TLDR
The GT Zaskar FS Comp is on sale for $1,350 and I'm considering buying one in large (I'm 5'11") as my first mountain bike. My budget is firm at <$2K for the bike + sales tax. I'll be riding in the front range of CO. Do you think the GT is a fine choice compared to my other options? I used the buyers guide to make this list. 99spokes comparison table of other options I'm considering.
More info:
I've been lurking this sub for a while thinking about buying my first mountain bike. My budget is firm at <$2k because I also need to buy all the basic gear (helmet, pump, tubes). I'm also leaning towards going through a local bike shop if possible because I'm new and want a mechanic to check that it was assembled correctly and make adjustment to the brakes, shifter, and anything else that might need adjusting (I can get the GT through a local shop that will price match and build/adjust for free w/purchase).
I live in the front range of CO and I'm pretty set on getting a FS and a 29er from start. The type of riding I'm most interested in would be high mileage days, lots of climbing, and flowy trails. Also I trail run, so I'm familiar with how rocky and uneven our local trails are. I don't want to have to buy a new bike in the next 2-3 years (buy once cry once to some extent).
I did consider used by and have been watching FB marketplace, pinkbike, and OfferUp. But I don't think used is the right decision for a newbie like me and I don't see any great prices on 4-5 year old bikes.
This is a really big purchase for me, so I really appreciate any input on the GT specifically, the other options I have listed, or other options I don't have listed.
by snooze407
2 Comments
That GT has a pretty bad fork I think. I’d take a look at this deal: https://www.rei.com/product/208120/cannondale-habit-4-mountain-bike
Man, I think you’re better off saving until you can get a Fox or Rockshox equipped bike not Suntour and X-Fusion.
For $700 more at $2700 you can get the Canyon Spectral CF 29 125. Full carbon, Pike, GX drive train.