Originally Posted by
RubeRad
Well that's the whole ponit of the post -- should I be looking for FS? Or at my price point does the little extra money for FS get a worse bike overall? Apparently your answer is (b).
Yes, I think you should be looking at hardtails if you want a MTB. Cheap and FS aren't a good match IMHO.
I think that's overly pessimistic. BD is not selling BSOs. The rear shock is adjustable coil-over-cartridge, the front has lockout, WTB tires are probably fairly supple, BSOs would have spring only, elastomer forks and hard heavy tires. Not to mention stamped V-brakes.
Meh. Yes some of the components are better, but they're just not suitable for purpose, in my opinion. Decent suspension is expensive. Getting a bike with front and rear suspension at a low price means corners are being cut.