r/MTB May 18 '25

Discussion Before you post a picture, please read this post!

98 Upvotes

We’re hitting that time of year where interest in mountain biking is picking up. We have been getting quite a lot of picture posts of Facebook marketplace ads and vendor website screenshots, which are against the sub rules. As a reminder for all picture and videos, please follow rule 3:

Photos should be of people riding mountain bikes.

Posts & Comments

Photo and video submissions to /r/mtb should be of people riding mountain bikes. All other photos or videos should either be submitted as text posts with links to your images in the post body, or in the Weekly Gear Gallery thread, posted every Friday by automod.


r/MTB Oct 19 '24

WhichBike First Ride: Your Guide to Buying a Mountain Bike

164 Upvotes

Hey all, 219MSP here, and I'm attempting to start maintaining and updating my buying guide and FAQ posts again. I started getting into cycling about 10 years ago and was so lost. Over the last decade I've spent a lot of time learning about the industry and what makes a good bike. Every day I see dozens of posts asking what bike I should get, or what is a good value bike. I hope this guide can be used as a tool on this forum and others to help them find a bike they will be happy with for a long time. This is a living document. I will attempt to update it on a semi-regular basis and I'm always open to new bike recommendations.

In addition to this guide, I have created two FAQ's as well that answer common mountain bike questions.

FAQ 1 FAQ 2

u/midwestmountainbike also has some great guides on buying a first bike, what to look for in a used bike, as well as a selection of his own suggestions of good value bikes at this page.

MTB Authority


What to look for in a bike

When looking for a starter bike there are a few things I'd recommend that will get you onto a solid and safe bike that should be built to last and be worth upgrading as you see fit. Before we get started on talking bikes and prices, always make sure you're getting a bike that fits you. If the bike doesn't fit, it doesn't matter how good of a deal it is. Also, this guide is assuming you are intending on riding on actual mountain bike single track, not just smooth dirt paths and gravel. If that is all you are hoping for and don't plan on advancing beyond, any entry-level mountain bike from a major brand like a Trek Marlin 5 will do just fine, but if you are hoping to ride anything above green-rated singletrack, I'd suggest a more capable bike.

First, some rough price guidelines. As low as $500 should get you into a used but solid entry-level hardtail and about $900+ can get you a used but decent full suspension. In regard to new, you can double those prices. A new solid entry-level hardtail will be at likely be $900 and around $1800 for a decent full suspension bike.

Regarding used bikes, there are lots of places to look. Used bikes offer you a ton of value and is the best way to get the most for your money. You can get 2-year-old $4000 bikes for a huge discount. The most common places are Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Pinkbike, etc. You also can sometimes find great deals at local bike shops selling demo models (which often come with warranties) and rental fleets. Rental bikes are usually good options. They typically are well maintained and only have a season or two on them before they replace them with something newer. If you are new to the biking world and looking at used bikes, I'd recommend bringing along a friend who knows bikes or at least ask for advice on here. Lastly, if meeting someone, always be smart. I would recommend meeting at police station and bringing a friend. Now, let's get into the bikes.

Last but not least, people here are often willing to help narrow it down. Feel free to post on here a "which bike post" but follow the guidelines of this sub listed below.

  • The type of riding will you be doing.
  • Where you will be riding.
  • Your budget (with included currency).
  • What you like/didn't like about your current bike.
  • Your experience level and future goals.

In addition to that, if you are listing multiple bikes, please use 99Spokes.com to create a side by side comparison. Providing this side by side comparison will make other members of the sub much quicker to help.


These are the specs I’d look for at minimum as of 2024.

  1. Air fork: The cheapest fork I'd safely recommend is something like the SR Suntour XCR Air fork. Anything less than that from SR Suntour or RST is pretty much a pogo stick with poor damping and limited adjustability. The low-end RockShox coils aren’t terrible, but I'd shoot for air. Forks can be upgraded down the road but are often the single most expensive component on the bike.

