Hey,

I'm not sure if I'm posting this in the right forum on here (there's a lot to navigate through and this my first time on here) but I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me compare two bikes of the same price to help me decide on which to purchase. I don't know a lot about components but have done a lot of research into deciding what bike would best suit my needs and have narrowed it down to two bikes.

Both are $3499, one of is from a "major" manufacturer, Trek, and the other is from a smaller manufacturer that does direct-consumer sales. I know that Trek has a better warranty and is more established, but I had heard that the alternative that I am looking at (YT Industries) offers a lot of value for their pricing due to their business model that eliminates shop mark up and so forth. However, looking at the two bikes, they seem nearly identical in components to my inexperienced eye.

Here are the two bikes:

Trek Remedy 8 29er: Remedy 8 29 | Remedy | Trail mountain bikes | Mountain bikes | Bikes | Trek Bikes

YT Industries Jeffsy AL Comp 1: JEFFSY AL Comp 1 - BLACK PEARL / CORAL | YT USA

It looks to me like they are using the same SRAM gear set and that the geometry is very similar but I don't really know. I've never bought a new bike before (always used) and have never really tried to compare bikes. It is a pretty large investment and was wondering if anyone could help me with any major differences between the two bikes that I may not be noticing due to my lack of knowledge. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have fun on either one but any feedback would be appreciated

Don't take this wrong but It Is my true opinion...

Based on the questions you are asking I will assume you know the Remedy Is more aggressive than the Fuel and less than the Slash.
I will also assume you will need the support of a LOCAL Bike shop, Your questions Indicate a relative lack of experience with various component group levels.
I will also assume you know you will break things and be modifying the bike, we all do this no matter If we are experienced or new to the sport...

Sit back and think about It,, both bikes, same price, BUT the trek comes with Local support..
Trek Is your only smart choice,
And I don't know where you ride or what your single tracks are like but do consider this. Take a look at the Fuel line
As many commonly buy way more bike than they need.

Save the Boutique bike for your second bike purchase,, by then you will want more bike than the YT model your looking at.....

I agree with osco. I'm 2.5 years into getting back on the saddle, and upgraded my Trek gravel bike just recently to a road bike...I looked at the options everywhere, and ended up going with another LBS and Specialized. I wanted to establish a relationship, get free tune ups, if I need help with maintenance, I have a place I can go (probably have to pay some rate, but I'm sure less than what they would charge someone with a bike that wasn't purchased there, or at the very least I know he'd let me watch to learn).

And honestly, when you're talking about spending THAT much money on a new bike, you're getting a good bike either way you slice it. As long as you get a proper fitting frame, you'll be happy. Plus, with the support of the LBS, if you decide to do things like change your ride geometry (such as removing spacers or flipping stems), or even things like changing to clipless, you have someone that's going to help you.

If you were comparing two bikes of different makes from LBS and you really liked them both, I'd honestly just tell you to go with the color scheme you liked better...because again, at that price point, you're getting a good bike either way.

Thanks for the feedback.

Some additional info: I am local to the YT distribution (Reno, NV) which is how and why I had got introduced to and interested in their products and would be able to resolve any issues that might come up with the bike and essentially have the same LBS support as I would if I went with the Trek.

My other two bikes are a SC Superlight and a Intense Tracer, both used and a couple of years old (2012, 2013). I've never upgraded any components other than buying new tires and have always just paid for service when I need to (tune-ups, rebuilding shocks, etc). I'm going to sell one and give the other to my son. I paid 800 for the Superlight and 500 for the Tracer which were both really good deals (I think) but this will be my first time going into this price range on something new.

I have looked at the Fuel but I really want a 1x11 system. That spec on the Fuel with a 1x11 goes even higher in price than the Remedy and Jeffsy (it was 4400 if I remember correct). I guess I could see how much it would cost to upgrade it from I do know the Remedy is more aggressive than the Fuel The Stumpjumper and the Evil Following were two other bikes that I had considered before narrowing my choices down to the Remedy and the Jeffsy, but I ended up going with these.

I basically just want a bike that can handle the occasional trip to North Star but can still climb efficiently. I also ride quite a bit (usually 3-4x a week during the summer) so will be a good bit of use into it.

Thanks for all of the feedback thus far.

ETA: I'd actually go with the $2700 entry spec of the Jeffsy if it came with that 1x11 system. I really should talk with my mechanic and see how much it would cost to upgrade a bike to one but I'd really just be able to ride right out the gate.