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  1. WhichBox1642 on

    So my buddy got me interested in getting a mountain bike [I mainly ride motorcycles] and he sends me a link to promo page – I ask a bunch of questions here and decide I really want a light hardtail [not a dual suspension]

    I find three in my budget

    [https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/ktm-bicycles/ktm-myroon-pro-29er-carbon-xc-hardtail-mountain-bikes.htm](https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/ktm-bicycles/ktm-myroon-pro-29er-carbon-xc-hardtail-mountain-bikes.htm)

    [https://www.bikesonline.com/xtrada-7](https://www.bikesonline.com/xtrada-7)

    [https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/29er-mountain-bikes/fantom-29-deore-sl-29er-front-suspension-mountain-bikes.htm](https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/29er-mountain-bikes/fantom-29-deore-sl-29er-front-suspension-mountain-bikes.htm)

    all three have Shimano Deore 12 speed; which I read is good – two have rockshox forks – one has SR — all Air which I read is good — some have tubeless tires [not sure it matters] — one has dropper post [which I dont think I need]

    BUT the BIG difference is 2 are Aluminum and 1 is CarbonFiber Frame

    I am going to mainly be riding on pastures and trails at a farm in east texas; of some on dirt roads

    What’s the best idea on frame material, in your opinion?

  2. Boxofbikeparts on

    That depends on how light you want to make your bike. You can get a superlight carbon frame less than 1000 grams.

  3. I have no idea how that carbon bike is only $1000, but seems like a good deal. Ktm not really a known brand though, maybe not the most elite frame. But still the price seems crazy good. You might not like the geometry though, as it’s a race bike through and through. Most people don’t want that these days.

    Xtrada would be the most versatile option here and probably the best for a beginner, cause it will be a bit easier to ride on hard trails.

  4. Frosty_Bicycle_354 on

    If you’re just getting started I would go for aluminum. Carbon is a reliable material but it’s generally MUCH more expensive (if it’s any good) and you don’t really want to thrash it or it could crack and fail leaving u with garbage and with a body full of carbon splinters.

    Aluminum is the best material for most people, even for road bikes. A lighter bike will be easier to handle hills/accelerate with, but unless you’re already fit enough to pedal for hours it’s not going to make a massive difference in your end result.

    Also if you get a carbon bike you should really learn how to inspect your frame, sometimes fatal damage for a carbon frame doesn’t look like you think it would. You can also ruin carbon frames by over-tightening things that would otherwise be OK on aluminum. Be ESPECIALLY careful buying used carbon– sometimes they’re selling because there’s a hidden crack or other fatal damage.

    I paid $1500 for my aluminum hardtail, paying less than that for a quality carbon bike fully built is sus as hell.

    Also, don’t bother going tubeless unless you’re really trying to shred, it’s a lot of maintenance if you do it right. You can get sealant in ur inner tubes if you want puncture resistance.

  5. Of bikes direct I would get aluminum, because it sounds like you’re a beginner and when you eventually want a carbon bike you’ll probably want a “cooler” brand or have a specific geometry requirement that you learn you like.

  6. Agitated-Rooster-44 on

    My two cents is to go with an aluminum bike with a dropper post. Dropper post is a game changer, you’ll love it.

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