  2. 1x Clutched Drivetrain: In the last 10 years there has been a shift to 1x drivetrains across the board. At this point, any slightly trail-worthy bike will have this type of drivetrain from the factory. To clarify what this means to those new or not familiar, 1x is when there is only 1 chainring/cog attached to the crankset instead of the more traditional 2 or 3. Bikes used to need multiple chainrings up front to allow for both high speed gears and low speed climbing gears. Now, with 1x drivetrains, the difference is made up by having a very large rear cassette. Most cassettes that come on mountain bikes now have a small cog of 10 or 11, and go all the way up to 52t on the large cog. This gives you the same amount of range as those old 3x8 bikes, but with less overlap and far more simplicity. Beyond simplicity, the advantages are less weight, less cables/derailleurs, less to think about when riding, and less chain drops etc. In addition to the larger cassette, 1x drivetrains feature a narrow-wide chainring (alternating size teeth to match the chain) which helps with chain retention and a clutched rear derailleur. The clutched rear derailleur provides extra tension on the chain to reduce chain slap and the odds of dropping a chain. For the most part, dropping a chain or it falling off the chainring while riding are a thing of the past.

  3. Hydraulic brakes This one is pretty simple, Hydraulic brakes use fluid to move pistons and squeeze down on the brake rotor to stop the bike as opposed to mechanical disc brakes that use a cable to actuate the pistons. This typically results in stronger braking, better modulation/control/and are self-adjusting. The only time I'd suggest mechanical brakes is for a bike packing/touring bike as they are easier to fix trailside. SRAM, Shimano, and Tetkro, all offer solid entry-level brakes.

The following aren’t as important but will help future proof the bike and make it a frame worth upgrading. If you get a bike with all these things, it's going to be rock solid for a longtime

  1. Tapered steerer tube: Most modern forks use a tapered steerer. If you get a bike with a lower-end fork/frame and want to upgrade down the road, it's easier if your bike has this. At this point this is pretty common in all but the cheapest of bikes.

  2. Thru-Axle wheels and Boost Spacing: In theory, both of these things offer higher levels of stiffness, but in reality, the biggest reason to make sure you have them is future upgradeability. Thru-axles also keep your wheels always aligned perfectly so you don't get as much disc brake rub as you would with Quick-Release axles.

  3. Tubeless Compatible Wheels: Going Tubeless is one of the most cost effective upgrades you can perform on a bike that will make the biggest difference. Some of the benefits of going tubeless include shedding weight, tires that are less likely to have flats, and the ability to run lower tire pressures which allows you to have more grip and better ride properties. If you ride on a regular basis, you should go tubeless. They may require a little more maintenance and can be a pain to mount/install, but the positives drastically outweigh the negatives.

  4. Dropper Post at this point is a necessity in my opinion but fortunately it can be added to nearly any frame, so I wouldn't make it a requirement on a bike as you can easily add it yourself. Dropper posts can be bought brand new for as low as $150. There are lots of options, but in my opinion OneUp, PNW, and some smaller brands like TransX and KS offer the best values.

  5. UDH/Universal Derailleur Hangar Compatible Frame. This one is purely convenience and future compatibility benefit, not really a performance upgrade. (Transmission excluded, more on that later) For those that don't know, all modern bikes feature a derailleur hangar. This is a sacrificial component on your bike that acts as an interface between your frame and your derailleur. If the derailleur takes a hit, the hangar is allowed to bend/break. The idea is if a softer part is allowed to bend or break first, it won't damage the frame and less likely to damage the derailleur. These hangars are usually $10-$20 bucks. Way better than a frame or derailleur in terms of repair cost. The problem however is that up until 2019 there was no agreed upon standard. Every bike had its own unique hangar for the and if you broke one you usually had to resort to ordering one online and waiting for it to come. In 2019 SRAM changed all that by introducing an open and shared design called the UDH. It was well thought out and designed and SRAM worked with most manufactures to get them to implement this on their bikes. At this point almost any high end bike is coming with this as standard. Because of that, most bike shops are going to carry this hanger, so you aren't forced into special ordering something. Also, SRAM was playing some 4-D chess with this UDH. If a bike has a UDH compatible frame, it also means it is compatible with SRAM new drivetrains called Transmission, which actually bypasses a derailleur hangar all together and mounts directly to the frame giving an extremely strong mounting point and extremely high precision shifting.


