Originally Posted by
EnellCH
Buy the best (for your preferences) bike you can afford and ride it to the ground.
Starting out 'cheap' and upgrade is almost always more expensive then buying what you want right from the start.
Health benefits or riding (a lot) are fantastic & easily pays off the $4k+ a bike may cost.
+1, I completely agree. The way I saved when I bought the two bikes I currently ride, I bought late model used. I'm older, not fast and just ride for fun. I found the three year old Stumpjumpers (when I bought them), has better components that exceed my needs. I'd like to try a carbon 29er, but finding a used dual sus, small frame with a longer top tube at a reasonable price is not easy.