jbrady5555

Hello I'm trying to buy my first mountain bike. Shopping used right now trying to get a quality bike for $600 or so. I found a 2012 trek 6000 for $600. Also found a like new diamondback recoil full suspension bike for $350. From what I researched it has weaker components but with a upgrade can be decent. Any opinions on either of these bikes would be great. Also could you let me know any other brands that I should be on the look out for? Thanks.

Kapusta

Conventional wisdom would be that for $600, it would be best to look at a hardatil than a full suspension bike.

Regarding the Diamondback, I am deeply sceptical of a FS bike that retails new for $600 MSRP. I see it has good reviews, but you need to be careful of reviews on bikes like that because they are usually from people who have never owened a half decent mountain bike. I am more tolerant of a heavy bike than most, but 34-35 lbs is very heavy for a 4” travel bike, and that rear suspension (design and rear shock) is not one that is going to pedal light for its weight.

I can’t speak to the Trek 6000 in particular that you are looking at. At 5-6 years old it all depends on the condition. But I would recommend a new Trek 6000 over a new Diamondback Recoil.

UtahRider

See if your local shops have any used bikes. Also, talk to them about the bikes you are considering and ask them if they are ok for the trails you plan on riding, or the trails in your area.

WestWAGiant

I was in the same exact place when I purchased my first bike. I wanted a full suspension bike but after riding them it was apparent that the suspension parts were cheap. I ended up purchasing a Giant Talon 2 with upgraded pedals for right at $600. It was a good hard tail 650B that got me out riding and racing. Within the first six months I was bottoming out the suspension and found that Suntour has a buy back upgrade. I sent in my front forks and they sent me upgraded forks for a discounted price. It felt a lot better after the upgraded forks but I still felt like the bike was holding me back. I couldn't bring myself to spend $2500 on a full suspension bike so I decided to just upgrade my Talon. SO I ordered a new bar, stem and grips $ 150.00 Upgraded forks $ 175.00. So by the end of the first year I was into a $600.00 bike almost $1000.00 but was still wanting more. After two years of riding and a few 30 mile single track races I decided to upgrade to a full suspension bike. I shopped around for almost a year and after over a dozen test rides I had narrowed it down to the Giant Trance, Giant Reign, or Specialized Stump Jumper. When I went to purchase the Stumpy they didn't have my size and the salesman offered me a deal that I couldn't pass up. I got the Specialized Enduro for the same price as the Stumpy. He through in a free tune-up, made it tubeless and set up my suspension after a couple rides. WOW what a difference having a better bike made. My comfort level, speed and overall experience was night and day difference. So I guess after rambling on what I suggest is think about what your long term plans for mountain biking are and purchase the bike that wont hold you back. If a better bike isn't in the budget then by all means get the $600 hard tail and enjoy. If it means waiting a few months to save up and get a better bike I would do that. Best of luck in whatever you choose to do. No matter what you buy just get out there and have fun!!!

hig4s

OP said he was shopping used.


for a used FS you might want to look at these.
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/lis...=2&price=..800

I bought a Stance for my first FS, was very happy with it. I liked it enough I've kept it, for easy trail and road riding with my wife, after I upgraded to an Evil Insurgent.

Canker

That trek is way WAY over priced. Nothing at all wrong with DB but the Recoil uses an extremely dated suspension design. If the recoil was the top of the line version for $350 maybe but you already say it has low end components so I assume it isn't. If it is one of the lower end versions with a coil rear shock it is going to be heavy and a pedal bobbing monster. If it had a higher end rear shock with pro pedal to fight some of that bobing I might put up with the weight and dated suspension design for $350 as a starter bike but yeah probably better off with a hardtail.

Kapusta

I did not suggest he do otherwise.

roothopper

Cant find the perfect bike but these are a need if your looking at a bike: bike with a derailleur hangar, threadless, tapered fork/frame, modern geometry, and good parts. Dont buy bikes thats edgy and dont get 40+ pound bike unless its a fat bike or an e-bike. hope this helped.

Rallyfun44

My new maschine for 2018 is Giant Trance 2 and new pedals Xpedo XMX24MC - very recommended - very light