Which bike?

[djwagz]

So was heavy into mtn biking years ago with and want to get back into it but without breaking the bank.  Will be mostly on single-track in local and state parks here in Western New York.  Looking for a value bike and $1000 just leaves a few components under par.  So I’ve narrowed it down to these two direct to consumer brands keying again on value.  All bikes are similar in specs and price.  Just wondering peoples thoughts.

Airborne Goblin

Goblin

Bulls Copperhead 3 or Copperhead 29

https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/copperhead-3-p-55.html

https://www.bullsbikesusa.com/copperhead-29-p-15.html

of Course I really like this one from cube getting carbon and similar specs but its starting to reach in price, but I would do it if it was worth the extra:

Cube Reaction GTC Race 29

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/cube-reaction-gtc-race-29-hardtail-bike-2017/rp-prod154554

 

[Fatbike Joe]

Which Bike,

I would refrain from any of those you listed, as none of them are a true mtn bike. And all three have very cheap components.
A 1×11 set up is much easier to use, and you still will get the same ratio as a 2x

1000$ will get you the Salsa Timberjack 29r NX1

1400$ will get you the Salsa Timberjack 27.5plus GX1
Here is the website
http://salsacycles.com/bikes/timberjack
You may also wanna check out http://www.specialized.com

Also your LBS may have a daily rental program. This will give you some
options as to what kind of bike you may want.
Good luck with your search.
Fatbike Joe

[Rick Martin]

I just got this awesome 27.5+ Raleigh Tokul 3 https://www.raleighusa.com/tokul-4534 free shipping on Amazon prime http://amzn.to/2mU1X1V

The plus size tires truly are confidence inspiring. And they come tubeless ready! All you need is some Stans and valve stems.

It also has internal routing for a dropper post and I paired it with this one http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/brand-x-ascend-dropper-seatpost/rp-prod149024

Check out Skills with Phil (Phil Kmetz) on you tube torture test this thing. He road it stock and it took everything he threw at it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR2oLA9mSXw&t=2s I couldn’t put this much abuse on a bike in a year of riding but watching this I have no questions concerning it’s durability.

I really like this bike for the price and it’s slightly more aggressive geometry. Compare the specs to the Specialized fuse (that I almost bought)  $1400 version.  I spent months contemplating which bike to buy before getting the Tokul. I am happy with my decision. Just my opinion though. Hope it helps.

[trackerJack]

One buddy here go that 27.5+ Raleigh Tokul 3 and seems a very good one.

[marvinmartian]

I’m not sure why anyone would say those are not real mountain bikes. They all look okay to me. I have been riding mtn bikes for 23 years and almost pulled the trigger on the Airborne Goblin a couple of years ago. Was not terribly keen on the X7  (I prefer Shimano) and ended up running across a similarly priced bike with a bit better spec at a LBS.

Those Bulls bikes seem to be a pretty good deal… XT & SLX with a Reba for that price is solid. I’d go with one of those if I was in your shoes. You just have to decide between 29 & 27.5. For what my opinion is worth, I think 29 is still the way to go, especially with a hardtail. I know the trends are towards 1X and 27.5, but you will not be getting anything wrong with a 2X 29er

 

[Alvin Mullen]

I think the reason the bikes listed are not considered real mountain bikes are the steep head angle.  Bikes designed for rougher terrain especially hilly terrain usually have a slacker head angle like the Salsa he listed..  I know my FS bike is 2 degrees more slack then the bikes the OP is looking at and I want to go a degree or two more slack, as going over log and rock obstacles I have gone over the bars a few times. And I ride in Florida, mostly flat.

[Dr Sweets]

The Cube is by far the nicest of the three you listed and also the most expensive. I’ve mentioned this before, but for the money the Honzo AL is hard to beat. You can likely get it for less at a local Kona dealer. I also agree with the recommendations for the Raleigh and the Salsa above. Any of these will dust the Airborne and the Bulls by a long shot. At the end of the day whatever bike gets you out there is great. Be mindful of the fact that if you buy online, you will need to have the mechanical ability to build/set-up the bike or the money to pay a shop to do it for you. If the later is the case, then you’re better off buying local.

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