In my mid 30's and haven't been on a bike in probably close to 15 years. Wasn't much then besides what was on sale at wal mart or Canadian Tire.
Kind of been educating myself a bit this week and browsing a few shops. Found a few that fit the budget 1000-2000$ CAD but ideally around 1500 be nice. Plan is mostly just trails in the local parks. A lot is gravel/dirt and theirs some easier trails cut through them aswell with rocks/roots, Won't be bombing any hills i don't expect.
I've found 3 that are in stock and post links to specs in case anyone here. All 3 are within 1500-1600$, one being on sale I think just from left over color.
Giant Fathom 2
Fathom 2 (2022) | Trail bike | Giant Bicycles Canada
Norco Charger A2
Rocky Mountain Growler 40
Think the Growler 40 is a decent discount. They call it red/pink but saw it in store and its more maroon/purple. Not my color of choice but I can ride it. Wife probably only one who will say something to me.
Marlin 7 is another that was on my radar but none at the shop. Think they can be delivered in from Trek.
Really don't have much to base my opinion off. They all have dropper seat which is on my list(didn't even know that exist) and air shocks.
Being a large size at 6' theirs not awhole lot in stock and not sure what type of lead times these brands take to get stuff to shop so one reason I'm leaning towards these. That and I don't really know any better so sure their all good choices.
by metamega1321
8 Comments
Those are so similar, you’ll be happy with any of them. The Giant frames have been know to break where the seat stays meet the seat tube (they aren’t aligned so there is a ton of stress there). Between Norco and Growler, whatever bike store treats you best. I ride pretty hard so I would go for Growler.
Though they’re all great choices, I’d def go for the rocky if the discount brings it in a similar price range as the others. Better fork and tires will be nice.
FYI Rocky Mountain’s future is looking a bit uncertain, which might be the reason of the discount, but that wouldn’t stop me personally. They made/make quality bikes. Maybe ask the shop to confirm if they will honor warranty on their end if RM goes under.
Rocky looks sick if they can bring specs that are in sheet and not in pictures, shimano deore 12 is workhorse, sx is mhm
Check out used. You can pick up a full suspension for that price, and save on tax.
I would go Growler. Can I also commend you on a really good question with a good description of your needs and options you are considering as opposed to the low effort generic question “what bike out of hundreds should I choose?”. So many people post vague questions with no helpful information.
I was at that the same position some months ago. I ended up on Specialized Fuse or Specialized Rockhopper Elite, I got the Rockhopper but I wish I also had the Fuse, because it’s an even better hardtail.
Growler. Bc it’s 148mm rear hub spacing. Zero upgrades issues in the long run. 148mm is the most current
Marlin has old standards, 135mm
Replace the Marlin on your list with the Roscoe. Marlin has quick release hubs and a straight headtube which is old standards and not friendly (or worth it) to upgrayedd. All 3 of the ones you linked to are tapered headtube and boost spacing on the hubs, so good to go.
Since you are looking at hardtails, there is also the Marin San Quentin 3 that is worth a look.