I just moved to Northern CA (like 2 hours south of Oregon). Growing up my family was a big mountain bike family so I’m familiar with it and have done it for 10+ years. I’m now 30 and want to get back into it after about 5-7 years off. I never bought my own bike and have always ridden various hard tails so my knowledge on bikes is not great.
I’m currently looking at:
Specialized Rockhopper comp 29 for about $740
https://www.specialized.com/us/en/rockhopper-comp-29/p/199622?color=319767-199622
Giant Stance 2 on sale for $1,200
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/stance-29-2-2022?partnumber=2201006204
Im roughly 6 foot 200 lbs.
I want a bike I can grow into and have for the next 3ish years. Budget is topping out at $1,200
I’m just lost and most definitely looking into bikes too much at this point. Everything is just much more expensive than I initially realized and I just wanna get out there and get going. I know this question has been asked more than once so I appreciate your input and time!
Bonus: I want my wife to go with me too and she’s very beginner level. If you have any recommendations for her swing away. Preferably not $$$ as I’m unsure if she will enjoy it that much.
by reaganbitthat
6 Comments
I’m in Northern CA west of Tahoe and my first bike was a Giant Fathom 2. I’d say between the two you have identified the Stance is the better choice. Although any decent hardtail would also be a good pick such as a Trek Roscoe, Specialized Fuse, Giant Fathom, etc. mainly would look for a good sale. I’m not too familiar with the Rockhopper models but always thought of them as very low end, similar to a Trek Marlin. I’d say look for something with a dropper post and a 1x drivetrain (12 speed is often preferred nowadays).
I was looking at a Specialized Fuse but all the sale ones are not in my size (Large). I’m also west of Reno, the pickings are definitely somewhat slim on FB, Craigslist, etc if I want it to last a couple years.
Trek Roscoe would also be a good choice if I can find one used.
Do you ride a full suspension or hard tail? I don’t want to overdue it but also want to somewhat future proof myself.
I still ride my Giant Fathom 2 (hardtail) in the rainy months and have a Fezzari Delano Peak (full suspension) for when it’s dry. For Truckee riding the full suspension definitely helps. However my local riding is near Folsom Lake and the hardtail is plenty capable. Mainly depends on the trails you are looking at if you need a full suspension or not.
Full suspension is generally better if your terrain is rocky/rooty. Otherwise hardtail is fine, look for one with wider tire clearance so you can run something like 2.6 tires.
If you want “poor mans” full suspension, you can get a 26 fat bike. Its gonna be heavier and pedal slower at lower tire pressures, but it will give you effective ~50mm of suspension front and back which is enough to smooth out the ride.
Get the polygon t6 for $1299. Best deal for fs right now. Upgrade as you go.
You will need fs for the intermediate trails for comfort and confidence.
Also check out the website 99spokes.com. They have a good method for comparing bikes and show prices/sales.