CHEAP BIKES RULE - A Discussion about $2,000 Mountain Bikes
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- čas přidán 13. 12. 2023
- Watch our $2,500 MTB Comparison Test - • $2,500 Full-Suspension...
Thanks to @jensonusabicycles @MaxxisTiresUSA and @FOXFACTORY for supporting the Inside Line.
It was a special time because every Vital editorial staffer was present with some of our favorite contributors too. The primary discussion revolves around the bikes we were testing and how great it is to be a mountain biker with so many quality bikes and components. Whether beginner or experienced, it's really hard to go wrong with a mountain bike purchase these days. Eventually, we twist and turn our way onto the topic of Red Bull Rampage, which was fresh in our minds at the time, and ultimately to our favorite subject, World Cup Downhill racing.
Get to know the Vital staff a bit better, give a nod to budget-friendly mountain bikes and enjoy the show! - Sport
Love the people trying to reject reality in the comments. Solid BMX bikes are 500-1000 these days. For a DJ youa re looking at 1000-1500. For a hardtail that properly has everything like a dropper youa re looking at 1500-2000. For full suspension the lowest you really wanna go, especially MSRP... Is 2k. Full suspension below 2k and hardtails below 1k are very suspect. Biking definitely isn't cheap. LIFE IS NOT CHEAP. The point they are ACTUALLY making is you are getting sick bikes for these prices now. AKA, the margin between the cheapest and most expensive bike is narrowing. There was a time where 1x was only for top of the line models. And going cheap meant being forced on 3x or 3x drivetrains. Also rim vs disc brake. Mech vs hydro. Coil vs air. Etc. Biking is better than ever, despite the nostalgia and rose tinted goggles. The old heads had to deal with questionable bikes that imploded on use half the time. Now pros can put these 2k bikes through the paces and they stay in one piece. Secondhand or seasonal sale, you can get an amazing full suspension bike for 2k right now. That's great. :) Have fun, stay safe
At the end of the day you can't get a bike with a 1000$ suspension kit for $1000 or under.
@carterschichtel9678 Kona is having a buy 1 get 1 free. Buy 1 Process get 1 free? Holy Cow!
@@justsayin3600 Yep. Mine comes in Monday lol
I started mountain biking in 1992 and prices were usually following technology and innovation, right up to the pandemic 😂 things got out of hand and right meow we're seeing a readjusted version of our reality. Enjoying the fire sales 😂
@@ignaciosevil2157 Where are you where you are struggling to find great used bikes for 2k right now? I'm in SoCal and can find modern Kona Process and YT Capra carbon models for 2k.
I went 'real cheap'... picked up a $290 Ozark Trail Vibe at Walmart (April, 2024)... replacing those plastic pedals with aluminums was a MUST. Currently riding 'the bunny runs' at Greer Ranch in Murrieta CA (jumping mouse and other lower trails, 71 years old here)... it's workin fine there. NO big air jumps, rock gardens or tech trails with this discount rig, but it is a lot of bang for the buck... I know it's limitations. 😉
The sport is more accessible than ever. Insane what you can get for 1200 in the hardtail world and 2500 in the full suspension world.
I'm 5'11'' (181cm) looking for FR hardtail frame. LONG AND LOW. Struggle to find anything that is not enduro or super short oldchool. Any advices?
That is not accesible at all... The moment a bike company will make a good, brand spanking new full suspension bike for around the 800 mark is when it will be semi accesible, until then, second hand bikes will find a way to be purposeful to someone starting out. But calling anything over a few thousand accessible is just ridiculous.
My second hand, at the time 200$ specialized 2006 stumpjumper is more than capable of anything at my skill bracket, and more.
@@sankaplays3098 well you need to understand that the point it its more accessible than it was before. I picked up a 3x7 cheap ass 150$ second hand xc bike and took it on a few trails and i am still here without any issues but big jumps or drops might get.....will get very sketchy. the entry point for XC isnt that steap and the entry for trail and enduro is lower than it was before. High skill and high consequence trails requires gear that's very robust and reliable and that realistically wont ever be super cheap.
If the frame is worth it those bikes can be a great starting point for a home mechanic. I bought a base level yt capra a couple of years ago and upgraded every part that broke, wore out or that I started hating. Within two years it was completely decked out and I rode it for years until the frame was starting to fatigue. Bought an sc nomad frame and moved the parts over.
