trekmtb1999

So far I've found the trek marlin 29er, Felt nine 80, specialized hard rock, and the giant revel or talon. I want to try riding on trails mtbing. I want something that won't break if I go off a little dirt jump. I have no experience, I need help

trekmtb1999

I need some help

Dannihilator

I would probably shy away from a 29er if you intend to mix in some dirt jumping.

I would save up some more and look more along the lines of a Jamis Komodo. Can DJ on it and is trail worthy.

trekmtb1999

I might not dirt jump but I do want a 29er. I pretty much will use it to ride on mountains with friends take it on trails and ride to the store.

trekmtb1999

Opinions?

IthaDan 

Every $600 bike you can buy at a shop is pretty much the same. Go test ride and buy the one you like best.

Seriously, they're all the same. Well, the same enough that it comes down to personal preference rather than something some stranger on the interwebs can tell you.

I don't dare ask why you're so adamant about a 29er, so I'm just going to float this out there: test ride with an open mind, really ride them, pay attention, take mental notes. At the end of all that, buy the bike that rides the best and looks the best. to you

Zephyr11

I agree with the thinking behind this, but not with how it came out reading. They'll all be equipped similarly, but the all-important geometry will be different. Test ride as many as you can and buy the one that rides the best.

megalowmatt

Maybe an Airborne Guardian...

https://www.airbornebicycles.com/prod...dian-29er.aspx

s0ul_chicken

I had that same thought - best bang for your buck, hands down.

megalowmatt

Yeah he (or she) will have to pay shipping and I think tax but that's a great bike for the money.

fietsbob

Bike = a frame and bunch of stuff attached to it.. brand is something painted on the frame ,

most everything else is a different companies Product.

The product manager sorts out what all the parts will be ,

and the total of all of that is the bottom line , plus what the Bike shop needs to stay open,
and put the bike together and tune it up, from the shipping knock-down state.

and help you after the sale .. The LBS, here, is happy to help their customers long after the sale.

IthaDan 

Why'd you only quote half of my post only to paraphrase the other half?

trekmtb1999

Where can I buy the airborne guardian. Any bike shops?

megalowmatt

Online through that link I posted. If you're not familiar with what size you need it may not be the best option but their customer service could get you in the ballpark.

trekmtb1999

Alright ill check. There wouldn't be a problem if I occassionly went on small jumps

BeginnerCycling

The Guardian is a good choice. Also, BikesDirect.com is running a sale on their Gravity 29point3 for $599 including shipping (it's $749 the rest of the year). I have one of these bikes, and it's been a great bike -- the fork may be slightly better than the fork on the Guardian, and it has SRAM X7 (vs. X5 on Guardian). Hope this helps!

Aemmer

Best bang for your buck.

First let go of the need for a 29er.

Now, start following your local craigslist for used MTB's between $500 and $1000.

With a little patience you should be able to find a quality lightly used bike (probably with 26" wheels) under your price point.

Lew.

I can't weigh in on the Airborne brand - no experience with them.

You won't be going wrong with any of those big brands you mentioned in your original post (Giant, Trek, Specialized, Marin).
None of them will break off a jump. But I would reconsider the whole 29er thing, they're typically slightly more expensive than their 26er siblings, as some companies are still putting research into the geometry and only a very select few have actually 'nailed' the geometry.

floating dutchy

Go to your local bike shop, their job is to asses what you will be using the bike for and your budget.

Forget the whole 29er thing at this price point. I have a 29er and it will be my last. Yea, they look cool but they have have handling issues.
If you want better grip, lower roll resistance or what ever you want, buy better suited tires, has more of a difference.

My bike cost me about $100 more from the local bike shop than I could have bought it from on the interweb, Since then has saved me loads more in parts, servicing and advice. and I could "try before I buy".
Couple of weeks back, bought a bike for the wife, saved my $100 back again.

Oh, and disk brakes. they are the cats pajamas!

deerfly

Both Ebay and Amazon are selling Marin bikes right now for pretty decent prices. They are all coming from a company called Crosslake Sales. Though they are all Marins, there is a pretty large selection. I just picked up a Rock Spring Comp for about 1/2 retail price.
Here are a couple of examples in you price range:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Marin-B...item4d16814cf5

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2013-Marin-B...item4d163e0202

DaveG99

I bought a windsor cliff 4900 for $309 off Bikes Direct. it has equal components to bikes that costs much more.

Rockshox xc28 100mm fork
deore front derailuer
slx rear derailuer
truVative cranks

i used the stock tires a couple times but just upgraded them to wolverines today. I am loving this bike! I wanted to get into mountain biking and figured its the best entry level bike deal I could find. I'm going to ride it for a while and eventually I'll get a fancy high dollar bike later on. Probably off bikes direct again.


And and I had no experience with bicycle building or maintenance. Between YouTube and researching on forums I've done everything pretty easily. I even learned how to adjust my derailluers. It's simple working on bikes. And it's good to know how to do things yourself so you don't have to depend on anyone to get you up and running.

I researched for a couple weeks and this bike was the best deal I could find

BeginnerCycling

That Windsor Cliff 4900 really was a great deal at $309. Have fun!

bres dad

what about a 27.5? Has some of the benefits fo both 16 & 29ers