Choosing a bike
Discussion
I’m after a full suspension trail bike.
They all look pretty much the same,they perform pretty much the same and they vary wildly on price.Then there is the hype factor.
How do you choose a bike without trying out everything on the market,there is so much choice and so many good bikes.
They all look pretty much the same,they perform pretty much the same and they vary wildly on price.Then there is the hype factor.
How do you choose a bike without trying out everything on the market,there is so much choice and so many good bikes.
https://www.bird.bike/product/aeris-am9-v3-shimano...
£2,200.
I've got one (well its my sons). Fantastic thing and for that money and reviews! I'd dare anyone to beat it.
My main bike is a Nukeproof Mega Carbon. Yesterday I was debating whether to take out which on todays ride.
£2,200.
I've got one (well its my sons). Fantastic thing and for that money and reviews! I'd dare anyone to beat it.
My main bike is a Nukeproof Mega Carbon. Yesterday I was debating whether to take out which on todays ride.
smifffymoto said:
I’m after a full suspension trail bike.
They all look pretty much the same,they perform pretty much the same and they vary wildly on price.Then there is the hype factor.
How do you choose a bike without trying out everything on the market,there is so much choice and so many good bikes.
I bought the bike they rent out at Bike Park Wales - I’d rented one and it felt great and I figured they’re unlikely to pick one that’s going to fall to pieces and can take a beating. I’ve had my Trek Remedy 8 for around 5 years and it’s been awesome. They all look pretty much the same,they perform pretty much the same and they vary wildly on price.Then there is the hype factor.
How do you choose a bike without trying out everything on the market,there is so much choice and so many good bikes.
I don’t know what they rent out now, but could be worth a look.
It's no different from choosing anything in life - cars, houses, shoes, what to eat for dinner... get what you like the look of, is in your budget, does what you need, makes you happy etc. You could also research it to the n'th degree or you could just go with the first one you see. I wouldn't overthink it, as you say they all fundamentally do the same thing.
The only must have is a dropper post, but I've got two bikes I've fitted with with brand-x droppers which were about £100 and they work fine.See if you can try a few options for fit/carpark test at shops and see what feels comfortable to you - while they may look similar, they often have different proportions and geometry so the same thing doesn't suit everybody.
For example the poster above with a Trek Remedy is obviously happy and it suits them, but I've ridden one for a day and it didn't suit me at all - especially the very low front end.
Then it depends on budget etc, but I think the mid range is generally the best value - the cheapest versions often have some noticeably compromised component choices, and the upper end is a lot more money for diminishing returns on lighter weight and bling factor.
For example the poster above with a Trek Remedy is obviously happy and it suits them, but I've ridden one for a day and it didn't suit me at all - especially the very low front end.
Then it depends on budget etc, but I think the mid range is generally the best value - the cheapest versions often have some noticeably compromised component choices, and the upper end is a lot more money for diminishing returns on lighter weight and bling factor.
snotrag said:
They absolutely don't! There are huge differences in feel, handling, ride quality etc between bikes with the exact same spec on paper.
Indeed. Lots of factors to consider when getting something to suit your riding style and where you'll be riding it.
Material - Carbon? Aluminium? Steel?
Wheel size - 27.5? 29? Mullet?
Geo - Slack or steep head angle? Steep seat tube? Low BB? Long or short reach?
Travel - Will 130/140 on the back and 150/160 up front be enough?
Suspension -Single pivot? High pivot? Linkage? Would you like a coil on the back or you happy with an air can?
You can even start getting into details such as brakes and drivetrain. For example if I was in the market for a full bike I'd steer clear of anything with Sram kit on it and insist on having either Shimano, TRP, Hayes or Magura. That's a personal preference though and so the only way to find out is to try before you buy.
snotrag said:
smifffymoto said:
they perform pretty much the same
They absolutely don't! There are huge differences in feel, handling, ride quality etc between bikes with the exact same spec on paper. What you are describing are sensations and feelings.
That’s exactly my point,on paper they are much of a muchness.
smifffymoto said:
They do perform pretty much the same,down any given trail they will all get to the end in around the same time.
What you are describing are sensations and feelings.
That’s exactly my point,on paper they are much of a muchness.
Then I suppose it should be quite easy then... just go to your local bike shop with your given budget and buy whatever they have available and don't worry about the finer details if ultimately, they're all the same a the end of the day. Bit like cars I guess. What you are describing are sensations and feelings.
That’s exactly my point,on paper they are much of a muchness.
A lot of the subjective feel side of things is down to personal fit and preference that you probably just have to figure out for yourself to some degree, we can all tell you bikes that we like but there is no guarantee you will like the same thing.
Reviews can give you some idea, but different reviewers can also have totally opposite opinions of the same bike so you have to take them with a grain of salt.
If you're fairly new to it or upgrading from a bike more than say 5 years old, then practically any decent trail mtb will probably make you feel invincible and the bike is unlikely to be the limiting factor.
Reviews can give you some idea, but different reviewers can also have totally opposite opinions of the same bike so you have to take them with a grain of salt.
If you're fairly new to it or upgrading from a bike more than say 5 years old, then practically any decent trail mtb will probably make you feel invincible and the bike is unlikely to be the limiting factor.
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