Best all-mountain/enduro bike for under $1,500USD

PB Forum :: All Mountain, Enduro & Cross-Country
Best all-mountain/enduro bike for under $1,500USD
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flag Mr88high
Posted: Feb 9, 2013 at 15:22 Quote
Hey guys, I know this is a pretty re-occuring question, but I just really need your help on this.Confused

I have been riding XC, all-mountain, and enduro for the past few years on my 2007 Specialized Hardrock Sport. It is a nice bike and allBig Grin , but the problem is is that it is a 14" hardtail frame (I have grown to be 5 foot 11) and the geometry isn't too good for me anymoreFrown . My back starts to hurt on long rides, and I have a feeling that it is because the geometry causes me to have an awkward riding position. I also need something that has full suspension, so I can keep up with some of my friends with nicer full suspension bikes, and improve myself as a rider, and tackle trails better and more efficiently.

Anyways, I have been doing some research on the best all mountain or enduro bike I can get for under $1,500USD.
So far, I have come up with the Kona Tanuki http://www.konaworld.com/bike.cfm?content=tanuki#2 ($1,099 at my LBS)
and the 2013 Rocky Mountain Element 10 http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_102+ELEMENT_10.html?BIKE=981&CATID=1&SCATID=1&Y=2012 ($1,139 at JensonUSA)

So far, the Kona Tanuki looks like the best deal to me.

Here are the requirements that your suggestions should try to meet:

Attention $1,500 or less. (preferably closer to $1,250 or so)
Attention Has to be NEW
Attention Must have at least 120mm of suspension travel, with lockouts.
Attention Must be reasonably lightweight.
Attention Must have a decently aggressive tire.
Attention Must have hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
Attention Must be able to take abuse from a energetic 15-year-old rider.
Attention Must be able to fit a water-bottle holder in the frame.
Attention Must have the best components for the price.
Attention Must have a dealer in Arizona, I want to try it before I buy it.
flag venturavin
Posted: Feb 9, 2013 at 15:47 Quote
If it must be brand new I'd shop around and try to find older model years to save some money, paying retail for a complete bike is a little silly if budget is a big concern. The last XC bike I bought was an Element 50, I found a 2008 model at my local shop in the spring of 2010 and it was 50% off, so I got a $2,500 bike for $1,250. I would also really suggest going used if budget is a concern, for $1,500 you could get a very nice used bike with quality parts that have lots of life left in them. And unlike a car, you can easily inspect every little bit of a used bike before buying so you can tell if there are any problems.
flag Mr88high
Posted: Feb 9, 2013 at 15:49 Quote
ironxcross wrote:
If it must be brand new I'd shop around and try to find older model years to save some money, paying retail for a complete bike is a little silly if budget is a big concern. The last XC bike I bought was an Element 50, I found a 2008 model at my local shop in the spring of 2010 and it was 50% off, so I got a $2,500 bike for $1,250. I would also really suggest going used if budget is a concern, for $1,500 you could get a very nice used bike with quality parts that have lots of life left in them. And unlike a car, you can easily inspect every little bit of a used bike before buying so you can tell if there are any problems.

I would buy it if it is a few years old but brand new, but my parents will not allow me to buy something used already.
flag bikingalltheway
Posted: Feb 9, 2013 at 15:52 Quote
Mr88high wrote:
ironxcross wrote:
If it must be brand new I'd shop around and try to find older model years to save some money, paying retail for a complete bike is a little silly if budget is a big concern. The last XC bike I bought was an Element 50, I found a 2008 model at my local shop in the spring of 2010 and it was 50% off, so I got a $2,500 bike for $1,250. I would also really suggest going used if budget is a concern, for $1,500 you could get a very nice used bike with quality parts that have lots of life left in them. And unlike a car, you can easily inspect every little bit of a used bike before buying so you can tell if there are any problems.

I would buy it if it is a few years old but brand new, but my parents will not allow me to buy something used already.

Why?
flag Mr88high
Posted: Feb 9, 2013 at 15:55 Quote
bikingalltheway wrote:
Mr88high wrote:
ironxcross wrote:
If it must be brand new I'd shop around and try to find older model years to save some money, paying retail for a complete bike is a little silly if budget is a big concern. The last XC bike I bought was an Element 50, I found a 2008 model at my local shop in the spring of 2010 and it was 50% off, so I got a $2,500 bike for $1,250. I would also really suggest going used if budget is a concern, for $1,500 you could get a very nice used bike with quality parts that have lots of life left in them. And unlike a car, you can easily inspect every little bit of a used bike before buying so you can tell if there are any problems.

I would buy it if it is a few years old but brand new, but my parents will not allow me to buy something used already.

Why?

"There are no returns and recousrse for places like pinkbike and Craigslist"
I guess they want me to have a warranty, or some kind of return policy...

It is their rules, I have tried and tried, they are not budging.
flag kona-jon
Posted: Feb 10, 2013 at 14:15 Quote
Maybe a trance x3? Your pretty limited at that price, whatever you do get is going to be on the lower end components wise, expect to break a lot of parts depending on how hard you plan to ride it.
flag venturavin
Posted: Feb 10, 2013 at 17:19 Quote
Ah sorry to hear that, used is a great option, but sometimes reasoning with parents is just plain out of the question. In that case I would definitely hunt around for left overs at your local shops. There's tons of super nice options in the $2,000-$2,500 range that could be in your price range if they are a season or two old.
flag Axxe
Posted: Feb 10, 2013 at 23:03 Quote
New, no. Gently used, yes. Learn to wrench, it pays.

At this price range, I would go for a steel hardtail, like On-One 456 Evo ($300 shipped) (they make one in carbon as well for some extra $$), with 160mm fork, maybe lowered to 150mm, or Sektor RL dual position coil ($400 shipped) and 1x10 kit acquired through the magic of interwebz shopping - some German discount sites. About doable, and it would rock.

Thing like $85 for a pair of Shimano Deore M596 brakes - that work as good as absolutely anything. Sturdy wheelset in under ~$300 range. Just got a pair of Hans Dampfs Evo snakeskin trail/pace combo for $75. Rear Zee derailler ($65) and SLX cassette ($40) and Deore 10sp shifter. Cheapest seatpost and cockpit.
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