29er trail bike. Best bang for the buck?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by CarlS, Nov 26, 2017.


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  1. CarlS

    CarlS Member

    Location:
    Temecula, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    Walmart $50 special
    I'm Looking for new bike ideas for something that can handle the gnar better than my XC bikes. As someone here commented to me once, an RDO Jet-9 is not really a trail bike. Yes, you can do it, but the really chunky stuff is beating me up. I want something that can float over that chunky stuff better and can also maybe handle some park runs at big bear or the like. (I still have not been to Snow Summit yet)

    I'm not really concerned with weight so much as I would like to keep the cost down. I have thought about buying a non boost aluminum frame and swapping some stuff over. I have non boost hub 30mm inside width carbon rims with some Maxxis tires that would work along with some 1x10 stuff, but I also may think about a newer complete boost hub bike if the price is right.

    I think min travel I would want is around 120 rear / 140 front. That new 2018 Transition Smuggler really catches my eye, but maybe a little over my budget. Plus I would really like to demo a new bike before I buy it.

    So, with a $3000 budget, what is your best bang for the buck? new or used.
     
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  2. LLPoolJ

    LLPoolJ iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Moreno Valley
    Name:
    James Johnson
    Current Bike:
    Specy Epic, Stumpu and Enduro
    Ride a bunch of bikes and choose one. I love my Stumpjumper. I have the carbon version but an Aluminum works as well watching Sidewalk ride his Aluminum Enduro.
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl, mike and 5 others like this.
  3. CarlS

    CarlS Member

    Location:
    Temecula, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    Walmart $50 special
    Where?

    I have found good demos are harder to find, especially bikes that I am interested in like that Smuggler. My LBS sells Cannondale and Specialized, neither of which I am really interested in.

    Also new 2018 bikes will probably max out my budget
     
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  4. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    You will almost always get the best bang for your buck by buying newer-used.

    BUT, as @LLPoolJ has stated, you need to test some bikes before you can decide. Contact the manufacturers of the bikes you are interested in to find out where and when for demo days.

    "trail bikes" rear suspension starts at 140mm, I think? You want something that can handle a 3-4 foot drop, right?
     
    kioti, Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl and 4 others like this.
  5. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    If the Smuggler is on your radar, I think the Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol and Smash would be. Seen some used TPs on Pinkbike. New GG FS frames are around 2k. US-made. Demo'ing could be a trick. If you want to throw a leg over a med. Smash, I'll be in OC next month.
     
  6. CarlS

    CarlS Member

    Location:
    Temecula, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    Walmart $50 special
    Thanks for this. I had not looked at GG bikes before. looks good.
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl, Mikie and 2 others like this.
  7. kingaucho

    kingaucho Well-Known Member

    Location:
    South OC
    Name:
    Lubo
    Current Bike:
    Giant Anthem 29er
    Take a look at Kona Process 111 (29er) and 134b(27.5). I see a few 134s and some 111s on Pinkbike within your budget.
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl, mike and 3 others like this.
  8. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
  9. scottay

    scottay Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Gods Country
    Name:
    Scottay
    I think Giant bikes give the most Bang for the Buck.
    .
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl, mike and 7 others like this.
  10. levity

    levity Member

    Location:
    elsewhere
    Name:
    gone
    If you're willing to drive a bit you might check out The Path Bike Shop in Tustin and Trabuco Canyon.

    They have a fleet of rentals as well as new and used bikes -

    https://www.thepathbikeshop.com/services/demos-rentals

    Testing a few different bikes may help you zero in on what you want.
    They apply rental fees to purchases if you buy from them .
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl, mike and 2 others like this.
  11. Derkderkall

    Derkderkall iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Monrovia
    Name:
    Derek Allison
    Current Bike:
    2020 Specialized Fuse 29
    I'm in a similar situation, been eyeing the new aluminum norco sight 29er, looks like a sweet ride. And at $2799 fits perfectly into your budget.
     
  12. Sidewalk

    Sidewalk iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    The road is where I call home
    Name:
    Josh
    Current Bike:
    N+1
    It's going to be hard to demo bikes if you immediately rule out the biggest brands without ever trying them.

    @LLPoolJ 's Stumpy from my view is a great aggressive trail bike, something that can really handle Summit just fine without all the extra work of my Enduro.
     
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl and mike like this.
  13. Ebruner

    Ebruner Well-Known Member

    Name:
    Erik Bruner
    Current Bike:
    22' Nomad, 22' Trance x 29
    The only full suspension bike that I really like under 3k is the Giant Trance 2. It's not that it's the best bike ever, or that it's even the best FS frame that can be bought as a complete bike (new) for under 3k. It's that it's the most complete package. It's the only sub 3k bike I've seen that doesn't have a component list filled with stuff I need to replace in the first 6 months.

    Regarding 29'rs, the Specialized stumpjumper is insanely good as is the trek fuel EX lineup. I'm partial to Santacruz myself, but you don't get much in the 3k range from them, although the Aluminum R build tall boy is just about within your price range at a reputable LBS (the path) or online at competitive cyclist.

