Doing research to find a starter bike. My local shop carries Kona, Jamis, and Rocky Mountain, and buying with them gives a discount on gear as well as a year of free tune-ups. Also looking around on FB Marketplace and pinkbike where I could save up front, but not sure if it's a save in the long run.
TYPE/LOCATION: greenways and gravel trails (w/family), and beginner singletrack stuff (solo, w/friends)
BUDGET: <$1,000 USD (ish)
EXPERIENCE: competent rider, but no experience on singletrack
Is it worth paying a bit more up front through my local shop to establish a relationship, get gear discounts, have a brand new bike? Or pick up a used bike to get more initial value?
The bikes I'm considering through my shop are:
- 2022 RM Fusion 40 (on sale w/RM)
- 2025 RM Fusion 30 Microsoft
- 2024 Kona Mahuna
Used bikes I've come across:
- 2023 Giant Talon 1
- 2021 Giant Fathom 2
- 2022 RM Growler (Shimano 40 build w/RockShox Pike 150mm)
Any advice on bike options or general buying advice would be much appreciated!
by MrKoovy