Mountain bike riders?

[CanTex]

https://www.theproscloset.com/

Pros Closet is a great place for used high / higher end bikes and components. I've purchased a carbon wheel set from them and a riding pal purchased a road bike. Both of us had good experiences.

 

[tkeru408]

My road bike has top shelf components (well they were 15yrs ago), and I get the importance of getting quality pieces and parts that will last. Road bike is a Cannondale CAAD9 with Dura-Ace shifters, and Ultegra driveline. Have some custom FAS wheels on there, and various carbon bits here and there to smooth it out.

CAADs are great bikes! Practically unbeatable value for aluminum frame, great for road riding, crits, etc. I almost bought one but ended up with a Cervelo S1/Ultegra instead (2009).

I really like this bike: Grizl CF SL but it's a bit more than I want to spend right out of the gate.

This one is closer to my budget, but still looks interesting as well: Grand Canyon

Friend recommended this one: Rockhopper Expert 29 | Specialized.com

I like the idea of a gravel bike with a light suspension and knobby-ish tires, but think I might land on a full-on Mt Bike so I can ride in the local parks and not break it. Any thoughts?

I've never heard of Grizl, it looks nice but as someone else said gravel bikes are such a niche. It's the kind of thing you'd buy as your 3rd or 4th bike, not your one do-everything bike. Personal recommendation: you'd be much better on something with suspension. You can always lock out suspension if you don't need it.

There's a ton of good hardtail options out there. I love Specialized, but I don't find the Rockhopper to be well-equipped. Here are a few things I'd look for in a hardtail in no particular order (may not get them all, depending on budget):

• has a dropper post (once you learn how to use it, you'll appreciate it)
• thru-axle hubs rather than quick-release hubs (even better if they have Boost spacing as that will make it easier to upgrade). Boost is 110x15 front hub and 148x12 rear hub. this is the one thing on the list that pretty much can't be upgraded, your frame either has the spacing or it doesn't.
• 1x12 drivetrain (at least Sram SX Eagle or Shimano Deore)
• The more travel on the front fork, the better. Preferably 110mm+, though some may only have 100mm travel

Obviously, if the budget allows for full squish, that's the way to go but I'm not sure that can be done for <$2500 these days. New bike prices took a big jump this year. You might be able to find a 1-2 year old used full suspension option for <$2K. If looking new, something like a Kona Process at $2600 is a reasonable value (was $2200 last year, but inflation and all).

Also.......What kind of racks are you guys using to transport these things? I'm looking at an Allen Sports 4-carrier for $35 on Facebook Marketplace, and I'm also seeing it range up to $1,200 for a Kuat tray style. Where's the happy medium here? I've always either had a roof rack or a pickup truck and just laid the bike in there. Not sure I want to drop the coin on another roof rack, and a hitch rack would let me transfer it to the wifes car if needed. THoughts here?

I went with a Hollywood Racks SE4 (used to be $450, I see inflation has hit bike racks, too). They make a 2-bike version also. It's the poor man's version of a Kuat if you want the tray style. Not as elegant looking, but functions perfectly.

 

[tabbibus]

I didn't know canyon did a hard tail. Looks good. Racks go with hitch rack that doesn't touch the frame. I have Yakima. Kuat is good. 1up is best.

 

[2kwik4u]

@RightStuff @jawsf16 @tabbibus @tkeru408 @CanTex

Found a Giant Talon 1 (as best I can tell) locally on Facebook Marketplace for $750

Talon 1 (2022) | bike | Giant Bicycles US

www.giant-bicycles.com

Log into Facebook

Looks like a decent bike overall. Waiting on confirmation it's a 29in wheel, and actually a "1" not a "2" model.

Any thoughts?

 

[tkeru408]

@RightStuff @jawsf16 @tabbibus @tkeru408 @CanTex

Found a Giant Talon 1 (as best I can tell) locally on Facebook Marketplace for $750

Talon 1 (2022) | bike | Giant Bicycles US

www.giant-bicycles.com

Log into Facebook

Looks like a decent bike overall. Waiting on confirmation it's a 29in wheel, and actually a "1" not a "2" model.

Any thoughts?