    The path currently has some insane deals on their clearance sections... (process 111's in M-XL for $2,200).
    http://www.thepathbikeshop.com/sales/clearance/mountain-bikes
     
    Danmtchl, mike, mtnbikej and 4 others like this.
  14. SoCal_Rider

    SoCal_Rider Member

    Location:
    Temecula/Murrieta
    Name:
    Ryan
    kioti, Danmtchl, Old&InTheWay and 5 others like this.
  15. Cyclotourist

    Cyclotourist iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Redlands
    Name:
    David
    Current Bike:
    Don't fence me in!
    Old&InTheWay, Danmtchl and mike like this.
  16. herzalot

    herzalot iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Laguna Beach
    Name:
    Chris
    Current Bike:
    2020 Revel Rail,Yeti SB 130 LR
    @CarlS I know someone who wants to unload a Yeti SB5.5! 150 mm travel might be more suitable for your identified preferences than the 120mm machines you are mentioning. Although the current owner @Voodoo Tom will not attest to the bike's ability to float over chunk.

    I think the GG Smash is what you are looking for, or maybe the Foes Mixer Enduro. The new Intense Carbine is in the long-travel realm, but I doubt you will find one that's affordable yet.

    Doesn't Niner still make a beast called the WFO? Looks like they only offer the carbon RIP in the 150mm travel territory, but I am guessing someone might have the aluminum WFO for sale used.
     
  17. CarlS

    CarlS Member

    Location:
    Temecula, CA
    Name:
    Carl
    Current Bike:
    Walmart $50 special
    Dang thats a nice build I always wanted to ride on some 240 hubs. Unfortunately, I probably wont be ready to buy anything until after the holidays. Doubt it will still be around.

    Thanks for all the ideas guys, it's opening my eyes to whats out there. I never really looked at GG or Norco. some very cool bikes. I like how GG has that storage area under the shock, well thought out. that smash looks like a beast compared to my little 100/120 XC ride.
     
  18. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    The GG philosophy is to ride without a pack, which is why they have a bottle cage mount inside the frame. I thought the Smash was a monster, coming from my 100/120 Czar. It's over 5" longer. But, it feels completely normal to me now. I can clean every tight switchback I could on my Czar.

    So many great bikes, including ones that are not expensive. What sets GG apart, to my mind, is the domestic frame production as much as the innovation and design. I think Foes also fabs in the US. I won't pony up for Enve hoops, but if a product is competitively priced or even a little more, I'm in for US-made. (Edit: GG FS frames are $600 less than Santa Cruz alum frames) MABA...Make American Bikes Again.
     
    Danmtchl, CarlS, Old&InTheWay and 8 others like this.
  19. Derkderkall

    Derkderkall iMTB Rockstah

    Location:
    Monrovia
    Name:
    Derek Allison
    Current Bike:
    2020 Specialized Fuse 29
    Scott Genius.may also be worth your consideration.
     
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  20. littlewave

    littlewave Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Newport Beach
    Name:
    Brett
    Current Bike:
    GG Smash (Alu)
    Hey @CarlS you ever end up getting a new bike?
     
    Old&InTheWay, Luis, Danmtchl and 3 others like this.
  21. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    Yep. You're right. This is not a trail bike. :gag:20170519_111343-1612x1209.jpg
     
    rossage, HBkites, kioti and 10 others like this.
  22. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    That's one burly XC rig :geek:
     
  23. Faust29

    Faust29 Moderator

    Location:
    irgendwo
    Name:
    B. Bunny
    Current Bike:
    I gots some bikes.
    I'd set it up just like that for Rwanda. :whistling:
     
  24. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    I've had it like that for the last few weeks training for Rwanda. :thumbsup:
     
  25. Runs with Scissors

    Runs with Scissors iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    West Anaheim
    Name:
    Mark Whitaker
    Current Bike:
    Giant XTC with pedals
    Seems just a tad bit of overkill for Rwanda, and for 47.3 miles. Unless, of course, the crick crossings are anything like last year. :eek:
     
  26. UPSed

    UPSed iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Simi Valley
    Name:
    Ed
    Current Bike:
    Niner Jet 9 RDO
    I guess I should have been more specific. I will put the 29s back on for Rwanda. They are 2.2lbs lighter.
     
  27. SnakeCharmer

    SnakeCharmer iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Front Range, San Gabes
    Name:
    Mike, aka "Ssnake"
    Current Bike:
    YT Izzo
    Are you suggesting that Ed get himself a Lizard?
     
  28. Daddy Dirtbag

    Daddy Dirtbag Member

    Location:
    Castaic
    Name:
    Jeff Johansen
    Current Bike:
    2016 Trek Stache 9 29+
    There was a time when the Jet 9 was primarily an XC weapon. However, as Ed can attest, now is not that time.

    As for 'bang for the buck', it deserves a place at the table, but wouldn't be my primary consideration.
     
  29. RS VR6

    RS VR6 Well-Known Member

    Location:
    Valencia/Simi
    Name:
    Lee
    Current Bike:
    Banshee Shartfire/Chiner 29r
    HBkites, Danmtchl, Faust29 and 3 others like this.
  30. mike

    mike iMTB Hooligan

    Location:
    Western US
    Name:
    Mike O
    Current Bike:
    HT, FS
    GG prices have actually gone down since this thread was started.

    Anybody need anything? I'm heading there today. :cool:
     
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As a former Amazon Associate I continue to get screwed trying to stay qualified as an Amazon Affiliate. So I quit!


Want to donate to imtbtrails?