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!

8 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 2h ago

Discussion My worst crash yet, what did i do wrong?

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67 Upvotes

I’m fine btw


r/MTB 42m ago

Video Cruising

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Upvotes

r/MTB 15h ago

Video Bikes!

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350 Upvotes

r/MTB 19h ago

Video Is this a bad crash?

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548 Upvotes

r/MTB 1d ago

Video my biggest jump so far

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603 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 9h ago

Video With daylight savings having just ended in NZ this was my last after work session of the season. This has been my routine at least once a Fortnite for the past 6 months, going to miss it during the winter but looking forward to some R&R! Filmed on Insta 360 Ace Pro 2.

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31 Upvotes

r/MTB 21h ago

Video Finally conquered this drop

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225 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 3h ago

Video Big crash at rogate

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5 Upvotes

Bad technique mixed with too much confidence


r/MTB 16m ago

Discussion should i be worried?

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Upvotes

r/MTB 5h ago

Discussion What tricks can I learn on flat ground?

8 Upvotes

So im pretty good at cycling but not really at doing tricks,I also dont have any trails or skateparks near me so im wondering what tricks I can learn on flat ground. Any help is good


r/MTB 51m ago

WhichBike Trance X 29 -2 for $1,500. Deal or no deal?

Upvotes
The bike in question - a 2022

Hey folks, I'm seeing this bike just listed in my area. I've been thinking hardtail for a while but, IDK, suspension might make it smoother / more fun for my oldhead back. Is $1,500 for a 2022 FS bike decent?
If I was buying new, I think FS would be out of my budget. I'd probably buy an entry level hardtail & upgrade the parts over time.


r/MTB 3h ago

Gear Dropper post doesn’t lock out immediately, an issue or normal?

3 Upvotes

I’m new to mountain biking, and have bought a second hand bike. It has a dropper post, e Thirteen Vario, that works well (kinda slow so it might need lubing?), but it doesn’t lock out as soon as I let go of the lever. If I drop it down, let go of the handle and lift myself off the saddle in immediate succession, the saddle just comes right back up, sometimes all the way up, sometimes just a bit.

If I drop down, et go of the lever and wait a few seconds, it stays down.

How do I service this? Every troubleshooting guide I’ve found doesn’t mention this. Is it just me not knowing what to expect?


r/MTB 4h ago

Discussion Creative Ways to Cover Paint Damage

3 Upvotes

I'm probably going to get shredded for sacrilege and breaking some unwritten code of bike care, mais, c'est la vie! I got sick of wearing my heavy chain lock like a baldric, and I started wrapping it around my top tube (the joys of having a single ride for daily city transportation & trail riding). Naturally, after 6 months of doing this, despite the chain sleeve, I've damaged the paint on the top tube. Usually, I'm pretty clever with this sort of thing, but I'm wondering if anyone has some interesting ideas for covering this damage. Thank you in advance, if you decide to answer, and could you please provide details of materials used (e.g. type(s) of paint, stickers, whatever it may be).


r/MTB 22h ago

Discussion Henry Leaves PinkBike

69 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 2m ago

Suspension Measurements of the Fox 32/34/36 removal tool?

Upvotes

I need to make me one of those tools so i can rebuild a friends fork, the only tool in stock is like 100 Euros (Including shipping and taxes) and since it's not my fork I don't want to just hammer that thing.

Does anyone have the measurements, specifically the thread pitch needed to make a tool for the Performance 36 with float?

Thanks everyone!


r/MTB 4m ago

Wheels and Tires How have I got a hole in my rim?

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Upvotes

Seems like I get a puncture or blow a shock every sing ride I go on. I’ve got Cush core downhill casing tyres and still I end up with stuff like this


r/MTB 18m ago

Wheels and Tires Newmen beskar 30 dh possible crack?

