Looking to buy a 29er !! What do u Recommend ?

[resident037]

I went into local Jamis and Specialized shops, but I can’t make up my mind.
I am willing to spend around $1000
Jamis offered me a new Exile 1 for $650,
While a comparable Specialized would cost me around $200 more.
………….Should I keep searching

I am 6’3 in height and have been told with a 29" tires to use a 19" frame

With a 29er, do I really need a full suspension bike, or is a hard-tail enough..

I want disc brakes. I want gears.
Bike can be new or used …

What do you recommend, please help, thanks ….

[TheHammer]

Gary Fisher is worth checking out for sure.
I bought a X-caliber last season, its really nice. Fisher has been making 29ers for awhile and are the best, IMO, for the $2000 and below price range. They have a bike just over 1k and one just under 1k. Lifetime protection on frame too. If you want to spend 1k, get a hardtail. Otherwise you will be getting lesser components to keep the price in your range. 29ers have a smoother ride anyway. Best advice: ride the bikes, buy what feels right.

Enjoy your purchase!

[resident037]

Hey thanks alot for all the help I just checked out Gary Fisher and found the Mamba looks good ?
Can you pick out a few of these that are under $1000 as the best deal ?

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/…8&menuItemId=0
$550 ? Specialized Hardrock Sport 29er light brownish

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik…10_exile1.html
$650 at store $825 retail . Jamis Exile 1, 29er, candy red

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/…1&menuItemId=0
$830 Specialized Rockhopper Comp green 29er

http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/mamba
$929 Gary Fisher Mamba Red 29er **

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/…4&menuItemId=0
$990 Specialized Rockhopper Expert 29er Black w white letters *

http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=kahuna
$999 Kona Kahuna 29er

http://fisherbikes.com/bike/model/cobia
$1099 Gary Fisher Cobia navy 29er

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/…8&menuItemId=0
$1100 Specialized Rockhopper SL comp 29er SS Gray

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik…dragonone.html
$1175 Jamis Dragon One, light blue 29er

http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2010…NINE-Comp.aspx
$1199 Cheapest FELT 29er brown orange

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/198…-29er-Bike.htm
$1199 Sette Razzo 29er Silver

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/…9&menuItemId=0
$1300 Specialized Rockhopper SL comp 29er Red on Red

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebik…10_exile2.html
$1475 Jamis Exile 2, toad green 29er

[soezgg]

My first 29er was the Gary Fisher Cobia. Loved it. I get the sense that many of the entry level 29ers find their savings not only in the quality of the drive train, but in the quality of the fork. The GF Cobia comes with a Tora 29 Solo Air (I think?), which was super reliable, sensitive and durable in the heaviest of conditions. It’s a little heavy, but its certainly worth the extra cash to bump up to the next level of fork and components.

I’ve since moved on to a different bike, but I kept the Cobia frame and fork so I could build it up for my girlfriend. If you’re willing to drop the cash, I highly recommend the Cobia. Hope that helps!

P.S. If you’re feeling ballsy, keep an eye out for Cobias on ebay. You might find a year-old model for less than 800. (I got mine for in pristine condition for just 650).

[TheHammer]

I don’t have experience with all those brands. As I said before, pick a bike and brand that is committed to 29er bikes. I worry that some companies just make a few adjustments to a frame and throw a couple big wheels on it and call it a 29er. If you can spend the 1100, I would recommend the Fisher Cobia. SRAM X.5, Avid brakes, Tora SL fork. Specialized makes great bikes, I’m sure the 29ers are no different. I would go after those if I were you. Go find some bike shops and ride those babies! You will find one that blows your mind, I’m sure of it.

Let us know if/when you pick one up.

Hammer.

[treky92]

For an entry level 29er, go with the GF Cobia. It is my first true mountain bike and it is durable and fairly fast. There are definitely some upgrades that could be made in the drivetrain, but it is going to be that way with any of the entry level bikes. The bike is a little bit heavy, but it is very solid. I have taken some drops that is retrospect probably shouldn’t have on a hardtail and it has remained solid as ever.

In general, look for a bike with a good frame and you can make any upgrade that you wish.

[Jarvan]

I have a Giant Talon2. Under $1000 and I love it. A lot of the components are entry level but can be upgraded as you go.

My biggest advise is go out and ride as many bikes as you can, in your price range, and get the one you are the most comfortable with.

Have Fun!!!

[Dustin Gaddis]

Whichever bike you get, make sure it fits you – that’s the most important thing. I think you need a second opinion on what frame size you need.

Unless you have short arms, you probably need at least a large or x-large frame size, something in the 20" or 21" range. I’m 5’10" and ride a 18"/19" frame.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

dgaddis, look at that date again… 😆

[Josh700]

I have researched and test rode full suspension 29ers looking for a sub-2000 bike. It went down to a Specialized Camber and a 2012 Scott Spark 29er Comp. After riding both bikes, I got the Spark. They ride similarly. Considering that Specialized jacked up their price to $2,200 OTD, I opted for the Spark at $1650 OTD. Best bang for the buck for a FS 29er.

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