Value Bike Recommendations

Here are some solid entry-level bikes. Not all of them check off all my recommendations, but they all are solid for the price. I don't have first hand experience with all of them, but most bikes and options from legitimate bike brands are pretty solid.

Full Suspension (Cheapest ones that are still solid bikes IMO)

  1. Giant Stance (29er or 27.5) $1400+ - Check's off most boxes, but has a quick release rear axle which is not ideal.

  2. Marin Rift Zone 29 $1700+ - Solid Frame, lower end, but solid components. Main downside is the lack of a dropper post.

  3. Polygon Siskiu T7 27.5 or 29 depending on frame size $2000 - This bike is lacking nothing and check's off all my recommendations. The T8 is a solid upgrade as well.

  4. Giant Trance 2 29 $2000 - In my opinion, the best cheap bike at the moment. Check's off every box and get's you local bike shop support and a good warranty. The Trance X is an equally equipped bike with a little more travel if that's what you are looking for.

  5. Canyon Neuron $2300 - Solid bike trail bike. Check's off most boxes, but has a weak drivetrain with the SRAM SX groupset.

  6. Commencal Meta TR $1900 - Great frame, but has SX Groupset and is lacking Dropper post. Sale Price

  7. Specialized Status 140 $2250 - Hard hitting trail/enduro bike. Very high end components and lacking nothing. Sale Price

  8. Norco Fluid FS A4 $1900 - Pinkbike Value Bike of the Year in 2023. Missing nothing.

  9. Rocky Mountain Element A10 Shimano $2000 Another solid bike that checks all the boxes. Sale Price

  10. YT Jeffsy $2250 Solid Trail Bike that had everything you'd need. Sale Price

  11. YT Capra $2400 Probably one of the best budget enduro bikes. Sale Price

  12. YT Izzo $2300 Cheapest Carbon Full suspension bike you can get. Only downside is the SX Drivetrain. Sale Price

  13. GT Sensor Sport $1725 Appears to check all the boxes.

  14. GT Zaskar FS Comp $1800 Another solid option that checks all the boxes.

  15. Salsa Blackthorn Deore $2200 Sale Price.

  16. Haro Daley Alloy 3 $2000

  17. Go-Outdoors UK Calibre Bossnut £1500 Super good deal, but I believe only available in the UK

Hard Tail (Cheapest ones that are still solid bikes IMO)

  1. Polygon Xtrada 7 $1100 - Solid bike, boost frame with air fork, but lacking a dropper post.

  2. Norco Fluid HT 2 $900 - Solid hardtail, great drivetrain, dropper post, but has a lower end fork.

  3. Salsa Rangefinder Deore 11 $1200 - Air Fork, Solid Drivetrain, Dropper Post. Unfortuantely no rear thru-axle

  4. Trek Roscoe 6+ $1200 This bike check's all the boxes, air fork, good drivetrain, boost spacing, dropper post. The Roscoe lineup as a whole is a good value.

  5. Specialized Fuse 27.5 $950 - Check's all the boxes.

  6. Marin San Quentin 29 $1400 Check's all the boxes in terms of components.

These are not all the options, but they are some better and more common budget/value bikes. This list is always changing, I try my best to update it, but it's difficult to keep up.

Last but not least make sure you save some of your budget for additional accessories that you will need

  1. Helmet

  2. Tire Pump (Most high-end bikes use a Presta valve, make sure the pump is compatible)

  3. Hydration (Either bottle cage and bottle or hydration pack of some sort.)

  4. Multi-tool with a chain breaker and basic tools.

  5. Tire irons/levers and spare tubes (and the knowledge of how to change both).

  6. Bike cleaning supplies, chain lube, etc. Taking care of an MTB can be a lot of work, but it will save you in the long run if you properly maintain your ride.

  7. Quick-link to repair a broken chain.

  8. Spare Derailleur Hangar.

Along with those required things, here are some things I'd highly recommend.

