Ridden & Rated: 4 Trail Bikes Under $3,000
Why doesn’t Pinkbike review bikes that I can actually afford? Well, we do. I started testing mid-priced bikes back in 2017, and in this comparison I compare the first four trail bikes from this ongoing series. Priced under $3,000 USD, the following quartet explores the genre’s range of technical options, like wheel diameters, suspension technology, drivetrains, brakes, and cockpit arrangements, and also the choice to purchase from a shop or online.
The Contenders: Four bikes from distinctly different brands
Diamondback's Release 3 has an MSRP of $2,849, rolls on 27.5-inch wheels, and packs 130 millimeters of rear-wheel travel, paired with a 150-millimeter fork. The Release is designed for the pointier end of all-mountain, with modern numbers and a tough aluminum chassis.
Giant's Trance 2 is priced at $2,890, and, in the Giant tradition, has a tough-to-match component selection. Its aluminum frame sports stable trail geometry, 140 millimeters of Maestro suspension travel backed up by a 150-millimeter fork and also rolls on 27.5-inch wheels.
Patrol's 672 is manufactured in its Indonesia factory and the brand has only recently entered the North American marketplace. Retailing for $2,899, the 150-millimeter-travel aluminum 672 strikes a modern profile, with a linkage-driven four-bar rear suspension and all-mountain frame numbers.
Our final contender is also the only one with 29-inch wheels. Polygon's Siskiu T8 also hails from Indonesia and is remarkably well appointed for its low, $2,499 asking price. With 140 millimeters of travel on either end, respectable numbers, and impressive pedaling, the Siskiu is tailor-made for adventurous trail riders.
Patrol's 672 has the looks, numbers, and nearly all of the components to make it a top-performing trail bike. On the scale, the medium-sized bike topped out at 32.4 pounds, which is borderline heavy, but still in the hunt at the $3,000 price range.
Riding high in its plus column, the Patrol's sturdy aluminum chassis has a well executed 150-millimeter-travel four-bar suspension that holds up well in the mid-stroke and doesn't shy away from boulder fields. The frame can handle long-stroke droppers and there is ample stand-over clearance, which allows riders who want a longer reach than its slightly dated geometry affords to go up a size.
Plus-side components include its well-matched 160mm RockShox Yaris RC fork and Monarch RT shock combo, wide handlebar and sharp-shifting Shimano SLX transmission. I also liked the capable stopping power that its 203/180-millimeter brake rotors produced from the bike's relatively ordinary SLX brakes.
The 672 falls behind on the details, some which, like the absence of a dropper seatpost, are inexcusable, while others are nuisances that can be addressed as those components near their service lives. The rickety rear axle QR was woefully underpowered for the bike's rigid chassis and its old-school Sun Ringle Inferno rims were neither tubeless-ready nor wide enough for a modern trail bike. Finally, many riders will decry its lack of down-tube bottle mounts.
Riding high in its plus column, the Patrol's sturdy aluminum chassis has a well executed 150-millimeter-travel four-bar suspension that holds up well in the mid-stroke and doesn't shy away from boulder fields. The frame can handle long-stroke droppers and there is ample stand-over clearance, which allows riders who want a longer reach than its slightly dated geometry affords to go up a size.
Plus-side components include its well-matched 160mm RockShox Yaris RC fork and Monarch RT shock combo, wide handlebar and sharp-shifting Shimano SLX transmission. I also liked the capable stopping power that its 203/180-millimeter brake rotors produced from the bike's relatively ordinary SLX brakes.
The 672 falls behind on the details, some which, like the absence of a dropper seatpost, are inexcusable, while others are nuisances that can be addressed as those components near their service lives. The rickety rear axle QR was woefully underpowered for the bike's rigid chassis and its old-school Sun Ringle Inferno rims were neither tubeless-ready nor wide enough for a modern trail bike. Finally, many riders will decry its lack of down-tube bottle mounts.
