What type of bike for Newbie

[THUMP!]

I am new to trail riding and have a lower-end front suspension hardtail and wanted to get some advice on buying a full-suspension setup.
Anybody have advice on a solid entry-level, full-suspension bike? New or used as I don't know what entry-point prices I am looking at for either one. I do want to go as cheap as possible until I know what I am doing and figure out what I would eventually want to upgrade to.
Thanks,
Bill

[manual63]

Most decent fully's are going to start at about $900 and go up from there. But that is fairly low end for a full suspension. So when you say cheap, how cheap do you mean?

[THUMP!]

I will spend what I need to, I don't really have a budget, but I'm not made of $$$ and hoping to find something to learn the sport with and then, after I trash it, get something more appropriate. With your mention of $900 I think maybe I would be better off looking at used at this time...or maybe I should just stick with my hardtail until I know what I want in a full suspension.
Thanks,
Bill

[toolmaker]

Alot of us still ride hard tails, there is no shame. If you just put on some "upgrades" you can make a hardtail pretty freakin sweet to ride.:D Unless maybe your hard tail is already sweet???

[ebrandel]

A friend of mine just picked up a couple year old used Giant NRS3 for around $500-$600 (not sure about the exact price). A lower end FS bike that is, supposedly, very upgradable. Over the summer he'll probably throw in $250 or so to upgrade the components and end up with a pretty decent ride.

You may want to look at MTBR.com, see what mid-low end FS bikes have good reviews (the prices are listed on the right), and then look for a used version on ebay or something. Check out the reviews of 2003 FS bikes here:
http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/2003_full_suspension/

[col200]

I was riding a FS Giant VT for a while and loved. Built up an Inbred 456 HT and love it even more. The Giant VT is just a frame, stuffed in the closet! :D
I'd look into upgrading your HT if it's a nice, solid frame. Otherwise, look into a used FS frame and get the best you can afford. Cheap FS are CHEAP and it'll show when you're riding it.

[bigwheel]

...or maybe I should just stick with my hardtail until I know what I want in a full suspension.

That's what I'd do. Take your time looking at and riding a bunch of bikes until you know what you want. You can also sometimes pick up a used sweetheart for real cheap if you are patient.

[Rocky Mountain]

Jamis FS bikes, in general, are the probably the best bang for the buck.

[FarmerBEN]

my theory is the more complicated the bike (geared, FS, etc) the more money you want to spend on. My example is all the full suspension walmart bikes out there. They build full suspension because it looks cool even though all they are doing is adding one more low quality component to go wrong. Being that your obviously looking allot nicer than walmart I would have to agree with the used or http://www.ibexbikes.com/Stacks/Category_FS-MTB.html seems to sell pretty good bikes at a reasonable price. I have no experience with the company though. I would have to say that if I were you though I would take another look at Hardtails in general, it seems that that rear shock adds a bunch of price without worthwile benefits IMO.

[Tetreves]

Be sure to check MTBR for used bikes, too.

[THUMP!]

Thanks to all of you out there offering advice...I truly appreciate it.
It sounds like the smart thing to do would be to beat on my hardtail for a while, try some fs and see what I like and then look for a used version of that.
I think maybe I should have looked into a cheaper hobby!

[Tetreves]

This is a cheap hobby. You could be into cars or horses. :shocked:

[Wolfchimp]

What size frame are you looking for? I have a buddy with a large (~20") Cannondale Jekyl that he has been thinking about selling for around $800 maybe less.

[bikeoutback]

No offense to those with FS, to each is own, but I bought a hardtail cause it was in my budget and looking at it now if I were to get another bike I would probably look at a high end hardtail before a low end FS. My reasoning behind this at this point in time is that I'm riding here in MN, I won't be traveling to CO or CA or anywhere that I'd probably get good use out of a FS for a few years now, I just reason in my head that it wouldn't be fun until my skills are better. I also reason that I'll actually get better in many areas by riding a hardtail rather than a FS. Kinda figure that I'll have to learn to pick and ride the better lines if I can't count on the bike to take the brunt and correct my mistakes for me. This reasoning could all very well be completely wrong.... but it works for me and it worked for my wallet. ;)

[distanced]

I'm in the quality before features camp. I've had a couple FS bikes and a couple HT bikes. I sold my basic FS ($1000 variety) to get my current HT. I've been thrilled with the move. Dollar for dollar I ended up with a much more refined ride. If I had a couple grand or more to spend I maybe would have considered a FS for the versatility, but I definitely felt the downsides of the bargain price on my FS.

