I’m buying my first legit bike to hit trails with my friends who have been into mtb for a bit. I’ve narrowed it down quite a bit based on some other recommendations but I’m stuck between a few options that I can’t seem to decide between and need some guidance from more experienced riders. I want to get the best value I can so at first I was stuck on a hardtail because they’re cheaper but I caught wind of the polygon FS bikes that seem to have good reviews. I want something that won’t limit me as I progress, however long it takes, but also is capable of some upgrades as needed. What are your thoughts on a hardtail vs FS for first bike? And what would your guys’ choice be between these options? Thanks for your feedback!
by Euphoric_Photo_5121
21 Comments
Roscoe 8
Go T7. If you keep progressing in MTB you will want full suspension.
You need to narrow down to either hardtail or FS. Very hard to compare the two so figure out what your friends ride and what kind of terrain you’ll be spending the most time on.
Id always vouch for a hardtail as the first bike. It helps build better core skills and won’t cost you too much if you eventually want to go full sus.
That roscoe 7 deal is very good for that case and I’d recommend it for sure. It’s a very good base parts package with tubeless and has room for upgrades.
On the other hand, polygon makes pretty decent stuff and you’re getting equivalent spec to those roscoes, but in full suspension for the same price. Its a very good deal. Its more of a question of whether or not you want a decent bike to keep for a long time or a stepping stone to a nicer bike later on.
Polygon. That is a great entry-level price for a full suspension bike! People will tell you to work on your skills with a hard tail, but once you go full suspension, you won’t have to worry about that because you will never go back to a HT
Go used full sus, there’s killer deals right now
T7.
I love my 2020 Roscoe 8 so much I bought the wife one too. Very good bike for the money. Was my first MTB and I have not had any major issues.
I rode it down kicking horse bike park and held up no issues. Sure not the best for comfort but I’ve rode it hard the past 5 years and it’s solid.
The polygon is a great deal though. Don’t think too much about it.
Just build your own bro i wouldn’t recommend any of these
Roscoe by FAR. Not even close. The dealer network is great too.
I got a roscoe 7 as my first proper mtb, and i absolutely love it. I do a lot of “urban downhill”, and the only thing ive done is put in a cushcore in the rear
For mtb hardtail thats what a dirtbike is for has fs because it needs it. Mtb riders love getting things they dont need lol buy a 12k fs downhill bike to ride around the town yeahh!!!!
You are a first time bike buyer. Filter out anyone who says buy used, or build your own.
This is a great deal on a great bike with a great warranty.
What’s your friend riding? If it’s a full sus I would also get one. Else you’ll want to upgrade sooner then later. Maintenance is a consideration however. Shock, bushings and bearings do need attention.
Hardtails are great too, I have both. But as a only bike a full suspension is much more fun I think.
And technique wise I feel like I actually need a different technique for each bike.
I’d buy a Roscoe over a cheap full sus bike any day.
I’d go for the Siskiu. It’s a solid frame to live with a while. I don’t think the learn on a hardtail advice really holds much water (it’s maybe marginally better) but you’ll just want a new bike in a year when you know how to pick a line and all your friends are ripping ahead on full suspension bikes.
I’m shopping for a hardtail now to complement my two full sus bikes. It’s funny how the evolution of MTB goes for many: hardtail -> full suspension -> badder ass full suspension -> hardtail
I agree with the comment of others that a hardtail encourages a rider to build better base skills. (I’ve also done enduro events where the hardtail riders were faster than most full sus riders!)
But I started riding in 2002, so it was really just hardtail at the time. If I someone was starting now, I would try to get a sense of how “dedicated” they are. If you’ve got a group of people to ride with and will be pushing your learning and developing quickly, then it may make sense to just go full suspension to begin with (assuming your trails in your area warrant that).
However, if this is an occasional hobby where you may spend a couple seasons before you’re really wanting to do anything gnarly, then a hardtail will probably be a better investment.
I personally wouldn’t buy an inexpensive full suspension bike no matter how good the reviews were. And if that Roscoe 8 is the Mulsanne Blue, it looks awesome which is a bonus.
Number 4
Roscoe 7
Looks pretty dope to me for the money, would buy 💯
I am useless at buying used anything, and far too old and decrepit to benefit from fs.