I’ve been riding off and on for the majority of my life. I just got a Giant Stance and I out perform most people wherever I go. It’s a great trail bike and I even use it as a dirt jumper sometimes. You know that old proverb, “it’s not the bike it’s the rider.”
I been riding mtb 20 years non stop, i have all bikes, 26 xc hardtail, 26 full suspension, 26 enduro full suspension, 29 xc hardtail, 27.5 full susp, 29 full susp enduro, i have a lot of different types of mountain-bikes under me, right now the bikes that i are riding is 29 rocky mountain growler hardtail and i can tell you that this bike is much better that all the bikes i ride, only the 29 xc hardtail climbs faster, bikes are great now i wish i have this choise of geometry in bikes 10 years ago, almost all modern bikes ride good, even a 29 xc hardtail from now are the same or better in downhills than a 15 year ago 26full suspension.
That’s cool. I’ve been mountain biking since the early 1970s. Industry guy here… yet still, my favorite riding bike is my Underground Bike Works Revival. I had Frank Wadelton rebuild it from his original frame build, and Carl Schmelowitz repaint it from his original scheme. It’s a Plus bike and the HED Raptors (Torch hubs/spokes) spread 2.8s out to nearly resemble fat tires, though they’re not fat. Pike 130 and funduro geo make it go!! Climbs like a panther. Descends like a grizzly. Best riding full-suspension bike, to me, has to be the 2016 Yeti ASRc. Yeah, some say it’s a bit noodly. Sure, if you ride heavily. If you ride lightly it’s hard to beat it. 2007 S-works FSR alloy 26r was sweet. 2004 Giant VT-1 was probably sweeter. When working at Diamondback in prior century, the V8 was a solid, lightweight performance machine. Won some races of it. Still, I go back to my 2017 Underground Revival. I renamed it the Sylvan Critter. 🤘🏼🤘🏼
VITAL MTB is the only group of people who i trust 100% . These top quality people understand that they are influencers and deliver real top quality content to us and i really appreciate it.
I was wearing Van's to ride, growing up in the 90s you just rode what you had. I bought a pair of 510s and they feel like I'm strapped to the bike. What a difference!
It’s mind blowing how good even the most basic, lowest end forks and shocks are these days. Compared to even 10 years ago, they are all SO. Good.
My first bike, I rode for a solid 13 years, my son uses it now. £50 per year for hours and hours of entertainment, plus health benefits.
it's crazy how nowadays 2k for a bicycle is considered cheap
in 2019 I've spend 2,5 on a remedy8 alu and only upgradet the shock and bought a cube hanzz sl190 for 2k, git plenty of fun from those, no weekend warrior needs more then that, i much rather use money to keep the bikes fit and in good condition
I had Remedy 8 as well, but I started to ride more jumps, drops, DH and needed bigger bike - so at the end of the day I ended with ebike and DH bike :)
I have had 10,000 bikes and the 1900 giant trance man that giant trance was such a bombproof build love that bike also very fast and capable for 140/115 matter of fact I have my hiline pr on that bike 🙏💯🤘🏻
Beware of build levels do your homeworks unless you plan on swapping parts or just don't ride that hard, I'd suggest getting the better version of it don't get the 2 or 3 you'll loose trying to get it sorted...
Coming from motorcycles i had to swap my brake routing. First time out i died trying to pull the clutch lever that wasnt there. Now at least my front brake matches my motorcycle familiarity. Been practicing wheelies alot to get used to using my clutch hand as my rear brake. Im feeling much more comfortable now.
How nice that in recent years suddenly everyone is talking about cheap and accessible bikes... But still bikes are TOO EXPENSIVE.
2k is now considered cheap.... WOW!
Exactly what I came to say. I’m apparently interested in the wrong hobby!
I'm close to an hour in. I'm really enjoying this content.
1st, I'm excited to see prices dropping. Kona has a buy 1 get 1 free, INSANE!!! I bought a Specialized Stumpjumper Evo Pro on sale for 6.3k. I'm really enjoying it, mainly because of the adjustability. I wouldn't have paid a normal price of 8k, that's ridiculous!
You all make an excellent point in that you don't need an expensive bike to have a great experience. I think my next bike will be an aluminum one.
Now that I feel that my bike is capable, my skills don't match.
I'd love to get coaching, because I'm maxed at what I can ride safely.
I know I would have a lot more fun if I had better fundamental coaching.
Good stuff guys!