I'd say if your current bike is in good working condition (or easily brought up to it) squeeze as many miles out of it as you can. Maybe use it as an opportunity to learn some basic bike maintenance skills. Once you've been exposed to a few different flavors of off-road biking you might have a better idea of which way you want to go. There are lot of options to wade through!

Good luck!

[Danimal]

Of course I'm gonna boast the Cannondale Prophet, I bought a C-Dale 600 last year. Has 5.5" of travel front and rear, super light, super-plush lefty front fork, and no pedal bob. $1,300.00. I use it for everything. Street riding I throw on some slicks and I'm good to go.

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/07/cusa/mountain/prophet/index.html

[steef]

just reason in my head that it wouldn't be fun until my skills are better. I also reason that I'll actually get better in many areas by riding a hardtail rather than a FS. Kinda figure that I'll have to learn to pick and ride the better lines if I can't count on the bike to take the brunt and correct my mistakes for me. This reasoning could all very well be completely wrong.... but it works for me and it worked for my wallet. ;)

Myself and many folks on here will back your reasoning. Heck, I've been riding so long, an FS bike means Front suspension to me.:sick: I think my Full suspension bike "might" have two inches of travel. That really doesn't matter, because it's red. ;) I really will have to dig deep within my psyche and figure out what my fascination is with red bikes. Well, I like chrome, too, but....

[Danimal]

You'd like my bike Steev.
Here's some porn for ya'.

[Fast1]

I am new to trail riding and have a lower-end front suspension hardtail and wanted to get some advice on buying a full-suspension setup.
Anybody have advice on a solid entry-level, full-suspension bike? New or used as I don't know what entry-point prices I am looking at for either one. I do want to go as cheap as possible until I know what I am doing and figure out what I would eventually want to upgrade to.
Thanks,
Bill


Erics in St Louis Park had a New 05 Specialized Epic in a large frame size for $1399 several weeks ago. Might be an option for a FS bike if the fit, style and price are within your budget.

[Schmitty]

I was was in the same boat and after doing extensive research / read numerous reviews and found that the Specialized FSR XC dually base (no disc's) would be a great fit. Additionally, Western Spirit bike tours rents these out exclusievely. I bought a 2005 last year and have been very happy ever since. Erik's does have 2006 FSR XC 's ~ $1,000. Check out the website. If you can wait, these will definately will go down at Erik's Whse sale in Mid Sept (assuming they are still around).

[flombe]

Well, I like chrome, too, but....

Yeah, we need more chrome or polished AL options! Must be the BMX in the blood.

[THUMP!]

After my first ride on a trail, Theo, I think I will beat on my current low-end hardtail for the summer. It really did better than I thought it would overall. The one thing I noticed is that I was having trouble with the bike deciding it new better and shifting me to a higher gear...lack of quality I am guessing. I really appreciate everyone's input in this thread as it gives me lots of info going forward and I'll probably look for a deal near the end of summer. For now I will probably look at upgrading the lower quality components that are affecting my shifting. As a side note, I gotta say I now understand what all the hype is about regarding trail riding. I am definitely hooked.
:jumpy:
Bill

[Trevize1138]

Bill,

Just keep in mind that "upgrading" your bike does not necessarily mean going from hardtail to full suspension. That transition falls under the heading of "riding preference." In fact, here's the definitive discussion on that very topic: http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9122 (should be a sticky!)

Also, I think it's the perfect plan for you to "beat on" your current ride for this summer before getting a new ride. The reason is you're new to off-road biking so you're really not going to notice much difference from one bike to the other. In my opinion, as long as the bike wasn't bought from Target or Wal Mart it's "an ideal beginner bike." :)

In other words, ride what ya got until you've reached a point where you know you need, say, a set of those "small block" tires for better cornering or a Thud Buster seat post to take the shock out of your lower back or if you hear yourself saying "I'd have so much more power with clipless."

What kind of "low end" bike do you have, specifically? It may not be as "low end" as you think if it's a brand-name bike with a decent frame. Could just use a few upgrades here and there :cool: .

After my first ride on a trail, Theo, I think I will beat on my current low-end hardtail for the summer. It really did better than I thought it would overall. The one thing I noticed is that I was having trouble with the bike deciding it new better and shifting me to a higher gear...lack of quality I am guessing. I really appreciate everyone's input in this thread as it gives me lots of info going forward and I'll probably look for a deal near the end of summer. For now I will probably look at upgrading the lower quality components that are affecting my shifting. As a side note, I gotta say I now understand what all the hype is about regarding trail riding. I am definitely hooked.
:jumpy:
Bill

[FarmerBEN]

even if it is a target bike it is worth riding into the ground, I probably wouldn't spend much money upgrading it though..

