Farby

Sorry to be one of those guys starting one of those threads but I seek your wisdom.

I’m a 41 year old string bean who is considering venturing into the mountain biking world. I’ve been a roadie on and off since 07 so while I know plenty about road cycling bikes /equipment I don’t know jack about mountain gear. I’ve been on more of an off phase with biking the last year so fitness level isn’t great.

I’d like to start riding trails because my son is 11 and our weekends spent hiking are now seeking a little more adventure. I’m hesitant to take him on the road and think trails would be more fun for him anyway. He has an older front suspension trek mtb but I don’t have anything to get dirty on.

looking at options I’m kinda lost where to begin. I’d like to think my riding will be mostly tame trails with some jumps here and there. No bombing over boulders downhills or 20 foot drops happening anytime soon. Been reading up on hard tails and entry level f/s. I am the first to admit I love swag and buying cool **** is a blast.

Part of me thinks go f/s so I don’t regret not going that route later on and also appreciate that it would be more forgiving on me. I’ve been steered toward a trail bike and was looking at polygons because their ads are everywhere. The d7 to t8 but am curious if this is just too much bike. From what I’ve read the t8 is a great deal spec wise. But I am sure there are varying opinions and comparable bikes from other brands. Really wouldn’t want to spend more than $2500. So what would you be looking at in my shoes?

Any input or advice is much appreciated,

prj71

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-29-3

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/anthem-29-2

SquishyBiker

Consider a Trek Top Fuel - you get pretty decent kit, 12speed Shimano, and 120mm front and rear suspension.
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/b...?colorCode=red

carlosponti

Best place to start is to talk to a local bike shop learn some of the terminology when it comes to bikes geometry and such. I looked around for a while. I found a video on youtube they did a review of several bikes. I did end up going with the Fezzari in the first review. So many great bikes out there.

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/Vi...omparison,2793

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/2-...ison-Test,3053

you will need to purchase a shock pump and consider looking into tubeless tires.

zandoval 

Would be nice if you'se guys could build up a couple-a Steel Gravel Bikes together...

Farby

id like to ride with the kiddo, not have him watch me get frustrated and throw tools lol.

rumrunn6

will you be riding w/ just your Son or also solo?

Farby

Both for sure

rumrunn6

nice, get a fast one! ;-) right about age 12-13 my Son started kicking my butt at the track & on the bike

1xGuy

OP, in addition to the suggestion of the Top Fuel by SquishyBiker, check out the Fuel EX, also by Trek. Dedicated trail bike that will be able to handle most anything you are likely to throw at it, still pedals well, and can give your son enough travel for when he starts to send it bigger - which he will. There is a broad range of sizes and build kits, with entry level models somewhere in 2.5 to 3K range if I recall. Dealer support is also easy to get, being a big brand. My sons and I have a couple different generations of them in the garage, and they have always performed well. Finding them, however, is the real trick. Have fun!

SpedFast

You mention that your son has an older MTB. If you get something new and modern, it won't be long before you're on the 'older mtb' while your son is thrashing down hills on 'your' new/modern bike. Been there and done that. No regrets because the smile on his face was more than worth it! Just saying.

Calsun

Get the Specialized entry level full suspension Stumpjumper that sells for $2500. Full Suspension bikes are much more forgiving of user error or limitations. If you get a hardtail bike then have a dropper post added - you will be glad you did.

Do invest in a good mountain bike MIPS helmet and knee guards and gloves. A bad knee injury can take you out of action for several months and a broken collar bone takes 3-4 months to heal with adults.

I have found that everything I did on a road bike is the opposite on a mountain bike for the most part. A half day class would be a good investment.

katsup

I've owned a Polygon T8, it was a really nice bike with good components. I didn't connect with it as much as I thought, so I sold it after awhile since it was sitting. The D7 is probably more my style, but I can't get over how it has a non boost front with a boost rear. Not a big deal for the average rider, but it bugs me.

c_m_shooter

I wouldn't get full suspension. If you can find something like a Salsa Timberjack with 27.5 plus tires you will have a solid bike that will last a long time.

Kapusta

If you can afford a decent FS bike…. Do it. Unless your trails are really smooth.

I find HTs a blast as a way to change things up, but as a go-to bike… FS for sure.

The real question is what kind of FS.

cyclezen

My Son has a Poly T7, he loves it... I'm gonna get a D7, more than enough for me ... Stepping up to the new century... from am '04 Spec Epic... LOL...
Just had a chance to ride the '21 Spec Stumpy FS Alloy - lower end model - V-Nice Bike !!! I was impressed ! It was like the bike 'disappeared' under you and all you had to do was focus on 'The ride'... Everything works so well, together...
Ride On
Yuri