672 Details:
• Intended Use: All-mountain/Enduro
• Aluminum chassis, 150mm-travel four-bar rear suspension
• 27.5" Wheels Boost axle spacing
• Threaded bottom bracket, ISCG mounts
• Shimano SLX one-by 11-speed transmission
• RockShox Yari RC Solo Air fork, 160mm
• RockShox Monarch RT shock
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-large
• Weight: 32.4 pounds/14.74 kg (medium)
• MSRP: $2899 USD
• Contact: Patrol Sports
• Intended Use: All-mountain/Enduro
• Aluminum chassis, 150mm-travel four-bar rear suspension
• 27.5" Wheels Boost axle spacing
• Threaded bottom bracket, ISCG mounts
• Shimano SLX one-by 11-speed transmission
• RockShox Yari RC Solo Air fork, 160mm
• RockShox Monarch RT shock
• Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, X-large
• Weight: 32.4 pounds/14.74 kg (medium)
• MSRP: $2899 USD
• Contact: Patrol Sports
In two sentences: Patrol's 672 is a capable handling machine that thrives on the downs and, while it requires more effort than some to climb and accelerate, it aces technical steeps. This bike has all the basics dialed, but needs to go to finishing school to compete at the top of the $3,000 class.
Read full Review
• Strong, good handling chassis
• Ample travel, good suspension
• Shimano SLX transmission
• No dropper post
• Average climber
• Needs some minor upgrades
Ahead of its time, the Release 3 pairs a short-travel 130-millimeter rear suspension with an all-mountain-strength chassis to create a lively handling monster that can survive enduro-intensity downhills and still deliver an inspiring performance on bike park jumps and flow trails. Some of that versatility is the product of its 150-millimeter-travel RockShox Pike RCT3 fork and Monarch Plus shock.
At the heart of Diamondback's do-it-all trail bike is its "Level Link" suspension configuration, which may be the bike's stand-out feature. Few all-mountain bikes feel this good under power without their low-speed compression dials cranked up to Cowboy. By contrast, the Release 3 is easy on the legs while climbing with the shock left wide open and the suspension tuned for the downs.
Diamondback missed the mark in a few places. The first being a short, 125mm dropper post where a 150 should be standard fare. I question the old-school 73-degree seatpost angle now that it's recognized that steeper is better for technical climbing, but I am sure that its designers are lamenting that they opted not to put water bottle mounts inside the front triangle. My final peeve - its slippery Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires - has since been rectified, which leaves very little to complain about.
In two Sentences: From the review: The Release 3 is a "good choice for an accomplished all-mountain sender who wants to step down from an uber-capable squishy 160-millimeter enduro bike to
At the heart of Diamondback's do-it-all trail bike is its "Level Link" suspension configuration, which may be the bike's stand-out feature. Few all-mountain bikes feel this good under power without their low-speed compression dials cranked up to Cowboy. By contrast, the Release 3 is easy on the legs while climbing with the shock left wide open and the suspension tuned for the downs.
Diamondback missed the mark in a few places. The first being a short, 125mm dropper post where a 150 should be standard fare. I question the old-school 73-degree seatpost angle now that it's recognized that steeper is better for technical climbing, but I am sure that its designers are lamenting that they opted not to put water bottle mounts inside the front triangle. My final peeve - its slippery Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires - has since been rectified, which leaves very little to complain about.
In two Sentences: From the review: The Release 3 is a "good choice for an accomplished all-mountain sender who wants to step down from an uber-capable squishy 160-millimeter enduro bike to
Diamondback Release 3
• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Travel: 130mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum / Level Link suspension
• Head angle: 66º
• Chainstay length: 425mm
• Colors: Black
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.05 lb (13.66 kg) - size medium, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,849.99 USD (*May 2018 )
• More info: Diamondback
• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Travel: 130mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum / Level Link suspension
• Head angle: 66º
• Chainstay length: 425mm
• Colors: Black
• Sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 30.05 lb (13.66 kg) - size medium, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,849.99 USD (*May 2018 )
• More info: Diamondback
Read the full review.
• "I got this" technical skills
• Impressive climber
• Ready to shred build
• No 29er option
• Slack seat tube angle
• Needs a bottle mount
"The secret to the longevity of this 140-millimeter-travel all-mountain bike is a long string of improvements, which have made the Trance as reliable as a three-pound hammer."
