[renehlarue]

If you have some handy skills or a friend in a bike shop, you could build a great MTB with that budget. I built mine with $1,200 buying online (frame from chainreactioncycles) parts catching discounts. But you have to be patient. If not, I would go with the San Quentin as it has the more updated geometry and the best look in my opinion. Please find attached a picture of my hardtail built.

[renehlarue]

Are Motobecane good bikes? Yes and no…

I bought a Motobecane HAL5 2018 from BikesDirect… 2 years after, I damaged one of the suspension linkages trying to replace a bearing that got stuck… When I went to the BikesDirect website I realized that there are no phone numbers, no names, nothing… Only an automated phone number for sales. So, the only way to reach “customer service” is through an email… When you write it takes 24 to 48 hours to get an answer… I just wanted a part number to buy from them. But it turns out that they don’t have spare parts for their own bikes!!! A bike that is just 2 years old. At the beginning I thought they were out of stock but in reality they don’t have spare parts like any other bike brand… They do have wheels and other few generic components but they don’t have specific frame replacement parts. So, I tried to reach Motobecane USA website where they don’t have contact information such as phones or email. They’ll try to make you believe BikesDirect is only a distributor but it turns to be the same business… After 3 emails with BikesDirect “customer service” (Larry) and questioning why they don’t have replacement parts for bikes less than 2 years old, they stop answering my emails…In a nutshell, while their bikes are decent but outdated (geometry/components) they basically don’t have replacement parts, no contact phones and a careless email customer service… That’s why I don’t recommend to buy from BikesDirect… Better get another brand where you can get parts and at least a phone for customer service… Don’t take my word for granted… Just check their website.

[renehlarue]

Welcome and as you are getting more into MTB you’ll want to be upgrading your bike,which will turn to be more expensive in the long run… I would suggest to invest around $900 and you’ll get a significant better MTB… The easiest way to do it is through financing. Nowadays many brands accept PayPal and/or Affirm financing so you can pay in 6 to 12 months with 0% interest rate.

As per the bike I would recommend to check the Vitus Sentier or Nukeproof Scout (Chainreaction cycles) or Polygon Siskiu D5 or Xtrada 7.0…  These are better options for almost the same money in my opinion. Check them out.  Bike Nerd posted great options. Wish you luck in your search.

[renehlarue]

• Hello, I bought a full suspension MTB and started to upgrade components… Eventually, after some time I’ve realized that I could built a second budget bike with the old parts I had. So, I bought a hardtail frame and built my new bike which I just finished last week. Perfect to avoid anxiety during the state’s lockdown.

I love my new baby and using it daily (despite my full suspension is way better)… but I made it from scratch and makes me so happy.

I learned that even buying “clearance” components from many websites I’ve ended investing $600 (between components, a few tools I needed and some spare parts like extra derailleur hangers). With a little extra money I could have bought some other nice entry 2020 hardtails like a Vitus Sentier or Polygon Xtrada 6.0, etc.

I’m proud and extremely happy with my new built. Love it and I’m amazed how well it rides. But my point or discovery was that no matter how many component bargains you could find, the savings are minimal compared to buying a new bike with a discount code.

But if you like building, customizing and learning in the process (without looking for any significant saving) I would definitely recommend you to build your own bike. You’ll love it much more than buying something already built or almost built.

Hope this helps…

[renehlarue]

Totally agree with ZipHead… It is going to waaayyy better and cheaper (believe it or not) and faster to buy a used hardtail on your local bike shop or a new entry bike from a website. You might spend between $500 to $750 but you’ll get something that will make you have fun instead of suffering, will last longer and can be upgraded over the time if you get more and more interested in Mountain biking. If possible look for a bike with a 1× drivetrain, a thru axel on the rear instead of dropouts and a tapered headset… It would make your life much more easier and cheaper (short and long run). Examples of NEW good Online entry bikes under $650 are: Vitus Nucleus, Polygon Xtrada 7.0 or a used one on your bike shop rather than online. You can also get financing (PayPal at no interest rate or Affirm). Hope this helps.

[renehlarue]

1) Light CVT gearbox

2) Airless tires (like some concept cars – honeycomb cushcore shape)

3) Mud repellent paint / frames

4) Whistler parks everywhere

[renehlarue]

You have 2 great comments… Schwim regarding what to look for in a frame and Plusbike Nerd about the costs…

My recommendation (cost wise and bike wise) is to buy a new or used bike with the help of financing if possible. There are more and more brands accepting PayPal or Affirm… That way, you can get an updated bike and pay small monthly fees (sometimes without interests)… If you don’t have good credit or credit options, a friend or relative might.

I did build up my “entry level” bike and now it must be the most expensive bike in the world without being the best bike. Don’t make the same mistake I did. So, try to get financing or save money and use it when the time is right. Look for offers, promotions in outgoing models. Look for Direct to Consumer brands instead of trendy brands with distributors. Direct to consumer brands have better components for the same price. There are also some Direct to Consumer brands that also sell frames only in case you want to follow that route. Hope my experience might help you with your decision.

[renehlarue]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>For me the dropper has been one of the best upgrade I’ve done to my bike… Many times, I feel I’m overusing the dropper… The most minimum decent and dropper goes down…minimum climb, dropper up… Almost like a reflex. That being said, I cannot think of any of my future bikes without a dropper. It just gives me so much confidence to go faster…</p>

[renehlarue]

There are more and more bike manufacturers accepting credit / financing (e.g. PayPal or Affirm)… That way you can pay not so expensive monthly fees and get a better bike. Check out all the payment forms on their websites.

[renehlarue]

1. I guess, you already know or read about it, but just in case… In MTB there are 3 main branches and/or types of bikes… Cross Country (XC), Trial and Enduro. Depending on the discipline you like most and the trials near your home, you select the bike you need. That being said, the bike you want is in between XC and Trial due to its 120mm front travel. It seems a good and fun bike. Just please keep in mind to save some extra money because you’ll need to buy gear (helmet, gloves, shoes, water bottle or reservoir backpack, multi-tool, etc. and also might want to invest in non-indispensable but totally worth it upgrades such as a tubeless kit (sealant, valve, tires) and a dropper seat post. The only thing I won’t suggest is to do major/expensive upgrades to your bike, because in the long run, it will be much more expensive than buying a top notch bike since the beggining. Unfortunately, I’ve been there…????. But don’t over think… It is always more about the rider than the bike. Hope you find some of this info. helpful. ????????????????

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