Options:
Trek Fuel EX 7 Gen 6
https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-7-gen-6/p/5272008/?srsltid=AfmBOooDJcGfwNpVm0S6XkiIETZQCu0zRqA414JBJGVC9zI27YyTuBDKkpc
Scott Spark 950 2022
https://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/product/scott-spark-950-bike?article=286275006
Specialized Stumpjumper 15 Comp Alloy
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/stumpjumper-15-comp-alloy/p/4221397?color=5366729-4221397
Was considering Cannondale habit lt 2 but determined it's a little too downhill.
Budget max: $4000 USD, but preferably around $3000
Riding: Phil's right now in Bend, OR want to be able to get to Bachelor. Looking for a good all mountain option. Not a downhill rider at current level obviously. Definitely beginner but athletic and want to improve. Way slow climber.
Past rides: Trek Roscoe, Cannondale Habit, Santa Cruz… Full suspension something sorry I don't know model.
Notes: I don't know what I don't know. So while I feel the spark may be the best fit on paper, I don't know that I know enough to effectively use the twinloc which I've read is one of its selling points. I ain't stupid but I ain't smart…
by Slow-Walk6163
3 Comments
IMO the spark is an outlier here. The genius would be more comparable to the others in ride manners and it still has the twinloc.
Personally I’d be taking the Specialized. It seems they’ve worked some magic with the genie rear shock but it’ll take some messing with to get it feeling truly great.
The fuel ex is the safe bet if you just want a solid fun bike to set and forget. Also the purple is 🔥
I ride the current fuel ex8. Excellent bike to start. Good all rounder and capable. When you get a bit more experience you can work out what sort of MTB ride you enjoy most and pick the next bike from there.
As mentioned already – Scott genius is more comparable. I have a friend who loves his – especially the twin-loc. The hidden rear shock integration looks amazing.
If you pick from fuel/genius/stumpjumper you’ll end up with a good bike.
Here is a review of genius – there is a bit towards the bottom comparing it to the Fuel
https://flowmountainbike.com/tests/scott-genius-review-2023/
I’d skip the Trek and go for a Polygon at that price point.
The spark is way more cross country oriented. That said, it’s a capable enough bike to do more “downhill oriented” riding. If that’s what you’re looking for check out the Forbidden Druid.
Big fan of the specialized stumpjumper 15. The thing climbs like a dream and descends like it doesn’t climb like a dream haha.
Here’s some other bikes to look at that should fit your budget:
– Transition Sentinel V2
– Polygon Siskiu T8
– Santa Cruz High Tower (or 5010 if you’re into mixed wheels)
– YT Izzo (more XC) or Jeffsy (more trail/enduro)
– Canyon Spectral
– Intense 951 Trail (if you have a Costco membership these things have extremely discounted at some locations YMMV)
– Commencal Meta TR