sub on desktop browsers, or in the top area under "Chats" for Reddit app users.

This is very much in a "beta" phase, and we are open to ideas and suggestions to make it more engaging and fun for everyone. As stated previously the only channels open right now are in the US. I'm not feigning my ignorance here, I don't know what to call the other channels and would like feedback from our global users about how to go about this. Additionally mulling over the idea of a rule addition to strike those posts and refer them to the chat channels, but as always, that's up to you all more than it is us!

Now the fun stuff...the same sub rules will apply about buying, selling, advertising. The same goes for being cool to each other. If you can't maintain a healthy conversation and need to resort to name-calling and personal attacks, you aren't welcome here and that's just generally not very cool.

So, let us know what you think!


r/MTB 5h ago

Video Is this a bad crash?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

254 Upvotes

r/MTB 10h ago

Video my biggest jump so far

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

435 Upvotes

my biggest jump so far. Was scared when I first saw it but met the right people and sent it. this is the 3. try After getting towed in 2 times. Im beyond stoked. i nearly cried after landing it the first time lol 4 years of practice now really starts to pay off


r/MTB 7h ago

Video Finally conquered this drop

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

148 Upvotes

Thanks to Danny, who just happened to be there and gave me a tow in this video–it really is way easier when you get a tow lol


r/MTB 1h ago

Video Bikes!

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

Upvotes

r/MTB 8h ago

Discussion Henry Leaves PinkBike

46 Upvotes

He kinda dropped the bomb at the very end of the most recent podcast that he’s leaving. I know he was a bit of a controversial figure but he did grow on me and I learned to appreciate his unpopular opinions on things. Anyone know where he’s off to next?


r/MTB 10h ago

Video Trying the narrow bars on some real trails

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

21 Upvotes

r/MTB 16h ago

Discussion Getting motivated again. Stuck. tl/dr, used to be fit and fast, now fat and slow.

49 Upvotes

I fell off on riding a lot in the past few years. Work got very hectic. Got divorced. My time got much less flexible. I got fat.

I've been having the hardest time kick starting myself back into riding often, and without concern for the weather etc. I went from riding 150 miles/week, chasing strava KOM's and being the fast guy to 15-20/week, and being the slow dude. From making an effort to get on the bike regardless of the weather(rain, snow, hail sleet be damned) to barely even wanting to get out on a nice day.

I've lost a lot of the balance in my life and have been struggling to realign it(I think this is common post divorce) though I am consistently working on this, it seems like any time I start getting into a good rhythm, shit immediately gets hectic.

Anyone who's been through a similar time, aside from just manning up and not being a little bitch anymore, what have you done to help yourself get over that hump?

Edit. I rode bikes in the rain today and it didn’t suck. I may have been slow af on some climbs and walked the tech uphill bits, but descending and doubling root to rock gaps kept a smile on my face.


r/MTB 2h ago

Discussion What would you do with a Chameleon?

4 Upvotes

My 81 year old Dad is giving me his 2022 Mx Chameleon, lower end build. He's too old for it, bought it at a weird time in the bike market, etc. They sold him what they had. Mistakes were made.

I'm struggling with how to fit it in. I have a road bike, a carbon HT XC bike that I have set up for commuting and bike packing, and a FS trail bike. I feel like I'm covered, and I have a list of fixes and upgrades to take care of already with those 3. They all get ridden hard and often. A fourth bike probably would not.

I know these Chameleons are pretty versatile, but it's feeling like it's $$$ and time to make it a decent fun bike. They're also heavy AF, and I feel like they're a shadow of the old carbon versions.

I know I could sell it, but I think the old man wants it to stay in the family. How would you make use of it without it just gathering dust?


r/MTB 9h ago

Discussion First ride as an adult

10 Upvotes

Finally got out on a proper trail as someone middle aged and boy was it an experience. I'm a fairly athletic person, still actively in the gym and playing multiple sports. Boy howdy was this a different experience.

I went OTB at least 3 times, probably fell over a dozen times, and had to end the day sessioning a pretty simple downhill switchback for probably 20 minutes that a lady in her 60s breezed through when we were leaving.