Upvotes

I bought 2 beskar 30 dh rims because newmen claimed that were very durable but after 3 months the rear rim had a noticeable bump that can be felt by hand. It is only present on one side of the rim and does not cover the entire rim as a typical joint would.
The other beskar doesn't even have a joint.

https://reddit.com/link/1jt096w/video/anc636aq79te1/player

https://reddit.com/link/1jt096w/video/1iuve7aq79te1/player


r/MTB 26m ago

Discussion Is there a noticeable difference in the handling of the Santa Cruz Blur over the past few years?

Upvotes

I’ve been riding a hard tail for years and I’m ready for a full suspension. I test rode a 2025 Santa Cruz Blur (just in the lot) and loved it. I’m seeing a lot of deals online for some of the older models and was wondering is anyone has any insight on the difference in handling, or a personal preference based on their experience? Also, any advice for someone buying their first full suspension bike? Ty!


r/MTB 33m ago

Discussion Unnatural posture on new MTB

Upvotes

r/MTB 36m ago

Discussion Is this chainstay UDH?

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Upvotes

I got an extra chainstay. The frame is Specialized enduro, UDH or not? Thanks


r/MTB 37m ago

Discussion Nrs 3

Upvotes

I am rebuilding a nrs 3 and need the alumium part that pushes into the shock dose anyone know where to buy one?


r/MTB 43m ago

WhichBike Canyon torque mullet cf8 (carbon) vs commencal meta sx v5 (aluminum) also mullet

Upvotes

Hi there, I’m planning to buy another bike (currently I have a commencal clash and I love it) I’ve been wanting to buy the meta since I bought the clash but it wasn’t available in my size, now it is, but I saw also the canyon torque mullet cf8 (I know it’s a great bike) but I’m not so sure about the carbon frame (I’ve never had one before) I like to ride rough and I’m not sure if carbon is right for me. So the big question is which one should I pick? (Both bikes come with almost the same specs and components and also the price is almost the same) I’d like to read some of your questions 🙏🏻


r/MTB 44m ago

WhichBike Should I buy this?

Upvotes

I was going to buy a brand new Trek Roscoe 7 for $1070 after taxes and put red pedals and grips on to give it a good look, is this a good price to pay to also sell for not a huge loss a year or two after using? Does anyone know why it’s on such a good sale from $1800???? If I shouldn’t buy this what bike is good for the same price?


r/MTB 5h ago

WhichBike Kids MTB recommendation

2 Upvotes

Hi All,

Looking for some advice for a solid mountain bike for my 7 year old.

Stats:

  • Inseam: 20.5
  • Height: 48"
  • Ability: strong bike rider

I'm considering the following three bike:

  1. Commencal Ramones 20
  2. Cannondale Kids Trail plus 20
  3. Giant STP 20

Based on my research I'm leaning towards the Commencal, but having a hard time pulling the trigger because can't see it person. We rode the STP 20 at Mike's Bike, and it fit well.

Anyone have experience with the Commencal brand? Looks likes a super solid bike.

---

EDIT:
Comparison: https://99spokes.com/compare?bikes=commencal-ramones-20-revoshift-2024%2Ccannondale-kids-trail-plus-20-2024%2Cgiant-stp-20-2024%2Cscott-roxter-20-2024

Budget: less than ~$700
Riding: To school, Mtb trails in NorCal, mostly flat. Bike park (flow and pump tracks).
Currently: Road a Woom 4 for a long time, then we got him a used Woom 5 which is too big for him. A 24" seems to big for the moment, so I want to get him something smaller and nimbler so he can feel comfortable and start riding more single track this summer. I suspect it will last maybe 1 year or so.


r/MTB 1h ago

Wheels and Tires New wheelset: Opinions needed!

Upvotes

195lbs un-kitted. 150/150 trail bike that I wish was a 140/130. Primarily ride socal trails. Rarely catch more than a few feet of air. Bike parks once a year. I primarily do a mix of climbing up to get down. And I enjoy the ups but would prefer to suffer less.

I have the ability to upgrade to either: XMC1200, WAO Sector/Triad combo on p321 hubs, or the new race face era wheelset.

What would you do if price was removed from this equation?