Mountain Biking - Good reasons not to get this as my first bike...

I'm looking at getting this (http://thebestmountainbike.com/Diamonback-Recoil-Full-Suspension-Mountain-Bike/) bike (Not that bike, but this one, Recoil Comp (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/recoil-comp-11/)) as my first Mountain Bike.

I've heard HT are better for beginners? So should I look at one of those instead? I've heard FS are much nicer to ride though...
I plan on getting this at the beginning of May because that's when my summer break starts. I think that is the most I would want to spend as well.
My mom told me to look at something around $300, but I'm sure they will be more trouble then they are worth right? (Parts breaking)

I plan on going to a local bike shop, but I want some ideas in my head before I go. Since I'm a newb I'm going to trust what you guys have to say.

Thanks for any help you can give!

Edit: I put the wrong bike in the link. That is just the recoil (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/recoil-11/), not the recoil "comp (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/recoil-comp-11/)".
Also I found out the one on Amazon is the 2009 model.
I'm not sure if it makes a huge difference, but take that into consideration. I think the recoil can actually go down to $350 from what I've seen. I'm looking at the Recoil Comp.

Much rather have a nice HT vs a crap dually.

You will get tired. You will begin to hate it. You will stop using it.

A HT in that price range will feel faster, more nimble. It will shift well longer and actually get used and enjoyed instead of the dual suspension honeymoon period.

Can you recommend me some HT that are better for around $500-600?
Is it heavier? Is that why I would get tired?
Would the FS not have a smoother ride?

You, unfortunately, won't find a FS in a local shop (even used) for that price. Far be it from me, especially, to steer anyone away from FS if they want it; but in that entry-level price range, a hard tail will be what you are looking at.

$300 might be low, unless you find a 2010 closeout or get lucky on Craigslist. For about $100 more, you should be able to get in the door for entry level hardtails. For the $650 you'd spend on that Diamondback, you can get a nicer hardtail that'll treat you better than that FS. If you're really dying for the FS, save up until you can afford a Giant Yukon FX. MSRP on the 2011 is $1000. That's about as cheap as you can go for a full-suspension and not end up with a POS. Also, the Haro Shift R3 (http://www.harobikes.com/mtb/bikes/XC-Performance-Full-Suspension/17/) looks like it's spec'ed pretty nicely...am I missing something that this is only $90 more than the Yukon? It's heavy, but I doubt the Yukon is any lighter, and it's a single pivot, but technically so is my bike, and I have no complaints about that...

I guess HT it is.
Can you guys give me good brands to look at? If this were computer parts I would be fine, but I know nothing about Bike brands. I'm assuming Mongoose is not what I should be looking for? At least from my friend's experience when them.

.....

DX-Man, I don't think anyone is saying not to get a full-suspension as your first bike. I think they're saying not to get a full-suspension on the budget in question.

Giant, Specialized, Trek, Kona, etc. are brands that will all be pretty comparable in whatever price point you settle on. But don't rule out the second-tier brands like Diamondback, Haro, Jamis, KHS, etc. - - sometimes they pack a bit more 'bang-for-the-buck' than the larger brands.



DX-Man, I don't think anyone is saying not to get a full-suspension as your first bike. I think they're saying not to get a full-suspension on the budget in question.What Zephyr said. I love full suspension. Given the choice, I'd take FS over a HT anytime; but in this instance I have to concur.

I'm assuming Mongoose is not what I should be looking for? At least from my friend's experience when them.

Check Mongoose's website. If it's on the site, it's most likely a legitimate bike. Nothing wrong with something like a Teocali. If it's not on the website, you're probably looking at an X-Mart toy.

Okay... So is a dual suspension (http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/mountain/protocol-1-0-10278)different than FS?
Also is 25lbs about a normal weight for a bike.
Can some one better explain how a HT is better than a FS if I'm not going to be doing extreme stuff? Does that not mean I don't need as good of parts because they won't be put under as much stress? If I really like this I might start doing more jumps and things, but for right now I just need a easy to handle sturdy bike that won't hurt to ride over some rock or roots.

Dual suspension and full suspension are the same. There are different types of suspension designs (single pivot vs DW-Link, for example), but all of those designs (minus softtails, which don't actually have a pivot point) are included under the full suspension umbrella.

25lbs is pretty light for an FS. I think my FS weighs 25 and change, but I paid a decent chunk of money for that.

Hardtails aren't really better than full suspensions. They're more responsive for jumping and pumping, and they're usually lighter, but the pros of having a full suspension outweigh the cons in my opinion. Some people swear up and down that hardtails are better climbers, but climbing ability is more dependent on the geometry of the bike than whether or not there's suspension in back. The biggest advantage hardtails have over full-suspensions is cost. That's the reason you're getting suggestions to go hardtail. Not because hardtails are better, but because your budget isn't really high enough to get a quality full-suspension bike.

