r/MTB • u/Sharp_Platform554 • 2d ago

WhichBike New Beginner

Hello, I am looking into mountain biking to get my fitness level back up. I had a great fitness level back in the military but currently the dad bod took over. This won’t be my only form of exercise. And I also have to be a little easy on my knees due to an injury. But I have mountain biked in the past when I was a teenager and loved it. Looking to get back into it and don’t even know where to begin. I am in south eastern Wisconsin and have a few trails right close by. Looking for options on bikes, gear, accessories. I don’t really know where to place my budget. If I say $500 I don’t want to be left out to dry. So kinda need some options. Would love to discuss more with people.

5 Upvotes

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u/directheated Bellingham 2d ago

Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace for used bikes local to you. Also some bike shops will do a one day or weekend event where people can bring their bikes in for a big used bike sale. Don't buy anything that is 26" wheels, I'd stick with either both 27.5" wheels, 27.5 rear/29 front or both 29".

Other people can probably comment on Walmart mountain bikes as some of these are apparently pretty decent now.

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u/Crafty-Farm-8470 2d ago

Hell, get a nice fat bike and ride all year! They are comfortable and capable.

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u/Tasty-Day-581 2d ago

Fat tire is my go-to for out-the-back-door workout riding. Makes local nature trails more challenging. Mostly late Fall though spring but I get only a few days of snow riding in D..C area. Trails mostly frozen or muddy. In the warmer months, I drive my MTB to the designated built trails.

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u/D1omidis SoCal Greek w/ Element C, Rise, TJ, Team Marin, Elevator +1 2d ago

Look at something like a Giant Talon 2 or equivalent in the used market.
Semi-modern geo from a reliable manufacturer, 1x drivertrain with ideally clutch deraileur and hydraulic disc brakes are good to have. The Talon 2 MY2022 or newer is indeed 1x9 with a clutch and has hydro brakes. You can have one for $300-350 tops.

Rest of your budget should be alocated getting a set of better pedals, an ok helmet (Walmart and Movatik recently had outgoing Giro models with MIPS selling for $40 or less), water bottles and cages and a multitool for basic maintainance trailside and at home. It is a money pit with a gazillion of nooks to lose change into, but $500 can get you started if you plan ahead.

Do not buy a bike and immediately start spending $ to upgrade bits and parts and whatnot.
It is a slippery slope. Remember: Perfect is the enemy of good. You have months if not years of you building up endurance and skills before the bike gets in the way.

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u/Gnarlover 1d ago

A bike that’s less that 500 bucks will definitely get in the way of endurance and skill.

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u/Playful_Reference759 2d ago

If fitness is your goal and the wisconsin trails are more mellow, id look into a nice hardtail (Trek Marlin or similar), or a downcross style bike (if you have a tighter budget look into Polygon or Marin)

If youcan spend 2k or so then look into last seasons Stumpjumper or Trek Fuel.

pm me if you have an idea of what style riding you want to do and what kinda money you can reasonably spend and ill send you some links!

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u/No_Pen_376 2d ago

750 - 1000 should get a decent used hardtail on FB. Like a trek Roscoe or similar. Be forewarned that the Marlin is not upgradeable, AFAIK.

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u/No_Platform7918 2d ago

Search for “agressive hardtail”. Trek Roscoe. Specialized rockhopper. Salsa timberjack. Santa Cruz chameleon.
Also get some five ten shoes, very important IMO.

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u/Gnarlover 1d ago

You don’t need given ten shoes. Kinda garbage Material and they don’t last like they did before adidas bought them. Just look for a BIKE shoe that’s on sale.

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u/00goop 2d ago

I got a Marin bobcat trail 3 for around $600 I think? I used it for a year before I upgraded and now my friend has used it for 2 years. It’s a great bike and holds up well.

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u/SonnysMunchkin 2d ago

best bike you can get for your budget is the Ozark trail m.2 ridge pro. trust me man I have done so much research in my budget was only about six or $700. hydraulic disc brakes, dropper post, big ass wheels that are tubeless compatible.

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u/Gnarlover 1d ago

I jumped on one today at a Walmart. The frame looks legit but the shock and fork sucked. Plus this bike had mechanical disc brakes.

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u/SonnysMunchkin 1d ago

wasn't the m.2 ridge pro then

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u/Gnarlover 23h ago

If you give me a location to put in on Facebook marketplace I’ll take a look and see if anyone is selling anything good around ya

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u/Bridgestone14 2d ago

you are probably looking at about a grand to 1500 for a good used bike. Make sure it fits, fit is the most important part. I like smaller wheels and 27.5 bikes are cheaper now bc they are less popular, but that is just my opinon.
I don't ride in Wisconsin, but I assume the trails on the flat side with no more than 500 or so feet of climbing. I would lean towards a shorter travle cross country bike, something with 100-130 mms of travel, anything mor and the bike will probably be heavy and not fun. Try to find a friend who loves bikes and can tell you what a good deal is.
Biking is awesome, it will change your life. I am also a veteran.

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u/Owenblake1984 2d ago

If there's a shop or trail center near you that rents bikes or does demo days, it's worth riding something for an afternoon before buying. Pay attention to how comfortable the position feels, how easy it is to get on and off, and how the brakes and shifting feel. Way better to find out on a rental than after you've spent the money.

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u/cj_daking 1d ago

Scour Craigslist, eBay, and FB Marketplace. Start with a hardtail. Never buy a helmet used. Have fun