Component selection separates the best from the rest in the affordable mountain bike ranks, but all is for naught if good parts are hung on a mediocre chassis. Giant's Trance 2 hits the mark on both counts, with its trail-proven 140-millimeter-travel aluminum frame, and an intelligent parts selection based upon a Shimano SLX drivetrain. Climb aboard, and everything falls into place. Hit the trail, and you'll discover a useful gear range, grippy tires and mistake proof handling.
The Trance's familiar profile, 27.5-inch wheels and Maestro dual-link rear suspension may seem long in the tooth, but there is no questioning its performance on the trail. Giant's suspension tunes are selected to erase the chatter and keep the tires carving up the corners, and there always seems to be enough travel in the bank for big hits. The same can be said about its impressive Fox 34 Rhythm fork.
Pedaling firmness is not as sharp as I like, but the bike maintains momentum well, and the flip-side of that softer suspension feel is the additional grip the Trance delivers while scratching up pointy climbs.
Any valid complaints about the Trance 2 would be
Component selection separates the best from the rest in the affordable mountain bike ranks, but all is for naught if good parts are hung on a mediocre chassis. Giant's Trance 2 hits the mark on both counts, with its trail-proven 140-millimeter-travel aluminum frame, and an intelligent parts selection based upon a Shimano SLX drivetrain. Climb aboard, and everything falls into place. Hit the trail, and you'll discover a useful gear range, grippy tires and mistake proof handling.
The Trance's familiar profile, 27.5-inch wheels and Maestro dual-link rear suspension may seem long in the tooth, but there is no questioning its performance on the trail. Giant's suspension tunes are selected to erase the chatter and keep the tires carving up the corners, and there always seems to be enough travel in the bank for big hits. The same can be said about its impressive Fox 34 Rhythm fork.
Pedaling firmness is not as sharp as I like, but the bike maintains momentum well, and the flip-side of that softer suspension feel is the additional grip the Trance delivers while scratching up pointy climbs.
Any valid complaints about the Trance 2 would be
Giant Trance 2 Details
• Intended use: AM/trail
• Travel: 140mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum, dual-link Maestro suspension
• Head angle: 67º
• Chainstay length: 435mm
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 29.8 lb (13.55 kg) size large, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,890 USD as tested
• More info: Giant Bicycles
• Intended use: AM/trail
• Travel: 140mm rear / 150mm front
• Wheel size: 27.5"
• Frame construction: Aluminum, dual-link Maestro suspension
• Head angle: 67º
• Chainstay length: 435mm
• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 29.8 lb (13.55 kg) size large, w/o pedals
• Price: $2,890 USD as tested
• More info: Giant Bicycles
Two sentences: The strength of Giant's Trance 2 is in its proven build and performance, and also that they sell through bike shops, so you'll get the size and assistance you need to assure your riding experience. From the review: "After riding it for a number of months, I'd say it's a great value for riders (with or without skills) who want an affordable "needs nothing" all-mountain bike that can be trusted on any trail short of a DH run."
Read full review.
• Well made, good component spec
• Good technical climber
• Fits a water bottle
• Pedal smacking BB height
• Narrow rims
• Conservative geometry
Polygon's latest trail bike bears no resemblance to their rule-breaking XquarOne. By contrast, the 29-inch-wheel Siskiu T8 blends the better aspects of contemporary all-mountain/enduro designs into a sharp-handling, all-purpose trail bike. Wheel travel is 140 millimeters at both ends, which is amplified somewhat by its larger-diameter hoops.
Dated, perhaps, but the Siskiu's linkage-driven single-pivot-swingarm suspension delivers top-of-class pedaling performance, while doing an above-average job of managing the terrain. Its well-engineered aluminum frame is well worth upgrading in the future. Its geometry bridges modern and traditional - with a moderately steep 74.5-degree seat angle, and a moderately slack, 66.5-degree head tube angle. it's handling is sharp and agile, while maintaining enough forgiveness in the bank to keep its rider out of trouble down most black-line trails.
