On this Episode
Perhaps the number one question we get on social media, via email, and on the Singletracks forums is this one: Which bike should I buy? Choosing a new mountain bike is a big decision, so we’ve dedicated this entire episode to sharing our personal recommendations for mountain bikes in the following categories:
- Hardtail
- XC Race
- Trail 27.5
- Trail 29er
- Enduro
- DH
- Bikes above $4,000
- Bikes under $1,500
For the first six categories, we each choose bikes that retail for less than $4,000 (and in some cases, much less.) We also provide our recommendations for ultra-expensive bikes and budget bikes in the final two categories.
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8 Comments
Dec 14, 2017
Dec 14, 2017
I chose the Fuel 9.7 because I tested the 2017 Fuel 9.8 last year and loved it. However, the Fuel 9.8 retails for more than $5,000 which made it off limits as a recommendation. So, I chose the next level lower, the Fuel 9.7, to get under the cap by a penny. So, my personal recommendation remains the Fuel 9.7, at least given the constraints of the podcast.
Now, it's interesting to note that the Fuel 8 is actually one of the most popular mountain bikes among Singletracks readers, year in and year out, based on the quantity and quality of reviews. Clearly it's a great choice as well, just slightly more removed from the Fuel I have experience with.
https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-reviews/2017-trek-fuel-ex-9-8-test-ride-review/
Dec 11, 2017
Hardtails - 29+ Trek Stache
XC Race - 29 Specialized Epic S-Works (No Plus XC Race bikes currently available.)
Trail 27.5 - 27+ Pivot Mach 5.5 or 27+ Ibis Mojo 3 or 27+ Trek Fuel EX
Trail 29 - 29+ Salsa Deadwood (The only 29+, 3" wide tire, full-suspension bike available from a major
manufacturer. I wish there were more!) or 29+ Ibis Ripley
Enduro - 29+ Scott Genius or 27+ Ibis Mojo HD4
DH - No clue!
Dec 12, 2017
Hardtail - Santa Cruz Chameleon - 27+ or 29 your choice. This Hardtail can do anything. $1699
XC Race - No idea here but my 11 year old daughter has a Trek Procaliber. It cheap,light and fast. She loves it!
Trail 27.5 - Salsa Bucksaw $2699 - A bit of a cheater pick. 26x4 full suspension. Where can't this bike go?
Trail 29er- YT Jeffsey AL1 On sale $2249. Bargain of the year. Pike fork, guide brakes. Best value by far!
Enduro - Santa Cruz Nomad $3599 - Who doesn't want a Nomad. Great bike
DH - No Interest in owning one. Perhaps a vintage GT downhill bike just for fun.
Bikes above $4,000 Specialized Turbo Levo Comp $5500 . For extra long rides and summer commuter to work.
Bikes under $1,500 Marin Hawk Hill $1500 - Nice value Full Squish 120mm travel.
Dec 11, 2017
Hardtail: Whyte 905 27.5 x 2.5 XL
XC Race: Specialized Epic 29
Trail 27.5: Specialized stumpjumper 27.5 x 2.5
Trail 29er:Specialized stumpjumper 29 x 2.3
Enduro: Specialized Enduro 27.5 x 2.5 (absolute no brainer)
DH: Demo 8 alloy (agian, absolute no brainer)
Dec 11, 2017
Dec 11, 2017
The only bike I own on this list is my Enduro. I race Cat 1 DH with it and it is awesome.
Dec 11, 2017