[nomar116]

I'm new to the sport, I'm like 6'4" and looking for an XL 29er. Probably a hardtail for price and I doubt I could really take advantage of a full suspension.

I'm looking for the best deal. Any motivation to dig in, read up, and build a bike from scratch? I'm not too intimidated at the thought of it, would be willing to put in the work if it was worthwhile... Or should I just grab something and jump in?

Thanks in advance.

 

[w00dy]

Hardtail single speed with discs. Not much to go wrong there. I say pick up a used complete if you can find it. Check the classifieds.

 

[JRogers]

I wouldn't necessarily go single speed for your first real ride (especially if you're not sure you love riding SS to begin with). But buying used is a good idea if you want a deal and are mostly interested in xc hardtails.

As far as building it up yourself...not sure I'd recommend that. Basically, if you put together a new bike from parts vs. buying it complete in the store, you'd have to spend a lot more money for the parts. The only way to do it and save money is to buy used parts, look for deals a lot and have a pretty good idea of what will work together. Then you have to build it up yourself, which will require having tools and whatnot that you might not have already. It's fun and a good learning experience to build a bike up yourself, but you might be better off just getting something complete to start off; that will save you time, effort and money.

 

[BIGHITR]

Buy used on Ebay. 26er's they're the newest fad.