rpayne

I recently became interested in the world of bicycling. I plan on doing some trails and a little bit of road riding (probably around the neighborhood). I figure a mountain bike will be able to do both.

Do you guys think a Fuel EX 8 would make a good first MTB, or should I get a more simple hardtail to start off?

I have a friend who says $2,200+ for a first bike is plain ridiculous, and another friend who tells me I absolutely must get a nice full suspension. He says I will grow out of any low-end MTB quickly and have buy something else.

What do you guys say?

bac

Lots of variables here, and the answer is different depending on them. However, for your 1st steed, I would go for a relatively inexpensive hard-tail. If you find out that cycling is your thing, you can still pull the trigger on a big dollah machine and not lose to much. In fact, you will find that 1 bike is simply not enough if you really get into the sport. You can always convert your inexpensive hard-tail into a single speed later. A SS mtb is mandatory for those of us that are really addicted anyway.

... Brad

SeventySeven

If your set on A Trek Fuel, I'd say the EX8 is very nice.

However, the 5.5, 6.5 or 7 are better values for the money.

Hence, my lovely metal blue 6.5.

Servo888

X2, I bought an 'economical' hard-tail, love it. Now I want a road bike as well :-) .

rpayne

Hmm, after doing some more research, I decided to get the 7 instead of the 8.

Chris_F

Lots of folks have expensive exercise equipment that sits in the corner of the bedroom acting as a clothes rack. If you're absolutely certain that you're going to love cycling then get a nice first bike. If you aren't then go cheap (like an entry level hardtail, possibly used) and plan to upgrade later. I can't say whether or not $2k is too much for a first bike. For Bill Gates that's short money. For me it would be far too much.

As good as Trek's bikes (and the Fuel) are it may also not be right for you. Since you don't have a lot of experience on a bike yet you don't know what things you like and don't like. Do you like feather weight, stiff hardtails, or plush full suspension? Do you like cross country riding, down hill, or just plain groomed dirt roads? Do you like road riding or mountain biking? As good as that Fuel is, it's an awful road bike and a poor Cyclocross bike. If you decide those are the disciplines for you then you'll have a $2,000 clothes rack.

Yeah, the Trek is a good bike. It may even be the perfect bike for you. But for now you don't know and whether or not $2k is worth the chance is more about your finances and risk tollerance than the bike itself. $2k will buy you one heck of a road bike as well, but who's to say that would be better for you?

Like I said, get a good "entry level" bike if you have any doubts as to whether or not mountain biking is for you. If you get something used then you can likely ride it for a while and re-sell it at no or little loss.

colombo357

If you can swing the extra money, go for the 8. The Fox Fork, LX components, and Juicy 5s are worth it.

If you're looking for a deal, don't buy an 08.

BFG

Expensve first bikes are common. I saw a 12 year old kid and his mum buying a brand new 08 Glory. Three and a half grand right there.

But i also recommend an inexpensive hardtail. Maybe something like a Rockhopper? They're pretty good steeds.

Chris_F

$3.5k for a kid who's still growing is a waste of money. Even if the bike is awsome the kid'll probably just outgrow it (physically get too tall for it) in a couple years. Then what? Ebay or Craigs List? Probably just stick it in the garage and let it collect dust...

BFG

Yeah thats what i thought.
What a waste. If he wants to downhill, get him an stp or something, not a bloody glory.
Oh well, if his mum wants to waste that money its half his liuck really.

Fable

It is in no way shape or form a waste. Unless by waste you mean you can't have it. The family obviously can afford to buy an expensive bike.The family is most likely aware that the kid will probably out grow it like the last hundred pair of shoes they bought. They are still buying it which shows great disposable income. The only way for this to be a waste is the kid not ever using the bike.
If he rides it while it fits him how could it possibly be a waste?

BFG

Yeah but theyre just gonna have to buy another one soon when the kid outgrows it. I dont think they understand the rate this kid will outgrow it.
The kid and his brother are sitting there going "Look at the front shockies, they look like motorbike shockies!!"

But more power to the kid if he's that lucky to have parents like that.

Bounty Hunter

I thought about doing that. The local Scheels store has an '07 Rockhopper Disc for $499 (normally $650). I'm on the fence about buying that...a leftover '07 base HiFi for $1200 or something more expensive, but has better components like an '08 HiFi Deluxe.