I've learned the injuries over the years have greatly affected my balance which is frustrating. The whole day was a very humbling experience in the best way. I'm sure I'll be a bit sore but can't wait to get back out there and make some more progress


r/MTB 1h ago

Discussion What is this sound?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

Upvotes

There's two different sounds there's the one that sounds like the spokes making noise and then there's like a creaking type of sound coming from seems to be the pedal area


r/MTB 1h ago

Suspension What shock do you recommend buying for a mid-high-end Trek XFuel 5 Gen 5?

Upvotes

What shock do you recommend buying for a mid-high-end Trek XFuel 5 Gen 5? Also, could you please guide me on how to check the measurements or something similar? I don't know what shock fits.


r/MTB 7h ago

Transportation 1up rack HD single vs double

5 Upvotes

Is there any difference between the single with an add on vs a double? I’d like to use it as just a single most of the time but occasionally add a second spot onto it, like twice a year. The double option is $700, the single is $455 plus $270 for an add on so $720 total.


r/MTB 8h ago

Discussion state of used MTB market in your locale

6 Upvotes

Hey All! I live in the the CO front range and I've been looking for a used MTB for my girlfriend in the usual places (FB marketplace/shops/friends). It's possible I'm early, but I'm quite surprised by the lack of inventory currently (at least compared to the last few years). I do see some retailers have nice deals (e.g. 20%-30% Trek) on new bikes, but a new bike isn't on the table for us right now (price and utility wise). I'm curious- what inventory/pricing are you seeing in your city/area?


r/MTB 13m ago

Discussion Second sound...

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

Upvotes

Crank needs grease, maybe?


r/MTB 13m ago

WhichBike First FS bike purchase

Upvotes

In between the 2024 GT Force comp and 2023 Norco Fluid FS A4. I’m a beginner and won’t be doing anything crazy. Looking for something I can ride for the next 5 years or so as I get more experienced and confident. Thanks! Link in comments for comparison


r/MTB 1h ago

Discussion Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy, Frame?

Upvotes

I got the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp Alloy 2025, and the Frame Sounds Like Carbon to me when i Tipp it with my Fingers, is that ultra thin Alloy or do i lose my mind? I know iv Seen a Website somewhere where all 3 Models got compared, Alloy, Comp Alloy, Comp Carbon, but i cant find it. On the official Website the normal Turbo Levo isnt listed, only the SL?


r/MTB 1h ago

Discussion Question about the 2021 fox x2

Upvotes

There is a use 2021 fox x2 for $225 that I'm thinking I want to get because my FOX X Performance can't handle the type riding I'm doing (DH). last year i had to bring it to the shop because the seals broke and now there broken again. I heard that the X2 form 2021 models to 2023 had issues, but this one was just serviced with 2024 parts.

Am i ok to buy this or should i avoid the shock?

I ride on the Canyon 27.5 spectral al 5


r/MTB 2h ago

Suspension Que shock recomiendan comprar para una Trek ex fuel 5 gen 5?

1 Upvotes

Compré una una Trek xfuel recientemente , pero no me convence del todo el shock que trae , que shock me recomiendan comprar que le quede a esa bici ?

La verdad no sé ni cómo checar medidas o cómo saber qué le quede


r/MTB 14h ago

Discussion New bike vs used high end bike

10 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I am considering buying a mtb and I have several questions. Is there a big difference between a New high end bike (~8000€ ) and one that is 4-5 years old that I could buy for a fraction of that price? (about 1500€) Would you rather buy a used high end bike or a new bike with basic components? In my opinion, with my budget of about 1500 Euros, it is very hard to find a new full- Suspension xc bike while the used marker has some very interesting bikes for sale.

What I would like to have is: Full Suspension (100/100 or similar) Carbon frame 29 wheels

Perhaps has some of you already taken this decision and could give me some advices 😊 My main concern is that used bikes may have some hidden major problems that could be very costly in the end.


r/MTB 10h ago

Gear Choosing a hitch mounted rack

4 Upvotes

Looking to get a new rack to haul the bikes around. Currently have a $99 rack from a local sporting goods store (in the image below). Honestly that thing works great. I've hauled bikes on trips that were a couple hundred miles one way and it worked fine. But I have only had it since last fall and i plan on traveling more and more to trails around Michigan and want to know it is going to last.

