i have a budget of under 1200 for a mtb. I’m getting into riding bike and i have in the past casually but now im wanting to go on mtb trails. I’m not sure if i want hard tail or full suspension (if someone could let me know what’s the difference or if one is better than the other). Should i buy new bike possibly full suspension for under 1200 or buy used hardtail or this bike i saw on facebook marketplace?? need help thank you! Links to bikes you recommend would be great 🙂
by SnooMacaroons443
5 Comments
New full suspension for under 1200: hard no. There will be massive compromises on the frame, suspension, or components to hit that price point.
New hardtail: great option. Trek Roscoe is super popular in this range because it has good components, stable geometry, and is a great value if you can get it on sale.
Used full suspension: could be worth it, but risky. I wouldn’t recommend a bike older than about 2019, since geometry has changed a lot since then. You also don’t know exactly what you’re getting – case in point, the image you posted doesn’t have a 1x drivetrain or a dropper post, so either the image or description is inaccurate.
If you can catch a Polygon T6 on sale, I would rather do that. I 100% would pass on this bike, but that is just me.
I’d rather have a modern hardtail than an outdated full suspension. Hardtail will force you to become a better rider too!
Hard tails are generally cheaper, thus letting you have better components for less then if you spring for a full suspension
Full suspension is for getting more traction, ie letting the back wheel stay glued to the ground at all times, mostly for gaining speed or going over bumpy trails and rock gardens
Honestly for a beginner I would recommend a hardtail, you can buy one used on pink bike that will have good parts and be a good overall build.
If you happen to want a full suspension bike, you’re not going to get anything super well built or modern for 1.2k, the bike I have is a Norfo fluid fs 4, full suspension well bound bike that I’ve had nothing but success on for a first full suspension, I got it on sale for 1.6k, if I were you I might save up for that one if you decide on sprinting for a full suspension
Good luck and happy riding!
There’s a reason folks say to start on a hardtail. You’re likely not going to be sending it hard enough to really *need* a rear shock. Hardtails are cheaper and easier to maintain. (I’d take a $1200 hardtail over a $1200 full sus that needs all new bearings and seals)
Hardtails pedal better, which is nice when you don’t have biking fitness built up yet. Plus you can ride it to the trail without being completely miserable. Hardtails teach you how to pick a line, and force you to go slower. Which is what you need when you’re a beginner.
Lastly, there’s a 0% you pick the right bike the first time. Once you have a bike you’ll learn what trails you like and you’ll get something that fits that. For now, just get a bike you can afford, afford to maintain, and that will have some resale value when you’re done.