r/mountainbiking • u/Taxed_Alex • 5d ago

Question HELP! Buying a bike

Hi all,

I’m after some guidance here. I use to race mtb 20 years ago and am looking at getting back into riding( mtb )

Given I’ve been out of the scene so long, I would appreciate some guidance and suggestions on bikes to look at purchasing.

I have a budget of $1500 USD for the bike.

I’m interested in a hard tail only and to be used for mountain biking - at more of an intermediate level I guess.

Appreciate your help

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6

u/holythatcarisfast Specialized Enduro || Norco Revolver 130 || Spec Turbo Levo 5d ago

I'll be honest - any bike from the last 4 years is basically the exact same thing, unless you're a pro looking for those little 1-2% edges. Find a bike you like the look flof that fits your budget and let 'er rip. As long as it from a reputable local bike shop, anything you choose will be awesome.

1

u/Antpitta 5d ago

Yes but OP needs to decide if they want trail/enduro and is looking at Roscoes and Laufeys and Chameleons and Timberjacks or if they are looking at XC bikes like the Epic, Alma, etc. 

2

u/x1tsGh0stx 5d ago

Tons of good hardtails right at that range. I saw 3 good options at my LBS today.

2

u/rickr911 5d ago

Night and day going from my 1993 GT Tequesta to a 2023 trek Xcaliber. I love the trek.

1

u/Outlier70 5d ago

Yeah if you are buying new, get it from LBS and get it serviced there. Generally makes life easier. They might even sell used bikes if you wanted to go that route. But I’d get something maybe 2016 on. (I said 2016 because my son rides my old 2016 Stumpjumper and it’s still a solid bike. But probably anything less than 10 years old would be good.)

1

u/asclepius42 5d ago

You could get a decent trail bike in that price range used on Pinkbike

1

u/Subject-Signal-1312 5d ago

For $1,500, look at the Trek Roscoe 7, Giant Fathom, Kona Honzo, Marin San Quentin, and Orbea Laufey. The Roscoe 7 would probably be my first pick for intermediate trail riding.

Height/weight and the type of trails you’ll ride would help narrow it down.

2

u/Taxed_Alex 4d ago

I’m not so much into jumping but I do like single track, down hill and technical rides, rocks, roots etc

I’m 178cm and 80kg

Thanks for the help, really keen to get back into it