A buddy had a Talon 1 that served him well. I think it's a good bike for the price as long as your trails aren't too gnarly. Not super upgradeable but it would be a good starter bike and if you found you enjoyed mountain biking and outgrew what the Talon 1 offered you could sell it and move to something more advanced.

 

[jawsf16]

Nice bike and even if its a 27.5 (looks like 29 from photo), at that price I would give it a whirl. Worst case you break even or close to it when you sell. It'll help you decide if you like the trails as much as you hope plus it would be a good spare bike to pair with a FS later if you get hooked. I bought a spare set of wheels and put MAXXIS hookworms on so I can take the HT for longer neighborhood "road" rides if the trails are mudded out. Two bikes is nice.

Also, the fork in the photo matches the Talon 1 fork so I bet its a 1.

 

[CanTex]

A buddy had a Talon 1 that served him well. I think it's a good bike for the price as long as your trails aren't too gnarly. Not super upgradeable but it would be a good starter bike and if you found you enjoyed mountain biking and outgrew what the Talon 1 offered you could sell it and move to something more advanced.

Agree with above posting - it's an entry level bike you can start out on and see if MTB is an activity you enjoy. Your financial downside is small if you want to sell for an upgrade bike or decide the sport is not for you.

I have both a 29'er and 27.5, on this level of bike not sure it really matters.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

@2kwik4u Buy your second bike first.

Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[2kwik4u]

A buddy had a Talon 1 that served him well. I think it's a good bike for the price as long as your trails aren't too gnarly. Not super upgradeable but it would be a good starter bike and if you found you enjoyed mountain biking and outgrew what the Talon 1 offered you could sell it and move to something more advanced.

Thanks for the feedback. Come to find out, my friend here I'll be riding with has the Talon 2. he had the same thoughts.

Nice bike and even if its a 27.5 (looks like 29 from photo), at that price I would give it a whirl. Worst case you break even or close to it when you sell. It'll help you decide if you like the trails as much as you hope plus it would be a good spare bike to pair with a FS later if you get hooked. I bought a spare set of wheels and put MAXXIS hookworms on so I can take the HT for longer neighborhood "road" rides if the trails are mudded out. Two bikes is nice.

Also, the fork in the photo matches the Talon 1 fork so I bet its a 1.

I noticed the fork as well. I can't tell if that is an air fork or a sprung fork though. Giant lists both on the site. Much to CanTex's point below. Not sure I'm in a position to really tell the difference though.

Agree with above posting - it's an entry level bike you can start out on and see if MTB is an activity you enjoy. Your financial downside is small if you want to sell for an upgrade bike or decide the sport is not for you.

I have both a 29'er and 27.5, on this level of bike not sure it really matters.

I've only ever ridden a 29'r once. From what I remember it was slow to turn, but rolled over things pretty easy. All my trail experience is on that older specialized that was built on 27.5in wheels, since it was before 29's on MtBikes were a thing.

Thanks for all the help! I sent the guy a message with some questions. We'll see where it goes from here.

Now to go find some racks. I'm thinking roof rack so I can take the bikes with the boat, or the bikes with the hitch mount cargo carrier later.

 

[tabbibus]

Good bike to start.

Buying a cheap bike will adversely affect the full you have. I discourage people to buy q Target or Walmart bike.

The talon is a perfect bike to start and have fun and decide later if you wanna open up your wallet.

 

[CanTex]

Thanks for the feedback. Come to find out, my friend here I'll be riding with has the Talon 2. he had the same thoughts.



I noticed the fork as well. I can't tell if that is an air fork or a sprung fork though. Giant lists both on the site. Much to CanTex's point below. Not sure I'm in a position to really tell the difference though.



I've only ever ridden a 29'r once. From what I remember it was slow to turn, but rolled over things pretty easy. All my trail experience is on that older specialized that was built on 27.5in wheels, since it was before 29's on MtBikes were a thing.

Thanks for all the help! I sent the guy a message with some questions. We'll see where it goes from here.

Now to go find some racks. I'm thinking roof rack so I can take the bikes with the boat, or the bikes with the hitch mount cargo carrier later.