I know you guys are saying this (http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Suspension-Mountain-26-Inch-16-Inch/dp/B0041V8F1K/ref=sr_1_5?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1300303620&sr=1-5) is too cheap, but in what way? If I got a HT at the same price how will the parts be better? I'm sorry I'm asking so many questions, but I'm trying to learn some stuff.

I'm assuming better breaks, drivetrains, frame, etc...?

DX-Man, I don't think anyone is saying not to get a full-suspension as your first bike. I think they're saying not to get a full-suspension on the budget in question.

If you look at the specs on that bike, there's nothing wrong with it; pretty decent parts pick for the buck. AND, a 'beginning' rider won't be as likely to test the limits of the parts.

Sorry, but I stand by what I said. Get the bike.

You've changed your story - - you said you had a budget of $300, maybe 5-600 tops . . . and you're showing an example that is selling on the interwebs for $650+.

The Diamonback Recoil might not be that bad for a budget full suspension. It has an X-fusion rear shock that purports to have oil damping. The difference between that and a comparably-priced hardtail is the hardtail will have a bit better drivetrain, probably better brakes, better wheels, maybe a few name-brand (or at least better-quality house-brand) components and such. Basically, you'll be making a tradeoff between a hardtail with an adequate-to-decent parts spec that will give a decently long service life and full suspension with a bottom-end set of parts that you might gradually upgrade as things break/wear out. Make sense?

I think you will find the full suspension more fun to ride, as long as you don't mind the possible trade-off of having to replace some bits along the way.

X7 on the back DR isn't terrible. The front DR is bottom of the barrel. They've used a SRAM/Shimano combo. Comments said that adjusting the front DR requires a lot of work. Not a barrel adjustable deal, sounds like you'll need a long-reach allen wrench to get into the frame.

Fork has no lockout, so you'll get lots of feedback on hammering the pedals.

Frame looks heavy. It's got 4" of travel supposedly. I wouldn't guarantee half of that. The rear shock isn't even one I've ever seen.

Everything else is garden variety entry level components. 32 spoke doublewall Weinman rims. At least they're double walled.

It's nowhere near 25 lbs. No matter what they're trying to say.

My Spec Rockhopper 29er that cost near $2k is right around 23 lbs. and that's a HT with SL aluminum frame.

If you look at the specs on that bike, there's nothing wrong with it; pretty decent parts pick for the buck. AND, a 'beginning' rider won't be as likely to test the limits of the parts.

Sorry, but I stand by what I said. Get the bike.
The second bike he posted (the one with the Tora and Vanilla) is significantly nicer than the first (which is built around a Suntour 75mm fork and a Tuff Shock Coil whatever that means). Second one looks more along the lines of that Haro I posted up.

Also, you're the only one who mentioned pedal bob. I said in another topic I don't even use the lock-out on my suspension. Pedal bob isn't my concern with crappy suspension. My concern is the inability of the suspension to do its job. There's a big difference in the ride of a pretty much X-Mart quality suspension and even mid-level suspension. The difference is one acts as suspension, and the other...doesn't really.

Finally, the biggest factor that should go into the purchase is the fit of the bike. Doubtful the OP is going to find a decent FS at the bike shop for his original budget of sub-$600. Going online would work, if he had any idea how the bike would fit. Sometimes bikes just don't feel right, even when they should fit on paper. Especially since this is his first mountain bike, and he doesn't know what kind of geometry fits him best.

So what you guys are saying is that the FS bike will be good, but not last as long as a similar priced Ht? Like how long would you expect it to last? If I really get into it, 2 years might be all I need before I would get a decent bike. I go to college in Boone, NC if you know where that is and is a good place (Right in the MTNs) to go biking.

That FS is said the be 35lbs here (http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-16-89-1227-0,00.html).
What would the weight of the Ht be at my price range?

Thanks for the help guys!

You've changed your story - - you said you had a budget of $300, maybe 5-600 tops . . . and you're showing an example that is selling on the interwebs for $650+.


That is the bike I originally posted. At $650, it's the highest I want to spend until I know I want to do this more often.

. . . and a Tuff Shock Coil whatever that means).It's actually a specific model of X-fusion that claims to have a damping circuit.


That is the bike I originally posted.I know it is. But you started out saying Mom gave you a $300 ballpark to work with, then posted a link to a bike costing over double that. Sounds like something my son would have done.

I know it is. But you started out saying Mom gave you a $300 ballpark to work with, then posted a link to a bike costing over double that. Sounds like something my son would have done.

No, That's not what I meant, haha.
She wanted me to look at that price range. She might give me some money since my birthday is at the beginning of May. I can actually pay more, but I don't want to spend that much until I know if I want to stick with it. I feel like I will if I can go out with friends and bike. It's not as fun by yourself.


Would you recommend a cheaper bike, 300-400ish then upgrade later to a better bike when I get tired of the cheaper one, if I do?

