[jaydee]

A buddy of mine wants to buy a new bike, and he's not sure whether to go duallie or hardtail. He's really a beginner on the mountain bike, but he is strong and will pick up technique fast. He wants to do a bit of fun XC adventure racing, but he really wants it mostly for fun, so he doesn't need a dedicated XC race bike. He wants to spend about $2000 Canadian. I have some ideas, but there are so many bikes out there now that I wanted to get some input from the brilliant minds on this forum. Please throw any bike suggestions my way, and maybe a few words on why you like that bike. Thanks ever so much.

 

[blue]

I'm thinking a midrange bike with 4 inches of travel front/rear would probably be his best option. 2000$ monopoly money is what, about 1800 US? Is he looking new or used?

The GT ID-XC 3.0 retails for $1500 US, I think that would be within his price range with some room for upgrades. Solid part spec with a proven. efficient suspension design. I used to ride on an ID-XC 1.0 and I LOVED it.

Another one to look at might be the Jamis Dakar XC Comp. I do not know the MSRP on that one, however.

 

[DesertYota]

Yeti 575 Enduro build. It's about 2300 US so maybe out of his price range but the bikes a great deal. Lightwieght 5+ inches of suspension travel. It's what I'm going to buy.

 

[The Toninator]

Yeti 575 Enduro build. It's about 2300 US so maybe out of his price range but the bikes a great deal. Lightwieght 5+ inches of suspension travel. It's what I'm going to buy.

how much is a FSR120?

 

[jaydee]

Yeti 575 Enduro build. It's about 2300 US so maybe out of his price range but the bikes a great deal. Lightwieght 5+ inches of suspension travel. It's what I'm going to buy.

I hear ya. It is out of his price range, but not out of mine. I put some money down on a 575 a couple of weeks ago and I'm going down today to pay the rest. I can't wait to get it; it felt really sweet when I took it out for a demo blast. Oops, better not hijack my own thread.

 

[Zark]

If you are new to mountain bikes I think a hardtail is the way to go. Learn the fundamentals and good line choice on the HT first and graduate to a duallie later.

 

[kidwoo]

If you are new to mountain bikes I think a hardtail is the way to go. Learn the fundamentals and good line choice on the HT first and graduate to a duallie later.

Either that or quit the sport giving reasons like "mountain biking sucks, it hurts your ankles/butt too much".

I took my hardtail dirtjumper on some short trails on my way to work not too long ago. I will never willingly ride a hardtail in the woods again. At least not around here.

 

[ilikebikes444]

If you are new to mountain bikes I think a hardtail is the way to go. Learn the fundamentals and good line choice on the HT first and graduate to a duallie later.

I agree fully with this dude here. On top of what he said you could get a much nicer build on a hardtail than you would be able to on a fully, but just because of the price....
peace

 

[skinny mike]

i vote hardtail. its cheaper and for the same price as some fullies, you get a better build. have him check out the 05 specialized stumpjumper disc. pretty good part spec on a good xc hardtail frame. $1500 in us dollars so its within his price range

 

[jaydee]

All good advice. I told this guy he may be better to get started on a HT, but there are so many good XC duallies out there these days. He told me today that an LBS offered him a 2004 Giant NRS Air for $2000. I think that's a screamin' deal. It may be a bit too race-specific, but it should handle some rough stuff too. I'm not sure if it's the one with the carbon front triangle; I'll have to go check it out with him.

As for myself, I'm now awaiting delivery of a raw (that's the color) Yeti 575 Enduro and calling the shop every 5 minutes to see if it's there yet.

 

[Changleen]

I agree he should totally start on a hardtail.

 

[d-sop]

specialized p.

 

[goneskiian]

He told me today that an LBS offered him a 2004 Giant NRS Air for $2000. I think that's a screamin' deal.

Yes, that's got a carbon front triangle. May be a good compromise between a HT and a dualie in that it's not really all that plush and will only soak up the larger hits. He'll still have to learn how to ride a smooth line like he would on a hard tail.

Cheers!
-Ian

 

[DBR X6 RIDER]

After watching a buddy ride up the Woodlot push on his AC-1 (Giant) and then ripping it up on the trails as well, I'd recommend one of those - or an equal - for sure.

Personally, I'd suggest the HT for starters. Definitely makes one a smoother rider much faster and you can get a pimped-out ride as far as componentry goes for less than the cost of a sub-par spec'd dually.

 

[jacksonpt]

I agree with the hardtail recommendation, however I also am smart enough to know that HTs are not for everyone, especially if the trails you ride are rough (read: rocks and/or roots). Is there any way he can get a HT out on the trails for a test ride - either borrow one from a friend, demo one from a shop, whatever? If he likes the HT's ride, then I'd definitely recommend a HT. Spend 1/2 - 3/4 of his budget on a good HT, put the rest in a bike fund for when he's ready to graduate to a killer HT or a full squish.

 

[genpowell71]

Hardtail is the way to go. I rode a Stumpy hardtail as my first mountain bike. WHen I came over from the road side of the house I had some issues with trying to ride fast too soon. SO advise your buddy to take it easy till he gets the hang of it.