Hulley

Ok, after road cycling for the last 5-6yrs I've decided to hit the trails again. My last MTB was a 94' Specialized Stumpjumper FS that I bought new so obviously I've been out of the game for a while.

I currently ride a Scott Addict road bike so naturally I went to my LBS and checked out the Scott MTBs, I found I like the 27.5" much better than the 29", I'm 5'8" and 175lbs, 41yrs old. BTW the Scale 740 is on the list.

Because I have no idea what's what in the MTB world I have no clue as to what components and forks are worth a ****.

What would you guys recommend for a 27.5", hardtail with a good fork around the $2k mark? I'd spend more if this wasn't my first MTB in 20yrs but I want to make sure I stick with it for a while. I really have no idea what brands to go for or avoid.

Thanks
Steve

NormanF

At this price point, you'll want a bike with Reynolds 853 air hardened steel. Since you're spending that much money, you expect and deserve the best steel tubing money can buy.

Johnny Rad

As an Addict homer (sz XS) myself, I went with a Scale 29er (sz S). I know exactly where you're coming from!

Not being a MTB expert, I totally overthought FS vs HT and 26" vs 29". If 27.5" had a bit more momentum last year, I'm not sure I'd ever had made a purchase decision!

Good luck, but you probably can't make a bad decision!

Hulley

I would love a steel frame but now adays it seems like only the small companys are hand making steel and they charge a boat load.

Hulley

I test rode a 29" and it felt very strange, the 27.5" hit the spot for me, I'll be going for a size small. I cant believe how expensive MTBs are now!

Canker

Road bikes don't even have suspensions and look how expensive they are .

I'm no expert but I don't see anything bad jumping out at me in the spec list of the Scale 740. With $2k to play with though you do have a lot of options for nice bikes.

krobinson103

When did 27.5 come into the market? Here in Korea there is only 26 and 29 and 29 hasn't really taken off. The majority still ride 26. I don't think I've ever seen a 27.5 inch tire or tube.

starjag

Faced a similar question recently... what MTB after many years of road cycling? My last MTB was a rigid steel KHS that I bought new in 1995. I ended up with a Norco Revolver 7.1. A bit over your budget, but the value is great for this Canadian company. I considered all the major players, including Scott.

Hulley

Yeah right? I never heard of 27.5" until the last few weeks. I rode a scale 29" last year and it felt really awkward, I decided to try again and the 27.5" was great!

Hulley

Honestly I wish I still had my 94' Stumpjumper FS, back then the FS meant that it has Front Suspension not Full Suspension. The bike had a steel frame and XT components and was awesome to ride. I'm sure that bike with an updated form would be fine.

WestPablo

Checkout the 2014 Jamis Dragon 650 Sport

www.jamisbikes.com/usa/mountain.html

Sometimes, the best of two worlds come together!

Millerad1651

May check out mtbr.com. They have a 650B/27.5 specific sub-forum with a ton of info in it.

27.5 - 650b

Trek, Specialized, Giant, Kona all have very nice $2kish 650Bs.

Giant Trance 27.5 3 - Bicycle Garage Indy - Indianapolis and Greenwood, IN

KONA BIKES | 2014 BIKES | TRAIL DS | PRECEPT DL

NormanF

Are you smaller than 5'7"? One of the founders of Niner Bikes is my height and he rides a S 29er. If you're smaller than than that, you're better off with a 650B bike.

Hulley

5'7 1/2" ......in the morning.

Hulley

The 650 Sport is pretty sweet! I wouldn't mind doing that and then upgrade stuff as I go. Too bad there is such a jump between the two models in price.

Hulley

Man those Kona models are sweet! They even have a nice steel frame model!

WestPablo

It's that 853 chromoly that's driving the cost up!

However, that Deore/Shadow mix on the Sport, would be a sweet spot for most...

NormanF

Yeah but that air hardened steel is a stiff, compliant and lightweight tubing. Its exactly what you'd want on a high end bicycle.

Johnny Rad

Coming froma road bike to the 29er was awfully weird, but it works great. Don't be scared off.

You going to ride technical stuff or not? You going FS or ht?

Hulley

Hard tail and probably nothing too technical. I like fast single track but certainly wouldn't shy away from the technical stuff but I dont think my area has too much difficult stuff. I'm in North Georgia but not in the mountains, most of my rides will be local parks but I would make the occasional trip to a sweet spot. I like to snow ski in North Carolina and the ski resorts turn into mountain bike trails in the summer, would like to check that out.

Cyclosaurus

You can get a Titanium 27.5 for $1900 from bikesdirect Save Up to 60% Off SRAM X9, 3x10 Speed 27.5 / 650B Titanium Front Suspension Mountain Bikes - MTB - 2015 Motobecane Fly Titanium 27.5 / 650B | Shimano DynaSys hardtail mountain bikes | Save up to 60% off list prices on new bicycles

NormanF

At that price point, titanium is definitely a worthwhile upgrade over steel. The only thing that would keep the OP from buying one is a nice Reynolds 953 stainless steel bike for the same price.

dminor 

I would put aside all the silliness above and get a Transition TransAm 27.5 and call it done.

https://www.transitionbikes.com/2014/...TransAM275.cfm

WestPablo

+1

Amazingly Gorgeous!....Splendid!

Johnny Rad

Can you rent something for a couple of rides? Try both the 29er and 27.5er...

Honestly, the brief parking lot test ride was the weirdest. I went 29er on faith, but didn't have 27.5 in the mix making it even more difficult.

After that, I got "used" to riding my new MTB pretty quick and think you will too.