Hello, I’m new to mountain biking and am looking to get a used bike under $500. I’ve found 2 that I’m interested in. A Specialized Big Hit Expert 2004 for $400 or Specialized Enduro FSR 2001 for $250. The Big Hit has 24” rear tire. I want to use it for All mountain trail riding and some light DH. I live in WY and will mostly ride mountain trails. From what I’ve read the Big Hit would be better for DH, but is heavier and would not climb as well as the Enduro. How much DH will Enduro handle compared to the Big Hit? Currently I’ve been riding a 2000 Kona Manomano for 1 summer, but want something better. What do you guys think? Thanks.
Specialized Big Hit Expert 2004 vs Specialized Enduro FSR 2001
- Thread starter bohman
- Start date
Another option is a Specialized Enduro Expert SL 2009. They’re asking $800, but it needs new rear shock and front bushings. The seller says it’s ridable, but that stuff needs replaced. How much is this bike worth and how much should it cost to replace those parts. Would this be a much better All Mountain trail bike that can climb and handle some downhill? Thanks.
Last edited:
The Big Hit is not meant for pedaling uphill and will suck for trail riding. I would say any bike more than 10-12 years old is not worth buying if you are serious about riding as the geometry on most is just not good anymore and there will be reliability issues with any old full suspension bike.
The 2009 Enduro isn't bad, but I wouldn't pay that much if it needs work. In general the Specialized Enduro is a good bike for the use you are describing.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searchlistingdetail.aspx?id=3033197
The 2009 Enduro isn't bad, but I wouldn't pay that much if it needs work. In general the Specialized Enduro is a good bike for the use you are describing.
https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/searchlistingdetail.aspx?id=3033197
Yeah I saw that bicycle blue book valued one in excellent condition at $775. I don’t know if I would offend the person by offering $450-$500. But is a new rear shock gonna be $300-$400?
Are you set on getting a full suspension bike? You can get a new low-end hardtail with modern geometry from companies like Airborne, Diamond Back, Marin, Haro, etc for less than $1k.
You may be able to find a new-ish full suspension bike for not much more if you're patient. I've seen close-out (last year's model, former demo bike, etc) Marin Hawk Hill 1s for around $1200.
You may be able to find a new-ish full suspension bike for not much more if you're patient. I've seen close-out (last year's model, former demo bike, etc) Marin Hawk Hill 1s for around $1200.
I wanna stick with full suspension, but I don’t get time to ride very much, so I wanna stay under $500. I realize the geometry is old, I’m just curious what you guys think would be a better all mountain trail bike between the Big Hit and Enduro FSR 2001. The 2009 Enduro would be nice, but I don’t think he’s willing to come down far enough.
You dont want a big hit for anything else then full on downhill.
An Enduro is a much better option but staying under 500 for a decent full suspension bike seems a bit unrealistic.
Id wait a bit and save some more money if you really want to enjoy riding bikeys.
An Enduro is a much better option but staying under 500 for a decent full suspension bike seems a bit unrealistic.
Id wait a bit and save some more money if you really want to enjoy riding bikeys.
Here is good example of what a couple more bucks would get you in Pinkbike's classifieds:
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2057493/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2057493/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2498402/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2499185/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2490074/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2469150/
Anything around that price will be a compromise in some way, but if you don't mind hurting on the climbs, the '04 Bighit Expert is a nice first downhill bike with some decent/solid stock parts. If you had to choose between the two bikes you mentioned I'd run the BH, as the '01 Enduro will likely have ancient/awful parts.
Anything that needs new suspension is to be avoided - many hundreds right there.
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2499185/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2490074/
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2469150/
Anything around that price will be a compromise in some way, but if you don't mind hurting on the climbs, the '04 Bighit Expert is a nice first downhill bike with some decent/solid stock parts. If you had to choose between the two bikes you mentioned I'd run the BH, as the '01 Enduro will likely have ancient/awful parts.
Anything that needs new suspension is to be avoided - many hundreds right there.