[THUMP!]

Specialized Hardrock Sport from about 2 years back(only used on the road) with clipless pedals. The only things I really notice on my current bike are that the gears seem to switch under pressure, I get lots of "bobbing" when pedaling hard and it seems heavy in general. Most of the rest of my issues are due to my lack of knowledge and being out of shape.

[steef]

That's just about the perfect beginner's bike. Were you riding the clipless pedals when you rode Theo last night? If so, that puts you a cut above the average beginner. The "bobbing" might be coming from your fork. Low end forks are definitely known for that. Your gear slippage may be from a stretched chain or worn cogs, or just a malajusted deraileur. As far as upgrades go, wait until you break it before you upgrade. :D

Happy trails, and I hope to see you out there.

[steef]

Yeah, we need more chrome or polished AL options! Must be the BMX in the blood.

Hurl has a sweet 26" chrome Mongoose with Pro Class rims down at CRC. /drool.

[THUMP!]

Yeah, I have had clipless ever since I got the bike as many moons ago I did some Ironman stuff and couldn't climb without clips or straps. It is a little nerve racking to be clipped in on the trail but it definitely helps when you get past the fear. I assume I will be breaking stuff regularly so upgrading shouldn't be an issue...heh. Look for a bald guy with glasses crashing into a tree and you'll be sure to find me at Theo from now on.

[Trevize1138]

Bill,

The HardRock is, indeed, a great beginner's bike! What style of riding do you see yourself doing? Are you into endurance and speed or do you lean more toward obstacles and technical riding?

If you're leaning more toward the latter then you've got a great frame for it. It's based off Speciaized's "P" series frames which are heavy only because the frame is built to take abuse. You could breathe a lot of new life into this bike with some very affordable upgrades. My advice would be to start with the fork if the bobbing is bothering you.

As for skipping out of gear that could just be a simple maintenance issue. You may just need something as easy as a cable adjustment or perhaps even a bent derailleur hanger. Worst case is you've got worn gears and chain. If that's the case it's a great excuse to upgrade the drivetrain.

After that you could look into disk brakes, better rims, different tires ...

I always recommend upgrades before getting a whole new bike. The advantage is you know the bike, are familiar with how it feels and upgrading it can often make it feel like a new bike for a whole lot less money.

At some point, of course, the cost of upgrades can get expensive enough that you may as well buy a new bike. But, many folks here find themselves upgrading their frames, swapping the good-quality upgrades from the old frame to the new. I guess what I'm saying with that is you're rarely wasting money on upgrading rather than buying new.

A new bike is certainly cool and all, but it's also a whole new bike. That means you don't know what's going to go wrong with it ;). Trust me, I don't care what you spend. If you're riding off road your bike's gonna have mechanical issues. I preffer to know more about what mechanical issues to expect!

Also, if you some day bite the bullet and buy a brand new, complete bike keep that HardRock around! Convert that puppy to a singlespeed with platform pedals and make it your "fun" bike. Trouble with that, of course, is your brand new ride ends up gathering dust!

[transplant]

Bill,

The HardRock is, indeed, a great beginner's bike! What style of riding do you see yourself doing? Are you into endurance and speed or do you lean more toward obstacles and technical riding?

I always recommend upgrades before getting a whole new bike. The advantage is you know the bike, are familiar with how it feels and upgrading it can often make it feel like a new bike for a whole lot less money.

At some point, of course, the cost of upgrades can get expensive enough that you may as well buy a new bike. But, many folks here find themselves upgrading their frames, swapping the good-quality upgrades from the old frame to the new.

I agree. :banana:

My first off road bike was a Hardrock, circa 1988-89. Great bike. I now have an 11 YO Rocky Mountain Blizzard in the stable that has a ton of life in it. I just keep swapping out whatever wears out. The only original parts are the frame and the cranks. Upgrade the old one.

[THUMP!]

Well, I took my bike in for maintenance as it was shifting poorly and found that I had damaged the derailleur(sp). I took the opportunity to updrade my shifters, derailleurs and cassette to Shimano XTs.:crazy2: I suppose it is a good investment as I am sure the performance will improve and if I switch out frames I can take the parts with me. Now I just have to wait until next Wed for the guys at Erik's to finish the work....I was really hoping to ride today.:cryin: