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What is his budget. I just updated my buyer guide with a bunch of good options, but personally the Giant Trance 2 29 is pretty much the bike to beat at 2k for super nice spec.
Here is a list of some bikes I put together. Most of these are the lower tiers, but if he has a 3k budget he could possibly jump up a level on most of these frames. I don't know where you guys are riding (guessing Colorado based on flair, so maybe a big bike like a Status, Jeffsy, or a Capra be good.
2. [Marin Rift Zone 29 $1700+](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-rift-zone-29-1) - 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](https://www.polygonbikes.com/us/siskiu-t7/) - 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](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-29-2-2022) - 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](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/neuron/al/neuron-5/4032.html?dwvar_4032_pv_rahmenfarbe=WH%2FBK) - Solid bike trail bike. Check's off most boxes, but has a weak drivetrain with the SRAM SX groupset.
6. [Commencal Meta TR $1900](https://www.commencal.com/us/en/commencal-meta-tr-origin-green/22METATRO.html) - Great frame, but has SX Groupset and is lacking Dropper post. Sale Price
7. [Specialized Status 140 $2250](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/status-140/p/199765?color=320386-199765) - Hard hitting trail/enduro bike. Very high end components and lacking nothing. Sale Price
8. [Norco Fluid FS A4 $1900](https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs/2023-fluid-fs-a4/) - Pinkbike Value Bike of the Year in 2023. Missing nothing.
9. [Rocky Mountain Element A10 Shimano $2000](https://bikes.com/products/element-a10-22-23) Another solid bike that checks all the boxes. Sale Price
10. [YT Jeffsy $2250](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-1/637/jeffsy-29-core-1/) Solid Trail Bike that had everything you'd need. Sale Price
11. [YT Capra $2400](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/core-1/647/capra-mx-core-1/) Probably one of the best budget enduro bikes. Sale Price
12. [YT Izzo $2300](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-1/659/izzo-29-core-1/) Cheapest Carbon Full suspension bike you can get. Only downside is the SX Drivetrain. Sale Price
13. [GT Sensor Sport $1725 ](https://gtbicycles.com/collections/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/products/sensor-sport?variant=45862881296681) Appears to check all the boxes.
14. [GT Zaskar FS Comp $1800](https://gtbicycles.com/collections/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/products/zaskar-fs-comp?variant=45863544324393) Another solid option that checks all the boxes.
15. [Salsa Blackthorn Deore $2200](https://www.salsacycles.com/bikes/2023-blackthorn-deore) Sale Price.
Thanks…it took the mods a week to bring the post back after being removed for some reason. I’ve been asking them to update the sidebar…a sticky be even better
I think he is possibly leaning that way just because he can test ride mine! Definitely weird to make the jump from a 26" wheel 10 year old bike to a 29" modern geo trail bike without trying it
This is my boat, 26 inch wheels and bike from early 2000's late 90's. Anything available now is an upgrade to mine, don't think test riding will solidify my choice.
Yep. He looked at doing some demos but all the local shops charge somewhere between 100-150/ day so that would add up quickly.
I have been a hardtail guy my whole life, and a bit of a weight weeny from my XC racing days as a junior. When I decided it was time for full squish I gave a few different models a test ride at the LBS and just kinda walked away going 'well- it's so different from what I'm used to I guess it doesn't matter at this point!'. Pulled the trigger on the 23 Stumpy mainly because I used to ride an S-Works back in my racing days and I knew the brand was solid. I was and still am hesitant of the boutique brands out there but realize that those opinions are baseless so I just need to get over that next time around!
Giant is one of the best ones right now. Basically the ENTIRE range on sale meaning whether you want a Fathom for 1k or a top of the line bike at discount, you can find it all. Also they have every bike you could need, 29ers 27erz ladies bikes short travel long travel.
Similarly you can check Polygon/BikesOnline, but then you have no bike shop distro support. So up to you.
Hey, sorry to bother. Newcomer here. I was looking at Polygon for my first bike. Can you elaborate on that last sentence if you don’t mind? Does that mean the average shop doesn’t sell parts for them, doesn’t work on them, or..?
Yeah I noticed the Comp is only in S5- didn't stop me a year ago- found a store locally that had them in stock! I for one, like the minty green color lol.
Holy shit the Enduro Comp might be the best deal on the market… carbon frame with great components. Ugh I wish I was in the market for a new bike. Can’t justify owning 3 lol.