I mean, 6k for a bike is as ridiculous as 8k. :D
Most people would be better off with a 2500-3k bike, and upgrade over time if need be. Anybody spending 5k+ on a bike is just trying to show off how much they spent on a bike and In reality Majority of those dudes are just old guys who ride slow AF!💯
not always, even though I agree with 5k+, some bikes have pretty shitty components and require lots of investment
For example - whenever you get a Stumpy evo alum, the roval stock hub is shit and gets broken pretty easily, then you are stuck with HG freehub and an NX cassete which dies like within one season, so you need to upgrade, etc.
and when you summon it up, it can be better to go with a 4k-5k bike with nice components that will last like DT350 hubs instead of buying a sht components bike. And the prices for the parts is really big comparing it to complete builds
but ye... if you consider a Canyon Torque build for about 4500eu, that bike is insane and you don't need more than that
Totally agree with the tallest comentator, bike shops should collaborate with D.T.C. bike companies in simple bike checks after the consumer has build its bike. And yeah! Like in skiing, first thing a new biker should have access to is a basic biking skills clinic.
Tekro with different brake pads work different. I bought magura mt5 full comlet and they have stile because of their usage on my motor KTM Duke 2006 but on my Trek Rail 5 exactly as your distance is minor and maybe i will upgrade rear shock to coil and bought a second pair of wheels with 27.5 for mulet set to try on trails with twisted turns i have problem with them and coil shock because this one is ok but when I hit big jump alleys fill them go to end if i put more air in shock i haven't anything on small things so far 24kg maybe better air shock but fox dp2 is 650e and coil make for Trek rail 5 from small company Push i can get for 400e with 3 different coil and it work perfectly much better then air shock i have now. Maybe fork is next but if i need better than i will try to find one.maybe the problem is when I look first good bike for 2000e this year i bought it momentaly and i put in the parts 1000e more so bike is ok but problem is i like to have better parts and at start for 3000e i can find Cube or Hibeke with same bosh motor and all parts maybe for less many.but now have Trek rail and now i am in trening to be able to control my first bicycle after 40years ride motor bikes most of best in the world. My mistake and I think thet is so much easier to control 😅
What’s even cooler is you don’t even need to come close to the $10,000 ensemble. People can have tons of fun on $500 bikes on their local trails at the minimum
$2k is actually so capable bike over than that is luxury more of looks and branding
all you need is a rocky mountain switch, or a banshee, you can find them at the scrapyard
You guys are locals to Reno?
My 9yo son & i I are looking for a few more experienced riders to go bikepacking with, we're locals in Reno, & do you even know where we can find a group to tag along?
I'm a prepper, & camped my whole life, from freezing Temps, as well as I'm the 100's, but after almost dying from Covid, i sometimes push myself to hard sometimes need to be reminded to SLOW DOWN, TAKE A BREAK! 😆
I wouldn't be surprised if Brendog didn't come back to Rampage. After doing a line with that much exposure and "amplitude" and not even getting a podium, I certainly wouldn't.
One possible solution is to withhold the scoring until after the everyone's first run. Then allow the completely unbiased judges to rank each rider in comparison to every other ride. I think this would result in slightly more fair scoring.
And don't get me started on Stark not getting an invite.
I got a Giant trance x 29 2 this summer I wasn't expecting that level of junk componentry from a $3800CDN suggested MSRP, things like the tektro orion brakes, sram sx, in house hubs, dropper post all somewhat failed in a month. So that price point is not only budget but it's on the verge of usability for an average 40 yrs old Canadian rider.
After replacing pretty much everything on it it feels like a CDN 3800$ bike 😂
Roscoe 9 is 1900 right now. Nice components imo
They do rule! I have Mondraker Foxy 2022,i bought it as new and being a basic and cheap ful sus bike it is awesome :)
My first mountain bike was 3k+ canyon spectral and at first I thought that was cheap and wouldn’t be enough for me but now it’s actually a bit too much but it’s worth every penny and I’m super happy with it fox suspension maxxis tires and a good dropper and drivetrain are all good for me and my take on the really expensive bikes is a whose dick is bigger on the trail in my opinion
Bro your canyon spectral, is sick🔥. The industry is all about making money, and marketing the next latest and “greatest” most expensive thing. Don’t believe the hype. Glad you realized it bro💯
@@joshuaallswang8016 thanks bro and yeah I realized that too and am glad I didn’t get an expensive bike it would of been a big waste of money 💴
It's the gatekeepers causing this.The fact is a properly tuned $4-500 hardtail will do everything well and be competetive,period.All you're missing is the bells and whistle's,the "conveniance" options.Unless you're racing against a clock on an app or your riding buddies for a free lunch,no need for any of them.Noisier,for sure.Will stuff break sooner?Sure.But forva casual rider none of that matters,you'll be fine.I have an '89 rockhopper I keep original and love it.I baby it for sentimental reasons but will hang with my others,just feel it more the next day physically.It's the gatekeepers doing this non-sense.The companies are there to make money,don't blame them.