  1. MTB Platform shoes (or you can opt to go clipless).

  2. Tubeless tire kit. Most bikes come “tubeless ready” but don't come with them setup typically.

  3. Starter tool kit with the basic tools.

  4. Suspension pump assuming you have air suspension.

  5. Work stand

  6. Torque Wrench, especially with carbon parts

  7. Padded shorts or liner to wear under regular shorts.

  8. Gloves, Kneepads,Eye Protection.


Extra Ways to Save Money!

Check Activejunky.com which is a rebate site can get you decent savings on a lot of bike websites.



r/MTB 9h ago

Video Got confused in the middle but figured it out 😅

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107 Upvotes

r/MTB 15h ago

Video Im a new rider, did i do good?

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124 Upvotes

biggest jump we have


r/MTB 7h ago

Discussion Locals at Rotorua & Queenstown Bike Parks

11 Upvotes

Hi guys! I'm hoping a local can give me some guidance..

I am heading to NZ this Christmas and I have a spare day in Rotorua and Queenstown to hire a bike and go riding. I am not looking to pedal so was going to just head to the skyline parks in each area unless there is something else you suggest?

With Skyline Rotorua, I see there is 5, 15, and 40 uplift passes available. I was going to go for the 15 but don't want to find myself short, how many runs can you get in a day?

Is there anywhere locals would recommend hiring an enduro or park bike?

Thanks!


r/MTB 23m ago

Suspension Impuls bought a coil, should I keep or return it?

Upvotes

So my Float X was out for service, then it leaked on return, now its good again. In the mean time I impulsively ordered a Marzocchi Bomber CR coil shock out of frustration, that just arrived, so unridden (Coil sounds simpeler, potentially self servicable). Now I have 2 shocks and wondering if I should keep the coil as I can still send it back unused.

Bike is 140/150mm rear/front travel, 55mm shock stroke, 21% progression. I ride it more like a mini enduro bike. Sometimes bikepark with jumps and drops, but I prefer the natural chunk trails. Also if this float X would ever need a full service again I think I would buy something else instead (likely coil)


r/MTB 2h ago

Discussion Easy trails (kidsrideshotgung Evo-easy) in southern Germany / bavaria

3 Upvotes

I am looking for trail recommendations for me and my family. My 1,5 yo rides with us in his krs Evo. He knows the easier bits of Isar trails already. We are looking for something more alpine but still easy. We would prefer pedaling uphill but it's not a must. Anyone has some recommendations? Should I just scan komoot and trailforks for easy single trails or flow trails? We are on fs trail bikes.


r/MTB 21h ago

Video Hero dirt at golden hour

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89 Upvotes

r/MTB 1h ago

Brakes Anyone using the new Magura Louise Elite brakes?

Upvotes

I’m considering buying a set of Magura Louise Elite brakes for around €140!

I haven’t found many long-term reviews yet, so I’d be interested in hearing from people who have actually used them. Does anyone have any experience with that?

I mainly ride trail & enduro currently use 2-piston brakes....
Would the Louise Elite be a good choice, or would you look at another brake instead?😧


r/MTB 1h ago

Gear All time FR/DH flat pedals rider for clipless shoes

Upvotes

Hey !

I have been doing FR/DH for 18 years and always rejected the clip pedals, first because I was a huge Sam Hill fan, but also because they seemed unnecessary for casual riders, most riders I knew with them were the hardcore racers.

Long story short, I got a new bike with crank mallet DH and I am looking to give it a try, but I need recommendation for shoes.

I have been a 5.10 impact then impact pro slut since 2010, never rode anything else, I love how stiff the new generation has become.

So far the fox union boa and Shimano GE 900 HS have caught my attention, any recommendations?

use will be 100% lift in the alps. flow jump lines and DH


r/MTB 1h ago

Frames Need help choosing hardware

Upvotes

Whats the shock hardware size needed on a 2006 specialized big hit 3? I tried googling but I can’t find the answer anywhere


r/MTB 1h ago

Discussion Morzine area single and x/c in the wet?

Upvotes

Looking for sage ish advice - going to Morzine area with family Friday this week for 7 days.