The second bike he posted (the one with the Tora and Vanilla) is significantly nicer than the first (which is built around a Suntour 75mm fork and a Tuff Shock Coil whatever that means). Second one looks more along the lines of that Haro I posted up.


Now when you say the second bike did you mean this one? Or are you talking about the COMP vs. not COMP?
http://www.amazon.com/Diamondback-Suspension-Mountain-26-Inch-16-Inch/dp/B0041V8F1K/ref=sr_1_5?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1300303620&sr=1-5

is better than this one?
http://www.schwinnbikes.com/bikes/mountain/protocol-1-0-10278#/specs

I'm not very good with bike parts. If you were to tell me to build you a computer using different parts, I could tell you from memory, haha.

I think I misinformed everyone with the first link. Those specs aren't for the Recoil Comp, they are just for the Recoil.
I'm not sure if it makes a huge difference, but take that into consideration. I think the recoil can actually go down to $350 from what I've seen. I'm looking at the Recoil Comp which is around the $640ish range.

Recoil (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/recoil-11/) (Seems to show around $500-$600 on Google Shopping)
Recoil Comp (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/recoil-comp-11/) (Shows $800-$1000 on Google Shopper) $648 on Amazon with free shipping and no tax. I'll fit the 16 inch model the best I'm sure.

The Comp appears the have a better Drivetrain, Fork, Rear shock, bottom bracket, breaks, and pedals.

Sorry about that. :p

Erm...why is the bike spec for the Recoil Comp on Amazon different than the one for the Recoil Comp on the Diamondback site? Tora vs. Suntour? Vanilla vs. X-Fusion? X.7 vs. Alivio? Hayes vs. Tektro? And so on, and so forth.

OP, as a result of the confusion you've caused in this thread, you must go through the spanking machine.

Erm...why is the bike spec for the Recoil Comp on Amazon different than the one for the Recoil Comp on the Diamondback site? Tora vs. Suntour? Vanilla vs. X-Fusion? X.7 vs. Alivio? Hayes vs. Tektro? And so on, and so forth.

I found out what one the Amazon was...
It's the 2009 model (http://www.diamondback.com/bikes/mtn-full-suspension/2009-mtn-full-suspension/recoil-comp-09/).

I guess I should ask now... Are the specs for the 2009 good or should I just forget it and find a $400 HT?
I don't have $900 (or don't want to spend $900 for the 2011 model) on my first bike.

If you look at the specs on that bike, there's nothing wrong with it; pretty decent parts pick for the buck. AND, a 'beginning' rider won't be as likely to test the limits of the parts.

Sorry, but I stand by what I said. Get the bike.

A beginner rider would benefit from a nicer HT over crappy dually because the POS will feel sluggish. It will be excessively heavy, overly inefficient, not nimble, and will shift poorly sooner. These are the things that will cause a nooblet's perception of mountain biking to be jaded. If you get a closeout nice hardtail for 6 bills, the noob will experience a quick, snappy, efficient ride that will perform reliably thus giving the the new rider a continued positive riding experience.

More chance of him sticking with it versus getting frustrated and bagging the whole thing after his 2 month honeymoon period / newyears resolution is over.


I stand behind my statement.

Funny, I started with a POS full suspension. It was heavy (but no more so than the steel yard sale hardtail monstrosity that preceded it); the rear shock sucked and pieces of the drivetrain self-vaporized. But all that served to do was make me lust for a better full-suspension. I never once wished I'd had a hardtail. As clunky as it was, in my mind it would have been going backward.

I have hardly learned to ride a bike as a kid. Now almost 19, I feel that getting a bike would be a fun hobby.

Based upon this statement from the OP in an earlier thread, I am inclined to agree with ed on this one. If dude can hardly ride a bike, he's got a long way to go before FS would be any sort of benefit.

Based upon this statement from the OP in an earlier thread, I am inclined to agree with ed on this one. If dude can hardly ride a bike, he's got a long way to go before FS would be any sort of benefit.

I guess I'm going to have to agree with you there. It would also be best to find a cheaper bike as well that still good for my needs.
I'm going to make a new thread asking about what beginner Hardtail would be good for me. Sorry for spamming the forum with my posts. :p

Other post:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/720640-A-good-beginner-Hardtail-for-300-500?p=12373040#post12373040

Funny, I started with a POS full suspension. It was heavy (but no more so than the steel yard sale hardtail monstrosity that preceded it); the rear shock sucked and pieces of the drivetrain self-vaporized. But all that served to do was make me lust for a better full-suspension. I never once wished I'd had a hardtail. As clunky as it was, in my mind it would have been going backward.

I think location is a factor here. No much in the ways of a decent descent on the trails I ride, so a rigid has served me very well for the flatter areas & the climbs by being light & nimble. Now, I am building a FS because it is rocky & rooty enough to be beneficial, but I've also spent several months now saving up money & piecing my build together with the best parts I can afford. If I had gone with something even as cheap as a Yukon FX, I think the weight would have outweighed the benefits of the rear suspension.