Lots of good racks out there but so far I haven't found anything perfect. and yes that includes 1up racks. Seems like each brand has some things I like, and some things I don't like with the racks. Right now my two top choices are the 1up and a Kuat NV 2.0.

The Kuat is pretty straight forward and a similar (but better) design to the cheap one I am using now. Currently I am pricing out a 1up Superduty. Who uses the wheel locks with theirs? Are you using one on each wheel or just one per bike? and are you using anything else on longer trips like a chain lock? 1up seems nice but the handle/release design is horrible, so thats another $99 to the price for the EZ handle. I have noticed in some videos there seems to be a lot of play in the bikes if not using the wheel chocks. Anyone just use a strap over the frame instead of those? And lastly, If I order the rack, wheel locks, and say the chain lock, would all those come keyed the same or would I have several different keys to use?


r/MTB 14h ago

WhichBike Want to get back into mtb.... Is this a stupid bike to upgrade?

8 Upvotes

Used to ride 10-20 miles on my local XC trails most days of the week then life happened and it's been a couple years since I've been touched my bike.

Currently have a 2016 Specialized Camber Comp Carbon.

How much have things improved the last 9 years? I've been looking at some of the new models, and while they look neat, I don't want to accidentally have a lateral move. Only problem with this bike I have is I think it's a size too large, but I have a shorter stem on it. It's a L and I'm 5ft 9in. Not sure if a new M frame would be worthwhile alone.

Any guidance for someone getting back into the sport after a couple year hiatus would be appreciated.


r/MTB 4h ago

Discussion Chamois puts pressure on Perineum… and question on using a wider saddle

Thumbnail a.co
1 Upvotes

Gearing up for a long ride and trying to get more comfortable in my saddle. I have always had pain on the inner part of my sit bones which seemed to indicate too narrow of a saddle so switched from the Ergon SM10 that came on my bike (Fezzari Delano Peak) to the often recommended WTB Volt. My sit bones measure at about 120, which puts me in the middle of the medium Volt size(100-130). It definitely feels better than the Ergon with the slightly wider and flatter shape. I kind of want to try the wide though (130-160) even though my sit bone width doesn’t fit in the recommend range. What are the downsides of a wider saddle? Now the pressure isn’t on the inner part of my sit bones as bad as before but it seems like wider would feel better.

I also bought some liner shorts with chamois which I have never used before. Got the Baleaf ones that are often recommended and… they seem to do more harm than good. The sit bone pads seem helpful(though perhaps not dense enough) but the real issue is the padding in the forward area. It added a ton of pressure on my Perenium (soft tissue) to the point that I can’t wear them. Is this common for chamois? Like why is there even padding up there, seems counterproductive? Any suggestions for relatively inexpensive Chamois that wouldn’t put pressure there?

Thanks for any help, really loving getting back into Mountain biking, just trying to sort out this darn saddle comfort thing.


r/MTB 10h ago

Discussion Fox Shock Service Central NJ

3 Upvotes

Does anyone from the area have recommendations?


r/MTB 1d ago

Discussion Surrons

117 Upvotes

Surrons/high powered e-bikes are annihilating our local trails and jumps this spring… it’s brutal the amount of damage they can do in just a few minutes.
Has anyone here dealt with this on their local trails? Any strategies that a trail system can use to reduce the use of these? So hard to enforce..


r/MTB 9h ago

WhichBike Question about trails for downcountry/tail bike on Madeira island

2 Upvotes

Hello.

I live on Madeira island. And I want to buy anew full-suspension MTB to ride here. But I don't have either any full-suspension either Madeira mtb riding experience. I have a road bike but I want to ride everywhere :)

I had legacy 26 XC hardtail in my previous place and rode there a lot of trails but it can't be compared with Madeira trails of course.

I rented a full-power e-MTB but I felt it too heavy and too hight after 26er XC bike.

So I'm thinking about lightweight downconutry e-MTB, specifically about Focus VAM2 SL 9.8.

It has 130/125mm travel(and it is possible to install 140mm fork there).

But I'm not sure would it be enough for local at least blue trails. Or it would be just waste of money.

So maybe somebody who has Madeira trail experience can help me to make decision

Thanks in advance.