I’m buying my first MTB. Would you help me decide on the right make and model for a beginner?

WhichBike

Hey, everyone. I’ve been on the look out for new or used MTBs for the last couple of weeks. My intention is mostly to use the bike for cardio and just to be outdoors in the mountains of Colorado. That said, I do like the idea of finding a bike that’s nice for trail and has some capacity for more downhill usage as I become increasingly comfortable with the sport.

Right now, there are a few options that have jumped out at me. The giant stance 29 2, the polygon Siskiu T6 or T7. I’ve also kept an eye on the Canyon Spectral 125 as well (ascending in price in that order). What do you think of those options, or should I be thinking about others?

I’d like to stay in the $2k range as I’m not sure I can justify spending much more for a totally new hobby.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and help!!

in MTBby Prudent-Orange5424

47%

11d

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11d

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chronicdanksauce

11d

https://www.reddit.com/r/MTB/comments/1c2souz/mountain_bike_buying_guide_2024_update/

Prudent-Orange5424

Wow. Elite. Thank you very much.

GundoSkimmer

i ride in dads cords!

11d

Stance and T6 are a bit too far in the corner cutting realm.

T7 is a pretty perfect option.

The Spectral 125 is okay but doesn't have particular benefits when it comes to the weight and wheel base of that bike if you're not intending to actually get a bit rowdy on it. It's an odd bike in general. The normal Spectral makes a ton more sense as they nearly end up the same weight. The only 'reason' to get the 125 is if you're really into fast flow that does have chatter or maybe even loose terrain but is not too technical. Fairly niche imo. And I forget if the cheapest build is better or worse than the normal model. I know they are specced differently.

If you NEED to stay under 2k, Polygon T7 is basically a clear winner, no contest.

If there is some leeway. The Giant Trance 29 2 (NOT stance) would be a great option. And obviously the benefit of that is it can come from a bike shop with proper service options.

Most of the other bikes within that range have a variety of setbacks, such as runnign SRAM SX or X-fusion shock or being super heavy or super slack winnebagos, etc.

Prudent-Orange5424

Hey, thanks so much for the detailed overview. This is a super helpful post. I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the T7… However, you’re clearly really knowledgeable so I want to ask one clarification after re reading my question, which I now realize didn’t sufficiently indicate how I want to use the bike. I want to be on trails. And I eventually want to get rowdy. I’m just recognizing that I’m new to the sport and it will take some time to get to that skill level, so I know relishing the uphill burn will be part of the equation for me for a while.

To that end, does that change your opinion on buying the spectral? Also, I see a lot of sales going on right now. If I raise my budget to $2500, what else does that bring into the mix from your POV?

Thank you for your generous insights!

GundoSkimmer

i ride in dads cords!

Which Spectral? The problem is the lowest end Spectral still has a crap fork. The T7 kinda does too but at least you're saving money to change it.

Of course that means, at that budget, a T8 is kinda the clear solution.

Getting rowdy means a lot of different things to different people, and also people will happily get rowdy on everything from a DH bike all the way down to a basic hardtail. So... It still requires more clarification on what kinda of rowdy, where you live, etc.

Also, in terms of getting rowdy, like actually rowdy, the best bikes right now under 2500 are the Giant Trance X 3 (275), the Polygon N7, and then something like a YT Core 1 be it Jeffsy or Capra.

But those are indeed big heavy slightly overbuilt bikes that won't be fun to climb and will feel kinda piggish on the trail, hard to lift up and move around, harder to develop skills on, etc.

Also in terms of the Spectral, long story short one should get a YT instead of Canyon if possible. If only for the customer service alone. But also for the more intentional design of the bikes imo. A Jeffsy would really suit you well in these regards, basically a better designed Spectral and a beefier T7/T8.

So... And again I'm not sure the prices/listings so you'd have to clarify for me. But Jeffsy is the most ideal bike if you want a trail bike that has a 'high ceiling' to push hard in the future. But it's a bit heavy. Polygon T8 is a PERFECT all around bike that can push really hard while still being pleasant on basic climbs. Think of it as a shorter travel cheaper Jeffsy.

