First, bobs-bicycles.com seems to have pretty good discounts and stock in most sizes. I can't find much info on this site — can anyone confirm if it's legit? I was set on a hardtail, but as I go deeper down the reddit rabbit hole (marlin -> roscoe 7 -> roscoe 8 -> …), I'm getting pushed into budget full suspension price ranges anyways.
Second, if so, the options I see are:
- Giant Stance 27.5 1 – $899
- Giant Stance 29 2 – $899
- (for comparison) Polygon Siskiu D7 SE – $999
- (for comparison) Ozark Trail FS3 – $999, if/when it comes out
- Scott Spark 970 – $1399
- (for comparison) Polygon Siskiu T6 – $1399
- Scott Genius 940 – $1599
- (too expensive) Giant Trance 29 1 – $2199
IIUC, the Stance from 2024+ is decent. I'm leaning towards the Stance 1 27.5, because I generally prefer a smaller bike, and I'm guessing better components is more important than 29 vs 27.5. I'm not planning any upgrades as I'm both a beginner and older adult, just something for all-mountain trail riding.
I'm sure the more expensive bikes are better, but I'm looking for value. Which would you recommend?
by brygx
4 Comments
The Stance uses a cheaper flex-stay design compared to the maestro linkage used on most of the Giant Lineup.
I would opt for the Scott because you’re getting the same frame as on higher end builds.
Also, anecdotally I was treated extremely poorly by the Giant US warranty department.
Bob’s is legit! Local Boise shop, they’ve been around forever.
Just a heads up, 27.5 bikes are becoming much less common than 29. Not exactly dying, but definitely less abundant than 29.
Stance isn’t terrible but something like that Spark is a better bike for the value. Trance is far and away the best bike here but you already know that
My first bike was a giant… my second/current bike is a Scott. The Scott is so much better in every way!
At this price point, why not a modern hardtail?