rutabaga1973

Hi y'all,

I'm a decent (intermediate-plus) recreational rider who's been riding for a many years but for the last 9 years, I've been raising two young kids and only riding a few times a year. Have been using a 2003 FS Rockhopper 26" which has given me a good ride but is on its last legs. And I'm hoping to ride more and ready to buy a new bike.

I'm not racing and speed isn't my particular focus - I love riding up hills, love being in the woods, love figuring out how to get down tricky stuff in one piece.

I think my budget is probably $1000 max and maybe I could stretch a bit beyond that. I bought a road bike from BikesDirect and found it to be a good way to "extend" my budget beyond what I could buy locally. So I've looked there first.

I was originally looking at low-end FS bikes but was convinced that at this price range, I should really buy a hardtail. And I think for my needs, a hardtail should be fine. (It's where I started, after all).

I came across this Motobecane

Motobecane Fantom 29 Shimano XT M8000 1x11
Save up to 60% off new Mountain Bikes - MTB - Motobecane Fantom 29 Shimano XT M8000 1x11 SRAM NX 1x11, WTB TCS Tubeless Compatible 29er Mountain Bikes

Which seems like it has decent components for the price (?). I saw some comments that the frame geometry is somewhat outdated but I don't know enough to really evaluate that. Should I be concerned?

I also thought about this one:

Motobecane NEW Fantom Boost ELITE
Save Up to 60% Off Plus FREE SHIP 48 STATES ON ALL BICYCLES FREE SHIP* Motobecane NEW Fantom Boost ELITE NEW 27.5 PLUS Wheel Bicycles, Fat Bikes, Boost Mountain Bikes

I rode a friend's (much much nicer) bike with 2.75" tires and it was amazing how it flowed over rocks and other obstacles. I gather this isn't ideal for high-speed cornering but I don't honestly corner that fast... Obviously the components are crappier but maybe good enough?

Or are there other hardtails in the price range I should be looking at?

Advice would be super awesome. Thank you!

j

FrenchFit 

A little off your question, but I bought one of those 29ers, road it moderately, gave it to my son who road it to death. We both thought is was an excellent value and super fun..

I ride a 20 yr old hardtail MTB (Trek 8000sl) and it's fine for my purposes on hardpack trails with a few upgrades, but perhaps I'm just an old man.

If I was buying new, my #1 requirement would be lightweight.

tajar66

In that price range $1000 new a hardtail is the way to go. Personally I would look to my LBS for a previous years model and negotiate a deal. Dont be afraid to negptiate. New models come out in October. The service after the sale, warranty and first tune up are worth the few extra bucka to me. Ride them all and pick the best fit. Cash helps, my last road bike I got 25% off and no tax paid cash My mountain bike was a current model I got 10% off and Shimano Saint pedals.

rutabaga1973

Oops - meant to add:

I meant to add: I also came across this one which seems like a good deal for $999 in case folks have an opinion.

Fuji Tahoe 29 1.5 Mountain Bike 2018
Fuji Tahoe 29 1.5 Mountain Bike 2018 | Chain Reaction Cycles

(Most threads on here have good things to say about CRC)

Thank you!

​​​​​​​j

grubetown

$1000 is a fantastic budget for a hardtail. There are options from the major manufacturers in that price point. I agree with @tjar66 that the intangibles are worth the price of admission to shop local.