RipCityBassWork

I'm looking to upgrade my mountain bike to something more reliable that can survive daily riding without me pouring $$$ into it yearly. For the sake of this thread lets assume my budget is $800 or under.

My current mountain bike has yearly recurring problems that I am getting tired of dealing with:
Skips a gear when shifting
Noisy crank (I assume it's the crank at least - could be the bearings, but I am much more competent working on road bikes than MTBs)

Right now I have a Novara Forza:

1. 29er
2. Aluminum frame
3. Tektro Quartz brakes
4. Shimano Alivio rear derailleur
5. Shimano Acera SL-M360 shifters
6. No idea what the front derailleur is, markings have worn off

I am preferably looking for:

1. 29er
2. Shimano Deore / Shram X5/X7 or better components
3. Aluminum frame (I wouldn't say no to carbon, but I cannot afford it)
4. Better brakes than the Tektro Quartz I have now

I prefer to go new, but used is not a deal breaker. Here is what I'm considering right now:

Bulls KING COBRA DISC 29 ($750)
Orbea MX 20 29 ($750)
Polygon Siskiu29 6 ($80ish?)
Airborne Guardian ($650)
Bulls Bushtail ($640)

But I am NOT set on any particular brand, and will consider any recommendation in my price range.

Bradleykd

If you can hit the $1000 mark you'll get into air forks with high level 2 by 10 components, such as:


Save up to 60% off Mountain Bikes - MTB - New Fuji Tahoe 27.5 1.3D 27.5 Mountain Bikes with Shimano 20 Speed Drivetrain, Fox Evolution Remote Lockout Suspension Forks


If you have to stay at $800, all of the bikes are going to have a similar quality aluminum frame and a coil sprung fork, so you are buying components at this point. Try to get the best you can.


This one has SLX/Deore components and really good Guide brakes and good tubeless wheels. I'd recommend it over any of the others you listed


Save up to 60% off new Mountain Bikes - MTB - Motobecane Fantom 29COMP

gsa103

If you need a size S, then this bike:
https://www.rei.com/product/874993/n...-275-bike-2016

In general, $800 is a bad price point. You won't be able to get a bike significantly different than your current one, you're probably better off just getting a good tune-up. Or buying some tools and learning to DIY.

RipCityBassWork

First off I really appreciate the replies so far!

I found another Bulls with the same specs as the King Cobra (except different rear derailleur) but for over $100 less
BULLS BUSHTAIL 29 - 20in / 51cm | eBay

Unfortunately I would need either a 20" or 21" bike, which is considered either L or XL depending on the manufacturer.

Would I save any money if I do a DIY project? Lets say buy an aluminum frame and Shimano XT components?

PumpedUpKicks

That looks like a great place to start. At my local bike shop, they have a lot of their bikes on clearance right now getting ready for winter and the 2017's. You could pick up a 2016 with better components that in your budget. Ride all the bikes if you can before you make a decision.
Here are a couple others I saw that fit the bill:
KONA BIKES | MTB | MTB HARDTAIL | Mahuna
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fathom-29-2 slightly over budget at $920 but a nice looking bike
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/bi...rcomp29/115498 this bike gets my vote!

Good luck shopping! Looking forward to see what you get!