Originally Posted by
Illinest
I just bought my first - a 750$ bike. I didn't realize how much I'd wish I had a dropper post.
I have also started customizing my bike already. I've heard people say you should spend more up front to get the bike you need, so that you can avoid upgrading a cheaper bike, but you probably don't know what you need yet. I didn't. I discovered I have short arms. The Large frame is the right size for my legs but not for my upper body. Maybe I could've fit better on a smaller frame? Maybe the right move was to get the Large frame and modify the cockpit, as I'm doing?
I think that obsessing over the value proposition is a luxury for people who already have their first bike. The only feature that I drew a line at was a lockout on the fork. I can handle a bit of extra weight on my fork but I can't handle a cheap fork that can't be locked out. You might be able to sidestep that problem if you jump straight to a decent air fork. I wouldn't know. But even if you spend 1200$, don't be surprised if you find out you want to start making changes.
Well, after 20 years of riding I just have gotten my first dropper post. It's nice to have on technical sections, really nice in fact, and I think it has made a difference on my speed when descending. However, It wouldn't be something I'd look for at the 1000 price range. I'd probably look that the seatpost has a diameter compatible with one just in case though.
On a mountain bike, I have always felt that a good fork and good brakes are what makes the biggest difference.