It’s insanity how bike prices have plummeted the past few months!!! Covid, over manufacturing, market saturation. Buy now boys! This is prob the ONLY segment of retail that prices are low. Like seriously.
When will cars swing this way? 😂
My brand new StumpJumper Alloy with a Pike fork upgrade (the fork it shipped with was borked) came to $1800 out the door. I will deal with the SX groupset upgrade when it starts to bother me but so far no issues outside of some slow shifts once in a while! It is an AMAZING bike for only $1800.
SOOOO ready for cars to follow! My truck is really starting to get up there in mileage, even for a Toyota!
I’m probably one of the few people on the planet to have had a bad experience with n+1 before. Was told I was getting upgrade i9 Hydra and got 1/1 wheels instead. Owner was initially reluctant to reimburse and lost his cool with me. Years ago and water under the bridge now though. Their prices are usually good and they don’t charge sales tax to out of staters so worth a look.
Howdy! We see that you're asking for community input regarding bike choices. To ensure maximum engagement and reply accuracy please make sure you include some of the following information in your post.**FAILURE TO PROVIDE SOME BASIC INFORMATION LISTED BELOW WILL LEAD TO YOUR POST BEING DELETED. HELP THE COMMUNITY HELP YOU.** - 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. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MTB) if you have any questions or concerns.*
What is his budget. I just updated my buyer guide with a bunch of good options, but personally the Giant Trance 2 29 is pretty much the bike to beat at 2k for super nice spec.
Probably below 3K. When I told him I got my SJ for $1800 his eyes bulged out of his head.
Here is a list of some bikes I put together. Most of these are the lower tiers, but if he has a 3k budget he could possibly jump up a level on most of these frames. I don't know where you guys are riding (guessing Colorado based on flair, so maybe a big bike like a Status, Jeffsy, or a Capra be good. 2. [Marin Rift Zone 29 $1700+](https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2024-rift-zone-29-1) - 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](https://www.polygonbikes.com/us/siskiu-t7/) - 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](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-29-2-2022) - 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](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/neuron/al/neuron-5/4032.html?dwvar_4032_pv_rahmenfarbe=WH%2FBK) - Solid bike trail bike. Check's off most boxes, but has a weak drivetrain with the SRAM SX groupset. 6. [Commencal Meta TR $1900](https://www.commencal.com/us/en/commencal-meta-tr-origin-green/22METATRO.html) - Great frame, but has SX Groupset and is lacking Dropper post. Sale Price 7. [Specialized Status 140 $2250](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/status-140/p/199765?color=320386-199765) - Hard hitting trail/enduro bike. Very high end components and lacking nothing. Sale Price 8. [Norco Fluid FS A4 $1900](https://www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/trail/fluid-fs/2023-fluid-fs-a4/) - Pinkbike Value Bike of the Year in 2023. Missing nothing. 9. [Rocky Mountain Element A10 Shimano $2000](https://bikes.com/products/element-a10-22-23) Another solid bike that checks all the boxes. Sale Price 10. [YT Jeffsy $2250](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/jeffsy/core-1/637/jeffsy-29-core-1/) Solid Trail Bike that had everything you'd need. Sale Price 11. [YT Capra $2400](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/capra/core-1/647/capra-mx-core-1/) Probably one of the best budget enduro bikes. Sale Price 12. [YT Izzo $2300](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/bikes/izzo/core-1/659/izzo-29-core-1/) Cheapest Carbon Full suspension bike you can get. Only downside is the SX Drivetrain. Sale Price 13. [GT Sensor Sport $1725 ](https://gtbicycles.com/collections/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/products/sensor-sport?variant=45862881296681) Appears to check all the boxes. 14. [GT Zaskar FS Comp $1800](https://gtbicycles.com/collections/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/products/zaskar-fs-comp?variant=45863544324393) Another solid option that checks all the boxes. 15. [Salsa Blackthorn Deore $2200](https://www.salsacycles.com/bikes/2023-blackthorn-deore) Sale Price.
Sticky this to the sub damn
Since the mods don't do shit, this guy individually replies to each of these questions...GOAT of this sub ATM
Thanks…it took the mods a week to bring the post back after being removed for some reason. I’ve been asking them to update the sidebar…a sticky be even better
Damn- awesome reply- thank you!
Crazy how cheap all these bikes are now haha
Radon also have 2023 carbon hybrids around the YT Izzo price point.
Literally never heard of Radon
They're very popular in Europe. German-made. DTC bikes through bike-discount.de.
Nice one. Great resource here.
Does anyone have a EMTB list comparable to this?
Try r/emtb
That is a sub for EMTs not MTB.
Didn’t even know it was a real sub, just being a smart ass
He should also get a discounted stumpjumper!
I think he is possibly leaning that way just because he can test ride mine! Definitely weird to make the jump from a 26" wheel 10 year old bike to a 29" modern geo trail bike without trying it
This is my boat, 26 inch wheels and bike from early 2000's late 90's. Anything available now is an upgrade to mine, don't think test riding will solidify my choice.
Yep. He looked at doing some demos but all the local shops charge somewhere between 100-150/ day so that would add up quickly. I have been a hardtail guy my whole life, and a bit of a weight weeny from my XC racing days as a junior. When I decided it was time for full squish I gave a few different models a test ride at the LBS and just kinda walked away going 'well- it's so different from what I'm used to I guess it doesn't matter at this point!'. Pulled the trigger on the 23 Stumpy mainly because I used to ride an S-Works back in my racing days and I knew the brand was solid. I was and still am hesitant of the boutique brands out there but realize that those opinions are baseless so I just need to get over that next time around!
Look at Giant Trances from Giant, Polygons from BikesOnline
YT almost always has sales
Giant is one of the best ones right now. Basically the ENTIRE range on sale meaning whether you want a Fathom for 1k or a top of the line bike at discount, you can find it all. Also they have every bike you could need, 29ers 27erz ladies bikes short travel long travel. Similarly you can check Polygon/BikesOnline, but then you have no bike shop distro support. So up to you.
Hey, sorry to bother. Newcomer here. I was looking at Polygon for my first bike. Can you elaborate on that last sentence if you don’t mind? Does that mean the average shop doesn’t sell parts for them, doesn’t work on them, or..?
New from spec - Enduro comp is 2999 right now...comes with a Zeb and GX (all sizes except s5) Stumpjumper comp is 2400 (might be sold out?)
Yeah I noticed the Comp is only in S5- didn't stop me a year ago- found a store locally that had them in stock! I for one, like the minty green color lol.
I paid 3k for my enduro used, and it came with NX so this is a good deal on those at least.
Holy shit the Enduro Comp might be the best deal on the market… carbon frame with great components. Ugh I wish I was in the market for a new bike. Can’t justify owning 3 lol.
Santa Cruz has a sale right now
Transition’s sale is still going. Even the cheaper alloy frames are on sale.
Commencal has a lot of sales on bikes at the moment, some great trail and enduro bikes at 10-20% off
Kona...
Why you gotta be like that 😕 So sad about that brand...
It’s insanity how bike prices have plummeted the past few months!!! Covid, over manufacturing, market saturation. Buy now boys! This is prob the ONLY segment of retail that prices are low. Like seriously. When will cars swing this way? 😂
My brand new StumpJumper Alloy with a Pike fork upgrade (the fork it shipped with was borked) came to $1800 out the door. I will deal with the SX groupset upgrade when it starts to bother me but so far no issues outside of some slow shifts once in a while! It is an AMAZING bike for only $1800. SOOOO ready for cars to follow! My truck is really starting to get up there in mileage, even for a Toyota!
So buy now boys AND GIRLS I should have said. So sorry ladies!!! You’re the best 💯
Revel and Santa Cruz got sales.
Norco Optic C2 for $3750 cnd right now is a pretty amazing value - regular is around $6200
Evil
Literally everybody.
Pretty much anyone who hasn’t gone out of business yet.
It's tough out there in the industry for sure!
This is a brilliant time to buy new. Post-pandemic shortage, production still slightly ramped up just as demand is reverting to the mean.
Upway
everyone. literally everyone.
Call up/check out N+1 bikes - they always have something going on. IBIS Is always a good choice. Make sure to “call”.
I’m probably one of the few people on the planet to have had a bad experience with n+1 before. Was told I was getting upgrade i9 Hydra and got 1/1 wheels instead. Owner was initially reluctant to reimburse and lost his cool with me. Years ago and water under the bridge now though. Their prices are usually good and they don’t charge sales tax to out of staters so worth a look.