Barman1
Gold Member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2013
- Messages
- 6,454
Any suggestions for a first mountain bike (within the last decade at least) for a roadie? Bunch of guys from work that used to ride mtb are picking up new bikes and hitting the trails instead of the road. I'm looking at something a few years old, with full suspension thats not a total brick at around $12-1500, don't know what to look at and my buddies are all going for far fancier builds.
It depends on what kind of trails you ride and how you want to ride them. But my guess is it's pretty much typical northeast, rocks and roots with short steep climbs. Similar to my trails 1 state over.
I'd look for something in the 120mm to 150mm travel range with a semi-slack geometry, maybe 68-69 degrees head tube angle. And with those rocks and roots I'd recommend 27.5 or 29 inch wheels for an easier rollover.
In your price range you're looking at used so maybe Craigslist or Ebay?? I bought mt Santa Cruz carbon Highball and my Superlight 29 both on Ebay with good results.
My Superlight is a great bike but I find that I'm pushing it harder than its design intended at times and will eventually get something slacker with longer travel. I've got to break this one first and despite my best efforts I think I'll wear out first honestly.
My Superlight 29 a couple days ago.