Hardtail Advice

[skialpy]

Been riding a rigid fork mtn bike for around town / gravel / light single track. Like to get something newer from this century with a front shock (Rode an intense uzzi sl many moons ago now road bikes and rigid mtn bike). Bike shop inventory is almost non-existent so I'm pretty set on the used market. There is a 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper Expert World Cup Expert Carbon available nearby for a nice price. If I'm not doing any racing or serious riding is this bike going to be high maintenance or too twitchy a ride? Don't know how this bike compares to some other hardtail offerings out there. Also a Yeti Big Top available with 10mm more travel (100mm). Dont know how these compare. Any advice before I drop some coin with minimal test rides is much appreciated.

[snowaddict91]

Both those bikes are basically obsolete. What's your budget?

[skialpy]

Wow ok, I'd like to keep it under 2k

[snowaddict91]

New geometry and parts are just so much better it's not worth going that old in my opinion. Drivetrains, brakes, dropper posts have came leaps and bounds in the last 7 years. Should be able to pick up a newer hardtail between 1500-2k, finding stuff right now can be tricky though.

[skialpy]

Others in agreement? Both bikes are around 1200 bucks and in nice shape.

[toast2266]

Agreed. Skip them. I'd look for something less than 3 years old and with a 130-140mm travel fork.

Something like a Specialized Fuse would be a good bet, although I'd be very surprised if you could find one new.

[VTskibum]

I’m replacing some aging gear with a Fuse which is a solid recommendation. Similar bikes to consider (if you can find) Salsa Timberjack, Santa Cruz Chameleon Aluminum, Marin San Qunentin 27.5, Kona Honzo, probably a few others.

Plenty more XCish hard tails these days that would be a good ride as well, Spec Chisel, Scott Scale, Trek _X/procaliber.

Problem is that they’re all gonna be tough to find, of the list above the Honzos and Chameleon are probably the most common I’ve seen. I put in an order for a Fuse Expert about a month ago and supposed to get it in June, but not counting on that.


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[sethschmautz]

I've been riding a Trek Stache (29+) for a couple of years and have been very impressed. The geometry isn't as progressive as many new bikes but it feels really capable. I'm running a 150mm Pike on there but will probably drop it to 140 or even 130. The 29+ tires monster truck most everything. I've moved back to Bontrager XR2 tires and it still has a ton of grip. Was running a more aggressive tire but the larger contact patch seems to work well with a faster rolling tire.

It feels quite efficient, climbs well, and descends really well also. They are a little hard to find but are worth keeping in mind.

Seth





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[mcphee]

I bought a new Commencal Meta HT this spring. Ordered in March for a April 30th delivery. Looks like my specific model sold out but they have others with July availability. Pretty great bike for the price

https://www.commencalusa.com/PBSCCat...BCATID=3872637

[snowaddict91]

When I was shopping over the winter, SC Chameleon, Meta HT, Kona Honzo, Rocky Mountain Growler were a few on the list. Wound up with a rigid Krampus as I wanted something interesting for the tame trails around here.

[frorider]

Lotta good hardtail choices these days esp from the consumer direct brands. Many are $2k or less. Look for around 65 deg head angle, 140+ mm travel, and a wheelbase well over 1200 mm (mine is 1250) in a L or XL.