I'm in the market for my first mountain bike. I've never ridden MTB and am not well-informed on the intricacies of their mechanics or which bikes are optimally suited for the various disciplines of off roading. I'll provide some info on my intended usage...

...I plan to use the bike for off road exploring, anywhere from short to long distance. I do not intend to race or tackle advanced level MTB trails. I'm willing to sacrifice performance for durability, but do not wish to lug around a tank. Furthermore I'm on a limited budget; do not want to exceed $650 all-in.



The usual site has a single-speed steel offering discounted at $320. It's definitely piqued my interest

Go into some local shops and checkout/ride some bikes. For that price, look used.

Check your budget but dont let vendors mislead you i am going to write a article on wally bikes

i am also looking for my first, used bike. probably a rigid Specialized or Trek...

https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/bik/d/excellent-condition-mountain/6612618416.html

https://newjersey.craigslist.org/bik/d/specialized-stumpjumper-fsr/6612029896.html

https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/beiou-carbon-fiber-mountain/6610998752.html

https://hartford.craigslist.org/bik/d/motobecane-fantom-29er/6611557046.html

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchListingDetail.aspx?id=3064460&make=690&model=81213


Best deal here? I'm particularly interested in the Motobecane

I was in your exact shoes when I purchased my first bike. Everyone always says spend more when that just isn't possible sometimes. Just buy what you can afford and get out there and enjoy. Once you start riding you will find things you like and dislike and can upgrade as budget allows. I suggest ride as many different bikes as you can that are in your budget. I started off looking at the Giant Talon and Specialized Rock Hopper. Don't be afraid to check out some of the smaller companies either. Marin, Rocky Mountain are some less know names but really really good bikes. Just get out there and have fun! Best of luck!

You can get a new Scott Aspect for less than your budget, I paid under $500 for mine taxes included. I bought the Aspect 970 and like it alot, just recently did the Zapata to Laredo bike race 45 miles The Aspect is available in both 27.5 and 29'er sizes.

thanks for advice! I just fired up a query on Craigslist and found a model. Seller is asking $150
43


"Used Scott Aspect 650 Mountain Bike, Has some wear and tear from normal use. Could use a tune up and some new tires.


6061-aluminum frame and a 100mm-travel suspension fork up front to tame the bumps. Add an easy-pedaling Shimano 24-speed drivetrain, powerful disc brakes, quality wheels and tires, and you're ready to enjoy all your rides more than ever."

I found a Trek DD70 for $500 but it's a medium 18.5" frame. I ride 56-57cm road so unsure it will fit

Any entry level mtb will do. Especially with used size and fit is important. I do light trails with my giant roam hybrid but a dedicated mtb is better I say. Any of the major brands have a entry level at or below your price point and less major/ medium brands have some decent bikes too. For just a few dollars more you can be a step above entry level and for myself I feel that would have been better but getting over the sticker shock of what we expected bikes to go for based on when we were kids riding huffy's and not knowing how much you'll be into it now but better to start off on the $800- $1000 bike than to buy twice... idk maybe but then why not 1200- 1500. Lots of people on vintage and used bikes. Mine is just a few years old and while there's nothing wrong with it besides needing a derailuer adjustment, maybe some chain cleaning and grease all basic maintenance (and a loose grip) that you should be able to do yourself (even the derailuer which I'd prefer a pro do) I'm still ready for a new bike. Maybe my always wanting a new bike has less to do with the bike than my mind though. It's nice to have a fresh new bike and no worries about what someone may have done or neglected to do, and i've had bad luck buying used stuff in the past when you don't know much about it or what to look for. Paid too much for junky skis, snowboards and instruments in my time. Too many people on craigslist want to get what they paid for it 3+ years ago. Scott's been on my radar just because I don't see as many around here and i think they're cool. All around the same price point the bikes are similar enough 'hard tail mtb' all 29ers with disc brakes (totally unnecessary... yeah i bought mine just before discs became commonplace) that you can just get what jumps out at you and is in the colors you like.

I bought a '14 Diamondback Scapegoat for $580

Just got my son ( 18 years old and 5'10" ) a Trek Marlin 6 . MSRP $589 . I got it for $540 . I should have stepped up and got the Marlin 7 . $700 and something . Little better upgrades. But nice starter bike anyhow. Good luck , Wardawg

MSRP of the bike was 6K (for an aluminum frame?) woah...

According to Diamondback its their freeride/park-oriented model. My plans are geared towards XC style riding. How can I tweak the bike to make it more suitable for this discipline?

"Too many people on craigslist want to get what they paid for it 3+ years ago"

TheLibrarian, tell me about it! I can't tell you how many 5+ year old bikes that appeared have been put though the wringer I saw listed for $100 off their original MSRP. I mean, do these sellers have no concept of depreciation? Just for kicks I'd look up the values of the bikes. They were often listed 50%+ higher than BBB listed value in excellent condition!

So I have to ask what did you do? I'm trying to get my first bike my debate is between Talon 2 and rockchopper comp any thoughts.

If you are a fair wrenching and comfortable with trying, you can youtube anything you need and if you get stuck, take to the shop. I have assembled more than one bike, and built my last bike from scratch.

Motobecane from BikesDirect are decent for the price, my son has one.

I purchased the Talon 2 and it worked great for me. I competed in a couple 30 mile mountain bike races by first year. I did the Suntour fork upgrade and changed the grips and pedals. It got me hooked on biking and gave me the bug and desire for a better bike. I gave it to my son when I upgraded. The Rockhopper is a great bike as well. Either one will get you out on the trails which is all that matters. Best of luck!