Mountain bikes

[Jeepsmashin]

I'm thinking of getting a mountain bike now, I don't know much about them, I'd like to use for exercise, there's alot of trails by my house too, and also maybe as a Hobby.

What brands/models do you recommend? I think I'd like to spend under $1000 but have no idea what that would get me.

Also how do you guys transport with your jeep?

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[omg]

I'm thinking of getting a mountain bike now, I don't know much about them, I'd like to use for exercise, there's alot of trails by my house too, and also maybe as a Hobby.

What brands/models do you recommend? I think I'd like to spend under $1000 but have no idea what that would get me.

Also how do you guys transport with your jeep?

All i am going to say, its addictive hobby, 1k is not much of a money if you want to seriously get into it as a hobby, you would need to invest in safety gear as well [you are going to fall/crash, its just a matter of when].

Check this thread for bike carry options - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/bike-rack-options.3426/

Gear [to give an idea] - https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/mtb-clothing.html

 

[AcesandEights]

For $1k, I'd probably look at used if there are any out there. With a used bike there may be hundreds or more in accessories already done. I have a Diamondback Atroz Comp that originally listed for $1800. When it was discontinued, I think they were selling for closer to $600. You might shop closeouts or, again, used.

 

[LongDriver]

Mountain bikes are like Jeeps. You'll spend a ton of money upgrading and you're never satisfied. You'll lust after others' rigs.

Start with a good frame. Cannondale, Specialized and Giants are reputable brands. There are higher end brands but you don't need them to start out. Go with a hard tail (non-suspension) or a front suspension only until you've mastered the skills. Finally, find a FB Marketplace in your area for parted out parts on the cheap.

Forgot to add, learn to work on your bike so you can save money for the upgrades. Carbon fiber is to mountain bikes what tires/wheels are to Jeep.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

I've been doing some research and I want to stop at the local bike store down the street today.

I want a hardtail 27.5, I don't need anything to serious especially for a first mountain bike and it has to be a reputable brand.

 

[Megawatt]

It‘s incredible at how expensive mountain bikes can get. Definitely look at used. You will crash and a used learning bike will not make you cry when you go down.

 

[Chrisdupe]

I've been doing some research and I want to stop at the local bike store down the street today.

I want a hardtail 27.5, I don't need anything to serious especially for a first mountain bike and it has to be a reputable brand.

Trek Roscoe, Specialized Fuse, Giant Fathom would probably be something like you are looking for. Watch FB marketplace for a slightly used one.

 

[runningshoes]

If you want to get a look at used bikes and just learn about MTB in general, go to www.pinkbike.com
It's like reddit for mountain biking. I would echo the other advice for buying a used bike for a number of reasons - prices are really high right now for both used and new (just like almost everything else), you get much better gear for the same amount, options are better. In terms of the basics I would insist on a single ring gear set up (lighter, no front derailleur), 29" as opposed to 27.5" (much more forgiving for a beginner), and internal cabling, and my preference would be for a hardtail (front suspension only - cheaper, lighter, and unless you're crushing downhill drops you should be ok). All the rest (hydraulic post, level of gears and brakes, etc.) are a money sink for a beginner bike. It goes without saying that disc brakes are a given as is a really decent and well fitting helmet and other PPE like riding glasses and padded gloves. Good luck!

 

[runningshoes]

Just adding a few notes - make sure sure you size correctly as there are some differences between brands - you may be a L frame on one brand but M on another. Most manufacturer sites will map out the size you would need based on your height, leg/arm length, etc.

I pulled a few bikes for sale in SoCal just to give you an idea of what you could get relative to whatever new bikes you priced today.

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3234856/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2140401/ this one looks good and is carbon as an added bonus
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3266867/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3325493/

 

[The_Skyo]

Bikes advice is hard because we all ride different trails and live in different areas. For me, living on the North Shore in Vancouver I want a full suspension enduro bike to enjoy the trails.
Best thing to do is buy something somewhat modern (better geometry) but well used and maintained like a hardtail, but be ready to sell it and move on once you decide you like the sport and get a better idea what others are riding/your preferences.
On the used bike, suspension should have been rebuilt once a year and chain/cassette should be less than 2 yrs and probably less than 1 yr old if ridden over once a week.

 

[jackgraves7]

Just my 2 cents, but get a budget one. Dicks makes the GT Aggressor Pro for under $500, or lots of Treks or Giants on Facebook marketplace for around the same price for good quality mountain bikes. Use it for a few months and if you ride it a lot and love it, then upgrade. If you only use it once a month or learn that you don’t like it, you aren’t out much and can just resell on Facebook.

I use this philosophy for hand tools, if I use them enough to break them or wear them down, I can justify spending the extra money for a quality tool the second go around.

Then again I’m a big proponent of “buy it nice or buy it twice”.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

Thanks guys for the replies. I stopped by the bike store and picked up this. Giant Talon 27.5, Medium frame

 

[runningshoes]

Congrats! Hope you have fun on the trails.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

So I bought the bike last Saturday and rode it on a few dirt rodes, it started to make this noise like the front brakes were rubbing and it keeps doing this and I have to barely tap on the front brake and it'll stop but start making the noise again.

Yesterday I took it to the place I bought it and the guy said he tried every thing, draining some brake fuild, tightening the front hub, adjusting the brakes, everything and couldn't fix it so he said to leave it and tomorrow someone will look at it.

I called today about my bike and they said that it's not going to do that unless I turn super sharp and it'll make that noise, unfortunately theres nothing they can do about it because it being a lower model the forks are cheap. They said that every talon will do this and can't do nothing about it. I even ask about warranty and keep in mind I bought this bike last Saturday and rode it a few times and pretty much said I'm shit out of luck.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

Well I went to pick up the bike, I tested it out for like 10 mins and it's fine, it does make some noise when turning back and forth, maybe because im 225 lbs? So it's fine, I took a video at the bike shop

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