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jebfour
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Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
05/13/19 at 8:10pm
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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!
  
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SurlyDave
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #1 - 05/13/19 at 11:10pm
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If you really want to go FS for that budget I'd be looking at used bikes on Craigslist or similar as $2K doesn't buy as much as it used to.   Giant has got a sub $2K FS that looks ok but I just can't see the value in a sled like that to ride local.  If you think you need FS to ride Beatty or the WWC your doing it wrong.   
Hardtail for life.
  
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fattirz
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #2 - 05/14/19 at 2:41am
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jebfour wrote on 05/13/19 at 8:10pm:
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!


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
  
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de49192
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #3 - 05/14/19 at 11:49am
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Selling a Medium 2017 YT Jeffsy for slightly over 2k - its a 150mm front and rear so a bit more than you need around charlotte, but can take it up to the mountains.  I was on a stumpy evo before this bike.
  
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Zakaraia Hermes
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #4 - 05/14/19 at 12:06pm
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SurlyDave wrote on 05/13/19 at 11:10pm:
If you really want to go FS for that budget I'd be looking at used bikes on Craigslist or similar as $2K doesn't buy as much as it used to.   Giant has got a sub $2K FS that looks ok but I just can't see the value in a sled like that to ride local.  If you think you need FS to ride Beatty or the WWC your doing it wrong.  
Hardtail for life.


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 
  
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Banjopickin
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #5 - 05/14/19 at 12:42pm
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Dont let budget brands get away from you...

Marin, Diamondback, Fuji, etc all make really nice bikes at really good prices. They may not have the big brand recognition or whatever but an alloy bike with a solid platform and modern drivetrain/components will ride just as good as any other... 

I'd be all over this if my budget was $2.5K... (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
  
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Advocat wrote on 08/22/13 at 5:16pm:
...packin some Chub in the back of the pick-up.


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JustinCeez
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #6 - 05/14/19 at 12:44pm
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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.
  
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JustinCeez
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #7 - 05/14/19 at 12:48pm
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Also agree with Bajopickin if set on a FS.  Fuji, Diamondback, Marin etc all make great bikes with way more bang for buck.  I have a Fuji road bike and Fuji Fat bike with great specs and zero issues.
  
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49erRider
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #8 - 05/14/19 at 1:40pm
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Canyon Bikes are doing a pretty decent job now at a solid bike at a good price.  Don't rule them out.
  
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jebfour
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #9 - 05/14/19 at 2:22pm
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Thanks to all for the replies! Lots of good info here and I'll be sure to check out the suggestions.

Regarding riding a hardtail: It's not that I wouldn't go back to one, it's just that my 46 year old body tells me I shouldn't. I don't need a ton of cushion, but I need some...
  
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traildog
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #10 - 05/14/19 at 3:47pm
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I'm 66 and ride nothing but hardtails and occasionally rigid.  FS is overrated in my opinion, especially around here.
  
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Mike 5
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #11 - 05/14/19 at 10:28pm
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Test ride, buy what you like, spend what you can afford. Can’t really go too wrong these days.
  
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #12 - 05/15/19 at 12:53am
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+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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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #13 - 05/15/19 at 2:26am
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Looks like a fair deal....but who knows
  
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Tom F
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #14 - 05/15/19 at 12:50pm
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[quote author=3D313C372B20590 link=1557778241/13#13 date=1557887168] (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

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

It is in Washington. Local pickup only.  
« Last Edit: 05/15/19 at 11:17pm by Tom F »  
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49erRider
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #15 - 05/15/19 at 1:10pm
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Lots of comments for the SJ ST.  Seems overpriced for the components spec on it.
  
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fattirz
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Re: Trail Bike Suggestions on a $2k Budget?
Reply #16 - 05/15/19 at 2:53pm
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schnebit wrote on 05/15/19 at 12:53am:
+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

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.
  
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