Hello Everyone,

Looking to replace my beloved Santa Cruz Bullit that was built for shuttle runs with something more trail friendly for Francis Beatty Park, the Whitewater Center, etc. I don’t have the biggest budget in the world ($2k) so I’m aware that a more entry level bike is where I’m going to end up.

I want (need) full suspension and am leaning towards 29” wheels. I’ve been looking at the Stumpjumper ST 29. I’ve been out of riding for a few years and a lot has changed. What are some of the other bikes I should be looking at?

Thanks in advance!

jebfour wrote on 05/13/19 at 8:10pm:


You are definitely on the right track with a Stumpjumper ST 29.  Its exactly what I would buy if I were looking (only a 27.5 over a 29 since I’m only 5’8”).  I mostly ride a ‘16 Specialized Camber which was replaced with the Stumpy ST.  Good luck in your shopping.... so many great bikes to choose from these days.  -Brian

SurlyDave wrote on 05/13/19 at 11:10pm:


Disagree strongly is actually think there are more deals then ever for used full suspension at 2k used.... also spending 2k on a hardtail would be insane imo. I personally need a full suspension because o have 40 years of hard labor on my back and bones but maybe I’m doing it wrong 

What SurlyDave said IMO.  I only ride hardtails and even frequent the mountains on them.  I would take another look at hardtails......there's plenty "trail" type hardtail bikes that are more capable than ever.

Canyon Bikes are doing a pretty decent job now at a solid bike at a good price.  Don't rule them out.

I'm 66 and ride nothing but hardtails and occasionally rigid.  FS is overrated in my opinion, especially around here.

+1 on specialized stumpy 29r ST...I just purchased one and its a great bike all around for Charlotte trails. But that being said, I am 48 years old and I also have a 27.5 steel hardtail and I am way faster on it. Maybe its because this is my first full suspension in a few years and I love riding my hardtail.
Ed

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Looks like a fair deal....but who knows

It is in Washington. Local pickup only.  

schnebit wrote on 05/15/19 at 12:53am:

I'm also 48 but had a back injury in my mid 20's.  I sold my last hardtail ('02 Cannondale F2000 w/ Lefty) two years ago and will never consider one from here on out.  It's more of a comfort thing for me over performance.  My '16 Camber climbs like a hardtail and weights ~27 pounds.  The extra few pounds of suspension I'm pedaling around are well worth the trade off when it comes to the comfort.