Suggestion for Trail Bike
08-25-18, 12:43 PM
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Suggestion for Trail Bike
I'm looking for a good quality all-around trail bike. I don't think I need full suspension for what I ride, so hard tail is perfectly fine. I am liking the simplicity of 1x-systems and I think that regular sized tires (~2.2-2.4) on 29'' wheels feel the best in test rides I have done. And all of this should be less than $2000.
Looking around the common brands (Trek, Specialized, Cannondale) there are not that many options with these specs. Sleuthing around I found the Kona Honzo AL/DR and the Santa Cruz Chamelon to fit the bill. Any thought on how the two compare? And for the Chameleon there seems to be quite the jump from the D to R spec'ed bike. Any thoughts if that is worth $600?
Looking around the common brands (Trek, Specialized, Cannondale) there are not that many options with these specs. Sleuthing around I found the Kona Honzo AL/DR and the Santa Cruz Chamelon to fit the bill. Any thought on how the two compare? And for the Chameleon there seems to be quite the jump from the D to R spec'ed bike. Any thoughts if that is worth $600?
08-25-18, 02:21 PM
#2
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decent full suspension, aint cheap, hard tail with a suspension seat post wont do?
compare the component list ..
compare the component list ..
08-26-18, 05:53 AM
#3
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All the brands you named are decent quality and will serve you fine. But I have to say for under $2k ($1850) you could get the Specialized Stumpjumper ST 29. It is a pretty nice all around FS that meets all your requirements.
08-26-18, 09:42 AM
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You can get some mail order full suspension bikes around that price point with a full feature list (check out Diamondback Release for example) but it’s not easy in a bike shop. However it’s a home run with front suspension. A lot of trail bikes are coming 27.5+ right now but they will also take a 29er wheelset nicely. I just got a Salsa Timberjack NX and I’m loving it. I’m telling myself I’ll add a 29er wheelset for commuting but based on my past behavior I probably won’t really. For $2000 you could get the GX and add a dropper and have a big REI dividend
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 08-26-18 at 09:45 AM.
08-26-18, 12:49 PM
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I am too lazy to spend time looking up the specs on the R vs D.
Lst the differnces: fork, brakes, drivetrain, tires/ wheels,
Lst the differnces: fork, brakes, drivetrain, tires/ wheels,
08-26-18, 01:41 PM
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At a budget of $2000, I'd take a look at the Nukeproof Scout. Great bike at a great price for the spec.
09-03-18, 03:29 PM
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I picked up a Trek 29 plus Stache 5 Hardtail at the beginning of the year and just love it for the different trails I ride. I did test ride a Specialized Fuse Hardtail and really enjoyed the ride, but felt the 29 plus was better suited for the trails I was riding on after talking to the trail riding guys at the bike shop.
09-04-18, 08:18 PM
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09-06-18, 12:29 PM
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Oofta! Just say no to suspension seat post. Changes the bike geometry while you are riding it. Bad idea.
To the orignal poster...
Check out Jenson USA. They have some bikes within your price range...
https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?s=price-asc
To the orignal poster...
Check out Jenson USA. They have some bikes within your price range...
https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?s=price-asc
09-12-18, 10:01 AM
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You should try to throw a leg over a Trek Stache. One of the most fun and nimble trail bikes I have ever ridden. You can pick up the aluminum ones well under $2k.
09-12-18, 02:41 PM
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Oofta! Just say no to suspension seat post. Changes the bike geometry while you are riding it. Bad idea.
To the orignal poster...
Check out Jenson USA. They have some bikes within your price range...
https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?s=price-asc
To the orignal poster...
Check out Jenson USA. They have some bikes within your price range...
https://www.jensonusa.com/Mountain-Bikes?s=price-asc
Oh.....? How so?
09-17-18, 01:02 PM
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I think Trek Fuel EX 5 29. this bike better for your money. 29˝ wheels and 130mm of the front and rear travel. durable 1x10 Shimano Deore drivetrain. RockShox Recon RL suspension. Shimano Deore M6000, 10-speed shifters. in $2k this bike is great I think. Enough for me. You can read this bike specs from the trek website. This only my opinion.
09-25-18, 08:26 AM
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The Trek Fuel EX5-29 is my prime consideration for a new bike. (I am a newbie and this would be my first mountain bike). Have you purchased it yet and if so do you mind sharing your experiences ?
09-30-18, 06:47 PM
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To close this thread out: I did go for the Santa Cruz Chameleon. It arrived last week and I'm looking forward to taking out as soon as I can. Thanks for all the suggestions, everybody.
10-05-18, 04:20 AM
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I got my SC Chameleon S in 2 weeks ago. I haven't rode any longer rides yet due to chest cold. But damn it rides great. Congratulations, Wardawg
10-06-18, 08:21 AM
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I’m partial to the ride of steel for hardtails. I recently picked up a Ritchey Timberwolf and love it. Very nice ride and spec. They are selling for about $1900 but if you register your email on Ritchey’s website they send you an email for 10% off your first purchase. I got it for $1700 no taxes and free shipping. They do appear to be limited to only S and M sizes though.
John
John
10-11-18, 07:09 AM
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I love my Trek Pro Caliber 6. Look on the main thread page for my post titled "Getting my first real mountain bike." I have pictures of it in there. Tires are 29x2.2. Very wide and stable with pretty good traction. The tires on it stock aren't the best for full on trails, might want to get some better tires but the bike itself can handle any surface
10-11-18, 03:39 PM
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congrats on the chameleon!! I love mine. use it from regular rides to commuting w/ bags fitted to solo 12hr XC racing
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