Hi there, any recommendations for a beginner Hardtail MTBs? and does anyone know when do they usually go on sale?
Thank you.
Entry Level Mountain Bikes
KoolBananas on 24/01/2021 - 16:17
Last edited 24/01/2021 - 16:17
Last edited 24/01/2021 - 16:17
Comments
thank you gcnz.
Appreciate the input.
I went down this road recently. Didn't want to spend much at all because my main focus is road riding, but just needed a mtb to go riding with my son. Ended up finding a last season mtb on sale at 99bikes for $500 - hydraulic disc brakes, internal cabling. Very happy all said and done. It was either this or paying a little more for an entry level Trek from Torpedo7, although mechanical disc brakes. Don't, just don't even look at bikes without disc brakes, its just not worth it when you realise the safety and ease you are getting from disc brakes.
Second hand bikes around this price point are just not a worthy investment, so for me entry level new made more sense.
Make sure you are aware of what size bike you need (take your measurements, inseam, reach etc, to make sure you will fit on the bike - or go in store and get them to confirm).Thanks AleBeerenhoff.
Yah. Can be tempting to just go 2nd hands but thats the thing if im not really that knowledgeable in this game. Great input!
Like the others said get one with disc brakes.
Each brand will have one around the same price. Trek, Giant and Specialized are the bigger brands.
It never hurts to ask for a discount on the ticketed price, or they may throw in a helmet or something.
What's your budget? As you spend more you get better things - hydraulic brakes, lighter components, dropper seat post, 11 or 12 speed gearing without front derailleur etc. If it's mainly cycle trail riding with the occasional mountain bike trail you probably don't need any of that, but if you think you're going to get into frequent mountain bike trail rides it may be better to spend a bit more initially.
Most bike shops have really good helpful staff so head in to your local one.
Thanks Baagin.Are Mongoose any good?
Ahmm. I probably wouldn't spend more than a grand. And no plans to do regular trailing at the moment. Just mainly in the park biking with the wife & little daughter.
Plenty of options in that price bracket and certainly no need to spend 1k on something to do what you say. Even the one I got is overkill for that, and that was only $500.
https://www.99bikes.co.nz/collections/mtb-hardtail-bikes?sor…I can't comment on Mongoose as a brand, but generally speaking the low end of the market in the 500-1000 range, I would expect them to be similar in terms of reliability/etc…and would say they are likely to use all the same/similar components (eg Shimano and/or Tektro) ie don't expect the world, so stay away from backflips/etc but you should be able to get something that is comfortable and reliable for that price range :D
I would suggest taking a look at Torpedo7 and using the Hospitality NZ code (HNZ2021123) for a steep discount.
Example:
https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/T7BMMN0AA/title/vortex-2…
Club Price: $539.99
Discount with 'HNZ2021123': $147.64
Final Price: $392.35I would recommend a entry-level bike with air shocks as it shaves 1.5K off the weight ,but unfortunately seem to be up around the thousand dollar +mark .I brought a torpedo7 vortex ($380 On special about a year ago)for my partner and installed new air shocks for about $280 and sold the old coil spring shocks on trademe for $120.I also upgraded the rear derailer with a Shimano Deore 9 speed $80.Mechanical brakes are excellent and easy to service.
thanks! can you recommend a particular product that meets those specs at this stage?
The problem at the moment is most of the dealers are short of stock but this bike at Torpedo7 is a great all-round trail and mountain bike that's pretty well spect. https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/MOBMMN1AJAA/title/2021-t… .If you're new to biking and don't want to spend much for now the torpedo7 vortex Is a good buy at around $400.The components are okay but noticeably lacking but you get what you pay for. Probably the most disappointing thing is the front shock absorber, its really a piece of junk but okay for trail and more of a boat anchor for road .
I'd always choose a bike with disc brakes, they're just so much better than v/rim brakes if you're going to do any off road trails, or if it's wet.
Go into a bike shop and see what they've got. Evo Cycles and 99Bikes (was Bike Barn) seem to have sales for any occasion, might be a Waitangi weekend sale. You might be looking at around $500 even on sale. I think it's worth buying from a bike shop so you know it's serviced well and is safe, they usually some with a free service or two.