cjomanche

Hi guys, I know there's probably 3,549 identical threads on this but hoping to catch a few nice folks in a charitable mood with suggestions


Wife and I made a New Year's commitment to lose weight and get fitter. Down about 10-12 each so far, but still got some to go. We thought mountain biking would be a good thing to get into, since we live in an area with many trails nearby. Neither of us are professional bike riders, nor do we ever plan to be. We don't need something all tricked out for crazy obstacles... we just need a decent trail bike that can go over the occasional bump in the road. Hardtail seems like the way to go for us.

We don't want to spend a ton of money on bikes, but we also don't want to buy a Target brand special for $100 that will fall apart after a couple of rides.

Any ideas?

Thanks guys

dabac

The bike industry is very homogenous.
Similar money buys comparable bikes regardless of brand.
How much money are you looking to spend?
Look for a bike with a cassette rear hub, as opposed to freewheel hubs.
The axles are stronger.
Easiest way of almost always getting that right is to look for 8 speeds or more at the rear.
It’s not flashy, but 2x and 3x drivetrains still work fine.
I like air-oil forks.
They do require more maintenance, but are easier to dial in.
Hydro vs mech disc brakes is frequently debated.
Hydros give more braking per unit of hand effort.
WRT overall power mechanicals do fine too.

hig4s

Base level hardtails from any of the name brands from $300 to $500 will be plenty good enough to get you started and even keep you going into intermediate trails, for Giant/Liv that would be the ATX and the Bliss.

But if you can afford more look for bikes with full air forks and hydraulic brakes.

Just make sure you test ride a few, and get the right size, from brand to brand they can feel quite different.

UtahRider

Head over to your local bike shop and talk to them and see what is available, and what is a good bike for the trails you think you will be riding.

Mountain Mitch

I’m not sure where you are in Utah. We ride there in the spring - after skiing and before the trails are useable around here (BC). We have ridden in most areas of the State. I feel that most trails are better enjoyed with a full suspension bike. I would suggest you rent one (we have used Red Rock in the StGeorge area) to try it out. Bicycling and healthy exercise is addictive. Don’t sell yourself short. Get the best bike you can afford and USE IT!

BarryVee

Here's a couple to look at. Tire size might swing your decision.

https://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en-US/chameleon

https://www.fezzari.com/mountain-bikes/lone-peak

HerrKaLeun

Not sure I understand your type of riding correctly, but you may be better off with a rigid fork, like a hybrid with CF fork and large (2") tires. What was proposed here ($500 hardtail) won't give you a good suspension fork and no suspension is better than bad suspension. there are many threads here of people that bought such bike and install a rigid fork because the cheap suspension fork is just a bopping boat anchor.

I ride my toughroad Giant with ~20 psi in front and it works as well or even better over bumps (frost heaves etc.) as my old cheap MTB with suspension fork.

If you are more serious about MTB and really need a suspension fork, you probably look at $1000 or so. Or used.

JonnyVain

Like Herr said, what do you mean by TRAIL? Like dirt path, gravel etc or singletrack with rock gardens, log jumps?

IMO, don't get a bike with a cheap suspension fork. They can weigh 5-6lbs, whereas a decent rigid steel fork will be around 2lbs, and the ride is much better.

Aluminum bikes are neat and I own them, but the difference in shock absorption between a steel and aluminum frame is significant, so something to consider if you have rough roads.

carlosponti

this is what I would have said, Your LBS guys probably ride the same trails you will. the ones i visit certainly do.