BFG

In the end it up to you.
Id say Rockhopper though.

Bounty Hunter

It seems like a great frame with a lot of lower end components. I test rode it and it did ride good. It felt light and nimble.



https://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=22178

FRAME A1 Premium Aluminum, disc only, double butted TT and ORE DT, externally relieved head tube, internally relieved BB shell, reinforced disc mount, forged 3D dropouts w/ replaceable 98954020 hanger

REAR SHOCK N/A

FORK RockShox Dart 3 SL, 100mm, Mag Lower, 28.6mm Cro-Mo stanchions, coil spring, alloy steer, rebound adjust w/ lockout and preload adjust

HEADSET 1 1/8" threadless

STEM Specialized 3D forged alloy, two bolt, 25.4mm, 10 degree rise

HANDLEBARS Alloy 25.4mm XC Rise, 640mm wide, 8 degree back, 6 degree up sweep, 3.2mm thick

TAPE / GRIPS Specialized Enduro, dual density Kraton

FRONT BRAKE Shimano 415, mechanical disc, 6" Center Lock rotors

REAR BRAKE Shimano 415, mechanical disc, 6" Center Lock rotors

BRAKE LEVERS Shimano EF-50 integrated

FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano Acera M-330

REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano Alivio M-410

SHIFT LEVERS Shimano EF-50

CASSETTE / FREEWHEEL Shimano HG-40, 8-speed, 11-32t

CHAIN Shimano HG-50, 1/2" x 3/32"

CRANKSET Shimano FCM-341-8, Octalink Spline, replaceable rings

CHAINRINGS 42S/32S/22S

BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano ES-25, Octalink Spline, cartridge bearing, 68 x 126mm for 50mm chain line

PEDALS Steel cage, plastic body, 9/16"

RIMS Specialized/Alex RHD 26, double wall disc

FRONT HUB Shimano HB-M65L, Center Lock disc, 32h, QR

REAR HUB Shimano FH-M65L, cassette, Center Lock disc, 32h, QR

SPOKES 1.8mm (15g) stainless

FRONT TIRE Specialized Fast Trak, 26x2.0", 60TPI, wire bead

REAR TIRE Specialized Fast Trak, 26x2.0", 60TPI, wire bead

TUBES Specialized schraeder valve

SADDLE Specialized Body Geometry, ATB

SEAT POST Alloy micro adjust, 30.9mm

SEAT BINDER Specialized forged alloy w/ QR

NOTES Chain stay protector, reflectors, clear coat, owners manual

BFG

It'll certainly see many trails out of you - bikes can handle a fair bit more abuse than you may think.
Its a decnt frame, and if you upgrade parts that break or parts you dont like (such as pedals) you'll end up with a great bike.

Chris_F

It's been my experience that families that make financial decisions such as these often can't afford it. People with money tend to get money by making smart financial decisions so the ones who can afford to do this type of thing often don't (especially since they also tend to want to teach the kids the value of a dollar and therefore don't buy them multi thousand dollar bikes.)

Chris_F

I wouldn't trade the time I spent on a hardtail for anything. I learned a lot riding the hardtail that I never would have learned (or learned as well) on my full suspension. For example, when climbing up rockey, rootey terrain on the hardtail I had to be real gentle on the pedals over the nasty stuff, taking little "hops" to unload some weight and get the rear wheel up and on to roots and rocks. On the full suspension I don't have to bother since the suspension articulation just takes care of it for me. I'm a better rider as a result of the time I spent on the hardtail.

That $500 Specialized will last longer than you'll want to ride it. My $500 Trek is on its second owner and fifth or sixth season with nothing replaced on it.

Fable

[quote=Chris_F;5653484]It's been my experience that families that make financial decisions such as these often can't afford it. People with money tend to get money by making smart financial decisions so the ones who can afford to do this type of thing often don't (especially since they also tend to want to teach the kids the value of a dollar and therefore don't buy them multi thousand dollar bikes.)[/QUOT
My experiences differ. The willingness to purchase pricey items and teaching offspring the value of a buck are not mutually exclusive. I completely understand your version though.