pbass

Really hard to find! Looking for a new affordable hardtail for my 15 year old(like $800 or so max), and I'd really like it have a 1x setup. I could go used I know, but it's a special b-day gift, would rather go new. 2x wouldn't be the end of the world, but I simply prefer 1x these days for how simple they are, and all the other reasons they're so popular now. He rides one of my bikes currently and let's just say simpler is better with this kid. Any suggestions for a decent HT with 1x in that price range?

Leebo

Front deraillers still work fine. Look used.

jrhoneOC

Specialized Rockhopper Comp. Its $750 brand new with a 1x drivetrain. Great bike. I am biased though....

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ro...ext=91520-5602

superdex

if you can go up to $1000, options open up, especially if you can find a 2019, like this dude: https://www.pedalonline.com/product/...5-346084-1.htm


For under 800 bucks, Specialized does a couple 1x's, like the Pitch Comp: https://www.bikesourceonline.com/pro...x-364146-1.htm

and the Rockhopper Comp 1x: https://www.bikesourceonline.com/product/specialized-rockhopper-comp-1x-364152-1.html

Ironically, the 1x drivetrains are more expensive than the 2x8s and 2x9s. Something to keep in mind, too, is that the 2x9 will actually have a wider gearing. If you go with a good shop, minor adjustments should be free (or at least the first one after the cables stretch and settle in), so I wouldn't worry too much about 1x vs 2x. If it were my son, I'd be looking at the Pitch Comp (but that's my son)...

good luck, happy bday to him!

jrhoneOC

FYI...Specialized just dropped the Pitch line. Well kinda...The Pitch and Rockhopper were the EXACT same bikes with the only difference being wheel size. The Pitch was 27.5 and the Rockhopper 29. Now the 2021 Rockhopper is available in 27.5 and 29. No more Pitch for 2021. If you really want the Pitch you may be able to get a discount on the 2020 model. You also could look into a discounted 2020 Rockhopper Comp 1X as the 2021 has a new frame with more aggressive trail geometry.

qclabrat

If you can get a bike with at least 10 spd, drop the front derailleur, switch in a narrow wide front chainring and upgrade to a wider cassette.
I'd definitely go the used route, he'll outgrow the bike in two years if you're lucky.

pbass

Thanks guys! There are some options after all. I know, I would normally go used, but we'll see. I know I'm asking for a lot - 27.5, 1x, entry level. I bet if was next year there'd be more!

Redrovermiami

Look at the Scott scale 970

pbass

Well, we ended up with a Jamis Durango A1 - will pick it up soon. It's a $600 entry-level MTB but Jamis stuff is usually good bang for buck. Certainly a nice-looking bike and since he doesn't care about 1x vs whatever-the-heck, he'll have a blast on it. Has a lockout, hydro brakes--looks pretty good actually. A 29'r but he's growing like a weed and used to think my now departed Kona Unit felt fine with the big hoops.
As much as I'd like to see him on something "cooler" it's the right $ outlay for his current commitment/interest level. And, it seems there's a bit of a run on entry-level hardtails right now. Most of the LBS's near me have nothing - we could be waiting a while if we ordered something, and this one was in stock, so, it's all good.
Thanks for the suggestions all!

superdex

Nice choice, happy he's happy!

(and yeah, bike shops are having a super surge with the pandemic. Stinks that it's pandemic-related, but happy for the industry....)