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After Rehab: Aged and Ready to Go Full Suspension - Any Suggestions?

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After Rehab: Aged and Ready to Go Full Suspension - Any Suggestions?

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Old 02-09-23, 12:12 AM
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michaelm101
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After Rehab: Aged and Ready to Go Full Suspension - Any Suggestions?

I quit MTBing after being injured in a terrible car crash in 2017. Experienced with hard-tails. I'm out of rehab and I'm contemplating getting back in the MTB saddle for training rides.

I'm a lifelong tennis player (since 1969) and coach who is making a comeback in 2023, even though I've attempted to do this unsuccessfully since 2020 :-(
I'm nearing 60 y/o, but I still have my skills and my wit about me. I've never ridden a (non motorized) full suspension bike, but have plenty of experience with motorized ones.

Can anyone guide me in this endeavor? I don't want to spend too much money (but may be swayed) on this (less than 1000) because I'm looking to get a good pedal assist road bike soon.
Thanks very much in advance! Just as a reference this is what I MTB'd on back in the 80s. I still have it, sans the original flat bars:


1988 Mongoose IBOC Pro (riser stem & bars added 2020)

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Old 02-09-23, 10:04 AM
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prj71
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Originally Posted by michaelm101
I don't want to spend too much money on this (less than 1000)...
You aren't going to find a good quality full suspension bike (used or new) with this budget.
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Old 02-09-23, 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by michaelm101
I don't want to spend too much money on this (less than 1000) because I'm looking to get a good pedal assist road bike soon...
Used is your only option for that price point.

EDIT: Though Bikes Online has one on sale for under $1000. I know nothing about full-suspension bikes, so I have no idea if it's any good...
https://www.bikesonline.com/2023-pol...-mountain-bike
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Old 02-09-23, 10:30 AM
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You picked an excellent time for shopping with a (reported) glut of bikes on the market. The bike above or a Bikes Direct model in the same price range should be serviceable, but offer basically no warranty from my friend's experience. Used is a great way to save, but bring a knowledgeable friend since you've been out of the game for awhile.
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Old 02-09-23, 10:37 AM
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If you want to go new, get prepared to drop $4K+ to get anything that will do more good than harm.

If you want pedal assist, maybe combine and get an e-mountain bike? That will make the above seem thrifty.
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Old 02-09-23, 10:47 AM
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michaelm101
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Originally Posted by Polaris OBark
If you want to go new, get prepared to drop $4K+ to get anything that will do more good than harm.

If you want pedal assist, maybe combine and get an e-mountain bike? That will make the above seem thrifty.
Thx. I was thinking about this. However, my plan was to use the assist on the roadie only during climbing-- while using standard operating procedure all other times. The E-MTB, unfortunately would be too much extra cargo in this scenario.
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Old 02-10-23, 09:30 AM
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Originally Posted by michaelm101
Thx. I was thinking about this. However, my plan was to use the assist on the roadie only during climbing-- while using standard operating procedure all other times. The E-MTB, unfortunately would be too much extra cargo in this scenario.
im with ya on this. My LEVO feels like pedaling a cinderblock on the road. Still a fast cinderblock, but it’s clear that it’s out of its element


Although you could probably say the same thing for a lot of these new school rigs with big 2.5 and 2.6 tires
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Old 02-10-23, 11:07 AM
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For $1K, you are looking at used.

No new FS in that price point is worth it, IMO.
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