If you want to JUMP specifically, a Giant Trance X 3 in 275 would be really ideal. Good for playing and jumping and developing high end skills. If you want to PLOW everything like a badass but hate yourself onthe climbs, get a Polygon N7 or YT Capra (thing is nearly a DH bike, i don't recommend it unless you know why ur gettin it)

giant yt and polygon are like the budget triumvirate right now. the 3 kings.

Prudent-Orange5424

Thanks again! I live in Denver so I’ll be riding mostly in the foothills and mountains. And fair push on the meaning of “rowdy.” I don’t know what I don’t know and have only been on a MTB the few times I rented and went with friends on a trail in the foothills. But I see people getting pretty aggressive on the downhill and doing jumps, particularly near some of the ski reports. I’m not out here trying to become a pro but I’d like to be able to ride hard downhill and get a little air on the trail someday. That’s my definition of rowdy. I’m 35 and anything more aggressive probably is in the past for me.

So with that clarification, does it make sense to go up from the T7 to the T8 in your view? Here’s the comparison. There is a $300 price difference from one online retailer running a sale (see below).

[Image]

snooze407

11d

I'm a newbie and in the same price range as you and considering those same bikes as you. One thing I'm also factoring in with the direct to consumer options like Polygon is that I'd probably want to take it a bike shop to make sure it's assembled correctly and is safe, which will be another $100 or something. The Giant I can buy through a local shop so they should do that for me for free. There's also some sales going on at REI right now for full FS bikes <$2k and they'll do the assembly and give free adjustments to brakes, derailleur, and wheels for a year after purchase.

Prudent-Orange5424

Thanks for the look!! I’ll check out REI!!

palikona

11d

Maybe other people can comment on these but REI has this Salsa Blackthron Deore and this Cannondale Habit 4 for good prices.

https://www.rei.com/product/208237/salsa-blackthorn-deore-12-speed-mountain-bike?sku=2082370003&store=61&CAWELAID=120217890017281286&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=111487386163&CATCI=pla-932711362201&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2082370003%7C92700058213517201%7CBA%7C71700000074422040&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIs6Tc2un3hgMVvT0IBR033QQHEAQYAiABEgLl8fD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.rei.com/product/208120/cannondale-habit-4-mountain-bike

Prudent-Orange5424

I love REI and would be delighted to make the purchase there. Thanks for the look!!

Wirelessness

11d

Spectral 29 CF 125 is probably the Best Buy I’ve seen anywhere. $2700 full carbon, Pike, GX, DT Swiss wheels. Good bike if it suites your needs.

Prudent-Orange5424

Very nice!! Thanks for flagging. Do you think surging the extra $700 is worth it for the carbon frame??

Wirelessness

Yes, and the parts are much better too.

tiddie42069

10d

Look into YT Industries if you want a great bike for much less cost than all other brands that have a storefront (I can't think of even one other of the top brands that don't have a storefront. Their business model is a bit different and instead of allowing you to ride the bike and deal with salesmen, YT relies on word of mouth marketing in hopes their product reaches you regardless of if you see the physical bike in person beforehand. Its fuckin pretty sick. You can literally get a bike for almost half the price of some other brands out there offering similar bikes with the same type of components. YT does sales to at the end of the summer if you STILL haven't found your baby, or the MTB you'll truly love. Honestly I wouldn't buy anything new within your price range unless it was a YT because you won't get your money worth selling a slightly used bike of any other brand. YT essentially has one of the best resale values of any bike. They can be hard to get but are always constantly updating their stock on their website, so don't get discouraged if they don't have the exact model you desire right away.

Prudent-Orange5424

I haven’t heard of this brand. I’ll check them out. If I’m not concerned about re sales value, do you still feel like I’d be going wrong with the Polygon T7? The components seem relatively solid for the price range. But I’m a newbie!!

regiment262

11d

If you want to stick around 2k or under and want something that's good for just light fire road/gravel riding and can still hit some trails, you'll probably get better bang for your buck in a hardtail at that price point, especially used. If you just want to dip your toes into the sport and have a bike that is both trail capable and could be kept around as a general use bike, then a hardtail is almost definitely your best bet, as FS's in general are heavier and more expensive to maintain. If you keep your eyes peeled you can sometimes find stuff like Ibis DV9's for ~2k which are full carbon hardtails with Fox 32s that weigh ~25lbs even with heavier entry-level components.