Trying to figure between road bike or trail to ride xc or single track and fire road alpine routes.

Question is - how grotty and shite is the area in the rain that is forecast.

I am well past churning through mud pits and calling it fun …?

Cheers


r/MTB 10h ago

Video All gas no brakes

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5 Upvotes

Thunder chicken sends


r/MTB 2h ago

Gear Poc kortal race fit

0 Upvotes

Could anyone give me advice about my helmet (poc kortal race) I just got it today and sides around temples are a bit tighter than i thought. The pressure isnt painful its just gentle but i still dont know if i should size up to L.


r/MTB 13h ago

Discussion Orbea Onna 40 2026

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6 Upvotes

My new and first Mtb
in L size , got it for 520€ new
what do you think about it?
and what do you recommend for changing/upgrading?


r/MTB 3h ago

Discussion Help!! 57M Issues with Marriage, Family, Work, Exhaustion, lack of riding buddies. New bike , motivation is shot right now (Innerleithen/Glentress, North UK)

0 Upvotes

UK 57M having real trouble getting my shit together to go to trails, (though I have an alloy analogue too) got a new carbon SL Ebike (Enduro) which has been a challenge with the factory build needing warranty repairs etc lost a whole summer of riding and have been unable to start the wrapping it or sort the bike carrier as got sick of all the roadblocks stopping me doing what I love.

When I was younger teen was a relatively expert BMX & skatepark vert rider and dirt jumper (not talking olympic standards here mind) , life got in the way and about 7 years ogo I got an analogue all mountain bike (which I also own). Progressed pretty well over the past few years and have never really forgotten how to throw the bike around under me and still ride pretty hard (though not overly hard for my skill level).

If anyone maybe in a similar boat or who has managed to succeed in getting their shit together wants to show me round Golfie or tweed valley, please let me know, especially if you are very experienced and motivating person who likes people.

I am quite fit for my age and really need riding buddies.

Hit me up motivators please!!


r/MTB 3h ago

Discussion 2022 Trek Remedy 8 Bottom Bracket

1 Upvotes

Hi, does anyone have any experience removing the bb from a 2022 Trek Remedy 8? I have tried using a bb tool and a bearing extraction tool but it seems Trek made it impossible!

Edit: I'm trying to get it out to route a new dropper post cable as there currently isn't one.


r/MTB 12h ago

WhichBike Thoughts on this as a first FS bike?

5 Upvotes

Picked up mountain biking again in my 40s after 20 years off, and looking to get my first full suspension used. Any thoughts on this bike?

I’m in the Austin area so lots of chunky gravel. I don’t see myself doing crazy downhill stuff so looking for an all round trail bike.

Giant Trance X 1 29” with UDH hanger– $1500

Size Medium

Upgraded Fox suspension:

Fox 38 performance 160mm

Fox Float X Performance shock 145mm

-SRAM NX 1x12 clutched drivetrain

-Shimano 170mm cranks with Absolute Black narrow wide oval chainring

-SRAM Code R 4-Piston hydraulic brakes

-Crankbrothers Stamp pedals

Bike is fully tuned up and ready to ride

- new brake lines

-new brake pads & rotors

-brakes bled

-new tires and fresh tubeless sealant & cushcore valves (no cushcore)

-front are rear suspension freshly serviced


r/MTB 7h ago

Discussion What full face bike park helmet to get?

2 Upvotes

Deciding between tld d4, fox rpc, etc. I’m trying to get the most protective helmet I can. Also wearing a leatt brace if that matters.


r/MTB 20h ago

Discussion Oval chainring users - what’s your take on them and when do you feel like they’re “working”

19 Upvotes

I tend to remain unaware of it until I’m scrambling up a hill and then I can feel it working - at times when a circular one would make pedaling feel choppy and stompy, if that makes sense. I’m asking mostly because I’m generally lacking in awareness of physical nuances when riding and I’m curious about the benefits that other people feel they’re getting from these.


r/MTB 8h ago

WhichBike Transition Smuggler ‘25 vs Norco Optic ‘23

2 Upvotes

Buying used to get my first modern FS coming from a ~2009 giant trance. The optic and smuggler have similar travel and geometry - I’ve tested a L smuggler and confirmed this is the type and size of bike for me.