If you have a truck I recommend a tail gate cover pad. I've been using one for years and works great - no damage to bike or vehicle. Steel cable and pad lock prevents theft.

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Racing-Protective-Tailgate-Cover/dp/B01AVM8RYW

 

[2kwik4u]

Good bike to start.

Buying a cheap bike will adversely affect the full you have. I discourage people to buy q Target or Walmart bike.

The talon is a perfect bike to start and have fun and decide later if you wanna open up your wallet.

Yea, I'm very much aware of the WalMart/Target bike level to stay away from. Was hoping to get the first bike with acceptable components to ride a few seasons on without major failure. Then if I really like it, I'll do some upgrades.

When I bought my CAAD9 it was the same way. I had a '96 Cannondale R400 that I had ridden for a few seasons and decided it was worth the upgrades. Found the CAAD9 on craigslist, then put my own bars/post/shifters/wheels on it. It's been a trooper for me for over a decade now. I suspect something like the Talon will be like my R400. Just enough to make sure I'm really in.

I borrowed the local bike shop owners full suspension bike once upon a time (I want to say this was like '08-'09 or so). It was a Lightspeed Sewanee. That thing made me feel like a rock star when I rode it. Super comfy, very light, and very stiff. Didn't have the $4k or so he wanted for it at the time.

 

[2kwik4u]

If you have a truck I recommend a tail gate cover pad. I've been using one for years and works great - no damage to bike or vehicle. Steel cable and pad lock prevents theft.

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Racing-Protective-Tailgate-Cover/dp/B01AVM8RYW

Sadly, my truck was traded away this past March for a mid-size SUV. I miss my pickup dearly, and would totally just get a pad if I still had it.

Pretty certain I'm going to put a nice Thule roof rack on the Q7. I'm finding random pieces and parts on craigslist and FB Marketplace. I think I'm gonna get it done for under $500.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

Been through all types of racks, roof carriers, truck bed adapters, hitch styles, etc. Get a 1Up and be done with it. You can give it to your grandkids, grandkids, thing is pricey but worth every penny. Used to only see them every now and then, now they are 50% or more of the racks at a big trailhead.

 

[tabbibus]

1up is the bees knees.

 

[2kwik4u]

Been through all types of racks, roof carriers, truck bed adapters, hitch styles, etc. Get a 1Up and be done with it. You can give it to your grandkids, grandkids, thing is pricey but worth every penny. Used to only see them every now and then, now they are 50% or more of the racks at a big trailhead.

Those look really nice. I think the guy down the street has one of those.

Looks like they have a roof version, and it's honestly not that expensive compared to the Thule/Yakima/Rocky mounts that hold the bikes by the tire.

Can't tell if they fit both road and mountain wheels though.

 

[2kwik4u]

Guy messaged back. It is a Talon 1 with the 29in wheels and a Large frame size.

Giants site shows the large good up to a 6'1" tall person. I'm 6'2" tall, so we'll see how it fits. Going to try and meet up with the guy this weekend.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

That’s the beauty of it, it holds both. I have put a 3.0 mtb tire in it with a road bike in the other slot.
if have a fat bike there is a way you make them larger and even when larger will still hold a road bike.

 

[2kwik4u]

That’s the beauty of it, it holds both. I have put a 3.0 mtb tire in it with a road bike in the other slot.
if have a fat bike there is a way you make them larger and even when larger will still hold a road bike.

Awesome. Gonna piece togethor a roof rack, and probably pick up one or two of these.

Need to hold (3) bicycles right now (3yr old is still in a trailer), and will eventually need to hold 4. Hitch racks at that level are either expensive for a tray style, or sketchy looking on quality. Would hate to spend thousands on the bikes, then cheap out on a way to carry them.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

with the 1up make sure you consult the comparison chart. https://www.1up-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/55107_1UP_Product_Flyer_17x11_FNL.pdf
They are not all the same. You probably need the one that can eventually have 4 trays. This can only be done with the 2” receiver versions. Even with lightweight carbon bikes it is still a big lever off the back of the truck.

Best thing for me is several of my friends and I all have the same rack and just 1 additional tray. Anytime I/they need the 4th tray they are with me or they let me borrow it so easy to share without having to buy it.