Where was this , looks amazing riding area
I paid 750$ for my gt power seires 3.0 back in 2001. And someone stole it out of my garage 2 months later. 😢
It's great that the newer generations are pushing the envelope but I started in the early 1990's injuries were a frequent thing then (I averaged I broken bone per 2 yrs of riding since 92) with speeds and craziness of tricks now I can only assume the injury situation will get worse, can't wait for those ultra restrictive rules in bikeparks 😢
No way im spending 5k for a bike when i can get one at walmart or a garage sale and fix up my self
Not to ride like im on a skate bord like some riders do. And i stop for red lights because im not in a hurry to get hit!!! I can take my everlovin time to get where im going and live to tell the tale👍
Love vital!
Oh hell yes
Travelling from East to Westerner Canada you notice one thing the competency level in most shops in BC is far superior to what we have here, I live near Tremblant QC in the Laurentians but here it's not uncommon to see a new rider coming in and getting out with a 10k dreadnought that was assembled by monkeys...
Hopefully more companies go out of business and then the ones that survive can get bikes back to normal human prices. Also the idea that entry level is $2000 is ridiculous. Spending $2000 to figure out if you like something is creating an elitist environment.
I do not think you get the point… they are saying that “you DONT have to spend more than $2000”, and not “this is the beginner category”…
The beginner category is hardtails like Specialized rockhopper, trek marlin, gt avalanche, giant talon… idk what else buy those used for $300-400 and in 10 rides you can tell if you will like it or not, then you can sell them for 100$ less than you bought and buy a nicer bike, or maybe these $2000 ones… the investment id around $100 for checking if you like it or not
Johan tests more gear than any of you, does he?
$2000 is cheap?
You guys shouldn’t even waste time reviewing these shit bikes. Lol. We’re all here to see the Orbeas, pivots and the sanatacruzes!! 😂😂
Cheap...ok I guess compared with the ones for 8k. 2K is not "cheap" for a lot of people.
ROFL, $3000 is not cheap and no one should pay that getting started especially since there are perfectly serviceable ones under $1000 to learn on and decide if your really into the sport. Otherwise your going to be one of those people who spent 3-5K on a bike decided it was not for them and be stuck with something they really can't get their money back for. Their also not going to put them through the paces you guys do!
yep, this podcast sounds so pretentious sometimes I am glad there are people that have a normal perspective. You def should start with a "serviceable" inexpensive bike.
Most shops where I live will try to oversell killer enduro builds to mom n pops who just came into the sports, ok a cheaply made bike makes your life miserable but a 10k forbidden or skor for a newbie is just ridiculous. FB 's Marketplace is full of unused high end builds where I live. Just ridiculous
I bought a really well preserved 2006 Stumpjumper FSR for 250€ a few months ago, I threw 700€ worth of new parts on it to make it almost like a new bike and it's great.
Imho it's even better than the actual fashion stuff, that is huge and castrated, it has a 3x10 drive train AND 26" wheels.
For sure, but they are discussing bikes that can perform at a relatively high end of the sport. It's incredible that you can buy a bike for $2,500 and ride anything anywhere. I started on one of the bikes you're talking about and it was great for learning but in real Mountain terrain it was not highly capable.
I started with a steel frame back in the middle late 80's no supension , cheap ass shimano, cantilevers but it worked for me. Nowadays people love options but lack the skills and tools to propperly setup their suspension. Its more about image then driving skills. In Germany we call those people Ice cream parlour posers because you only see those folks in sunny weather with highend custom fullys with not a single piece of dust and dirt on those 10k+ machines.
I tryed to ride a no suspension bike of a friend last year and I have to admit I am spoiled too .. it felt like a rodeo to me and I wished I had brought my own bike with me..
Second....Ha !
First
If $2000 bikes are refered as "cheap", its very worriesome for the whole sport.