Title says the issue, looking for a good trail bike, LBS recommended a hardtail, budget is around $1200, can stretch it a little if it is worthwhile.
-Trek Marlin 8 Gen 2
-Trek Marlin 8 Gen 3
-Trek X-Caliber 9
-Specialized Rockhopper Elite 29
-Polygon Sisku D7
Any opinions and suggestions are welcome
More info below if it helps:
I recently got back into cycling after about 10 years. Started out riding the roads and some local gravel trails on my old bike. Now my bike is in good shape still, took it to my LBS before I went out to ride trails to make the bike was trail ready. Had some better tires put on and my front derailer was fixed.
My buddy who I was riding with really needed a new bike so he ended up getting a Trek Marlin 5. We went to the local bike park for the first time and while it was a great time I was having issues stopping, bakes were working fine but being 250lbs rim the brakes didn’t feel like they were cutting it. Second time out was a similar feeling. I have been pricing out adding diskbrakes to my current bike because it does have the mounting but both doing my math and talking to my LBS, it was determined it is not really worth it.
by Catalyst860