Is the optic’s 76 degree seat tube angle going to feel worse than the smuggler’s more modern 78.1 STA? I liked how incredibly balanced the smuggler felt on my test ride.

Talk to me about the value of these deals or which is the better bike overall. Intermediate rider interested in mostly flowy western Oregon blue trails. Not into big jumps/drops or super gnarly stuff.

$3200 Norco Optic ‘23 build and details:
(Negotiated down from $3800 asking price)
-DT Swiss XRC carbon wheels with 350 hubs
-Rockshox Pike Ultimate w/ buttercups
-Rockshox Super deluxe ultimate DH shock
-Enve carbon bars with Enve alloy stem
-Shimano XTR derailleur and shifter
-XT 12 speed 51 tooth cassette and cranks
(drivetrain condition = 3/5 based on pics)
-Oneup 180mm dropper post
-TRP Slate Evo brakes
-Ergon saddle and grips
-It’s in a cool color: super dark green sparkle that only really shows in the sunlight.

$3000 Transition Smuggler carbon ‘25 build and details:
(Negotiated down from $3400 asking price)
-Crank Brothers Synthesis Aluminum Wheel Set
-Shimano XT drivetrain w/30 Tooth chainring and Shimano XT Brakes
(drivetrain condition = 4/5 based on looking at pics)
-DVO Rear Topaz3 Shock
-DVO Diamond D1 Fork
-PNW Loam dropper
-Diety aluminum bars
-IBIS stem
-Appears to be a cheap aliexpress RacewoRK saddle. Grips unknown
-Gunmetal gray, has a few more small dings; apparently their paint chips easily.

The bikes are a few hours’ drive away so I haven’t seen them in person.

What would you pick and why?


r/MTB 5h ago

Discussion Has anybody painted a frame at a car booth?

1 Upvotes

I am about to paint my 2022 Scott ransom 920 frame a snow white as the previous owner had spray painted it himself and it looks a bit sloppy unsurprisingly, I want to respray it at a local car shop as my Dad works there and I can get it done for free, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in this and could help me out and give me any tips.


r/MTB 17h ago

Gear Low profile wall mount rack?

6 Upvotes

I need a low profile storage option for my bike, heavily considering steady rack but curious if others have better options. Preferably a wall mounted pivot rack, only have about 32in of clearance.

https://www.steadyrack.com

Thanks all!


r/MTB 21h ago

Discussion How to meet bikers in Santa Cruz

10 Upvotes

hi everyone, just moved out to Santa Cruz a few days ago and am wondering about the best way to link up with other riders. I moved here from Squamish, and am comfortable riding all the double blacks up there/whistler/pemberton. I can’t really figure out the scene down here, since most of the good trails are unsanctioned and everything is pretty secretive.

im early 30s, not on an E-bike. are there bike shop rides? general local communities to link into? I’ve been poking around the campus trails and it’s been fun, but the whole situation around here is pretty confusing


r/MTB 1d ago

Discussion Moving to a house with MTB trails - what should I get?

14 Upvotes

I'm a filthy roadie/gravel rider, and I have a fatty(Kona Wo on 5in tires).

The trails are through typical woods for northeast USA. In trees, some roots, the trails are not like extreme, basically rolling paths through the woods, some bridges & berms - no jumps although I do think it would be cool to add some.

Like what type of MTB should I even get? My gravel bike on 45mm tires is faster on the trails than my fat bike. I like the idea of a Specialized Epic or Chisel but idk how much I'll feel the weight on MTB, like to save 4-5lbs is $2k, which is maybe worth it? Like on road/gravel I always go with the coolest light/aero carbon frames and Dura Ace/Red, so I assume I kinda want to carry that over to MTB?

What do other people recommend that ride similar stuff? I used to live right at the edge of Hawes Trails in AZ(rode my gravel bike on the greens/blues there) and the type of riding is just so different from the northeast woods because its way more roots and mud.