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Long story short I have been out of the MTB world for years, last rode pre kids, so at least 9 years, and only ever hand second hand bikes.
My eldest is now getting into riding and I want to take her out more, local to FoD, so now need a new bike. My current one is a 2008 Specialized stumpjumper in 26" and straight fork flavour. I could spend money on getting this back together but fear with al the changes past years Id be better buying something new.
So what to get? I am 5'8, no idea where to start and now there are far too many choices and I end up down a rabbit hole of £5/6/7k bikes. Budget around £1500 (is this reasonable?)
Need to do the same for my wife for same reasons, she is 5'3, any suggestions?
Thanks
Take a look at the Calibre hardtails in Go Outdoors, recently reviewed by STW on YouTube.
Or PlantX, maybe Alpkit/Sonder, all good VFM.
Don't think you'd go far wrong with this VITUS MYTHIQUE 29VR £1,599.99
If you're anywhere near Notts / Derby then I've an xs / s Giant (ATX - I think) 27.5" that would probably suit pottering around forests. It's a few years old but daughter has now grown out of it. Probably go something like £100-£150. happy to dig out more details / pics if you want.
New Orbea Laufey looks good to me.
Not so stealthy ad: I’m selling my 2016 Trance, size M if that’s of any interest.
I’m in Newport. DM me for details.
What kind of riding a FOD are we talking? Gravel trails / fire roads / blue and red loops or the DH runs snd tech off piste?
No need to spend more than 1k on a hardtail IMO for the kind of riding you've described. I just bought a fairly decent Kona for a teen for £600, 11 speed, Rockshox - took a bit of searching for a reduced previous year model but got there in the end. Vids on Youtube like "Are Budget Bikes Worth Considering" are worth a watch to get a bit of perspective.
IF you think you might prefer a full sus bike - they're so much more comfortable for long rides over rough terrain - then see if you can try a demo ride somewhere and see if they're for you. That way you can save the hardtail money and save up a bit longer for a full bouncer rather than buy a hardtail and later upgrade. But a hardtail might be all you need
they’re so much more comfortable for long rides over rough terrain
I’m not sure that they are compared to modern hardtails?
This is a pretty good deal 55% discount, bought one a few weeks ago: https://www.rmcycles.co.uk/bikes/mountain-bikes/giant-trance-x-29-1-panther-green-2022__19325
2022 trek top fuel 5 all over the show for that money at the moment (i just ordered a higher spec one) at triton cycles, balfes etc, very well regarded
What kind of riding a FOD are we talking? Gravel trails / fire roads / blue and red loops or the DH runs and tech off piste?
Would be fire roads and then blues and reds with the little ones once they get bigger/more confident
I have looked 2nd hand and I know I'll get a better deal, but I just seem to be more risk averse these days and don't want to buy a lemon, not implying @dove1 yours is at all!
Never had a brand new bike, but should I just go 2nd hand and get a better deal?
Oh and why do most of the woman specific bikes still appear to have quick release wheels and most only 80mm forks???
I’m not a huge Giant fan but the trance above is probably a decent deal. The Trek Top Fuel 5 mentioned definitely has a worse spec for similar money.
Without sales the Vitus Mythique looks a good option - but vs the heavily discounted Giant it looks less good
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/vitus-mythique-29-vr-mountain-bike
The Sonder Cortex is quite good value - but over your budget for one with a decent fork and groupset:
https://alpkit.com/products/sonder-cortex-nx-eagle?variant=31684381507689
Secondhand would get you a better deal as long as you’re happy you could pick out something in decent condition. Something like a Bird Aether 9 might come in budget and they were generally well specced.
All of the above are full suspension - personally if it were my only bike I’d go full suss over hardtail. But equally all the stuff you’d be riding is fine on hardtail - although the red at FOD is a rooty thing that’s a bit annoying to ride tbh!