Bike purchase advice

[Jamespz03]

I’m upgrading from my 2002 Trek 4300 26” hard tail to a new 29” hard tail. I’ve rode 6 bikes already and I have found one I really like, however, I’ve only looked at two brands – Trek and Cannondale. I’m actually ready to purchase this bike but I don’t want to discount other brands and have buyers remorse.

Riding Style – road (needs to be fast) and light trails/basic single tracks (no jumps unless needed)
Components – I don’t expect to get above a Shimano Deore/Alivio for my price range and don’t think I’ll need to either. I want a remote lockout of the forks.
Price – no more than $1000 before tax.
Concerns – I’m not technical enough to piece my own together so I’m looking a for ready to ride bike and I like the XL size.

I’ve read that it’s better to buy the most expensive bike you can afford rather than going cheaper and upgrading all the parts, which is what I’m doing now.

Thanks for any advice!!

James

[schwim ✓ supporter]

"Jamespz03" wrote

Riding Style – road (needs to be fast)

This pretty much takes me out of the running for being able to give any advice. Hopefully, some of the guys that like getting smacked by rearview mirrors at incredible speeds will be along to give some tips.

"Jamespz03" wrote

I’ve read that it’s better to buy the most expensive bike you can afford rather than going cheaper and upgrading all the parts, which is what I’m doing now.

This price disparity is pretty much written in stone. Bike companies can buy a fork(or crankset, bars, seat, name the part) at a huge discount from the part manufacturers while at the best case, you buy it at a moderate markup from what your LBS can buy it for. Even if you’re sourcing your parts online, if you’re buying the same part the bike company is, you’re paying more.

Sometimes, that’s not such a bad deal. If you’re of the mindset that you’ve got all the time in the world to put your dream bike together, you can get the frame you love at a lower price and upgrade it as you’re able. You’ll be trading a higher cost per part in exchange for getting the ride the bike at a much lower cost(and earlier if you’re having to save for it).

In the end, you simply decide what your ultimate goal is and what your bank account will tolerate and work toward that.

[Author]

Posts