Priced at only $2499 USD, the Siskiu T8 is armed with a carefully plucked parts selection that blends features from a variety of component makers. The Drivetrain, for instance, mates Shimano SLX and XT shifting bits with a better-spaced Sunrace 11-speed, 11 x 46 cassette. Polygon didn't mess around with the Sikiu's suspension, choosing a RockShox Revelation RC fork, backed up by a Deluxe RT3 shock. The unexpected result of its eclectic build is a familiar feeling bike that needs no pre-shred introductions.
Dated, perhaps, but the Siskiu's linkage-driven single-pivot-swingarm suspension delivers top-of-class pedaling performance, while doing an above-average job of managing the terrain. Its well-engineered aluminum frame is well worth upgrading in the future. Its geometry bridges modern and traditional - with a moderately steep 74.5-degree seat angle, and a moderately slack, 66.5-degree head tube angle. it's handling is sharp and agile, while maintaining enough forgiveness in the bank to keep its rider out of trouble down most black-line trails.
Priced at only $2499 USD, the Siskiu T8 is armed with a carefully plucked parts selection that blends features from a variety of component makers. The Drivetrain, for instance, mates Shimano SLX and XT shifting bits with a better-spaced Sunrace 11-speed, 11 x 46 cassette. Polygon didn't mess around with the Sikiu's suspension, choosing a RockShox Revelation RC fork, backed up by a Deluxe RT3 shock. The unexpected result of its eclectic build is a familiar feeling bike that needs no pre-shred introductions.
Polygon Siskiu T8 Details
• Intended use: trail/AM
• Travel: 140mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame construction: Aluminum
• Head angle: 66.5º
• Chainstay length: 435mm
• Sizes: M, L, XL (S & M sizes available with 27.5" wheels)
• Weight: 30.75 lb (14.4 kg) size medium
• Price: $2499.99 USD as tested
• Contact: Polygon
• Intended use: trail/AM
• Travel: 140mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame construction: Aluminum
• Head angle: 66.5º
• Chainstay length: 435mm
• Sizes: M, L, XL (S & M sizes available with 27.5" wheels)
• Weight: 30.75 lb (14.4 kg) size medium
• Price: $2499.99 USD as tested
• Contact: Polygon
Two Sentences: (From the review) "Polygon's Siskiu T8 is a great choice for anyone who wants a modern do-it-all trail bike and needs to squeeze the most performance from a limited budget. High amplitude riders, however, would be better served by a bike with slacker angles and better big-hit suspension performance."
Read the full review.
• Acceleration and climbing
• Handling and cornering
• Excellent value
• No room for a water bottle
• Not plush in rough terrain
• No size small W/29" wheels
How to Choose?
Three factors come into play when choosing an affordable trail bike: the frame, the component selection, and the rider. Each play equal roles in the decision.
Starting with you, the person who is going to shell out $2,800 dollars for the best bike you can afford, knowing all the while that you'd want the pro version if your situation allowed it. If you are an enthusiast, well versed in bike tech and buying options, then your best values will probably come from a consumer direct, online purchase. In that case, I'd suggest the Diamondback Release 3, or if you prefer big wheels, my second choice is the Polygon Siskiu T8.
If you are unsure about any aspect of your purchase, like sizing, drivetrain options, or wheel
If you are unsure about any aspect of your purchase, like sizing, drivetrain options, or wheel
Giant's Trance 2 offers a lot of security, with the best component spec' and dealer purchasing assistance.
Component selection is the most contentious aspect of any affordable bike purchase. Unlike the frame, which is a fixed price, the multitude of parts that make up a mountain bike are an opportunity to down-spec forgivable items (like cockpit accessories, brakes, and cranksets) to drop the bike's retail price - while up-spec'ing key parts, like the fork, shock and drivetrain, that customers will scrutinize closely. Giant's comprehensive spec' earns the top spot in this category too - edging out the well-appointed Diamondback Release 3.
Patrol's component selection is solid, but you'll have to buy a dropper post to make the 672 trail ready.
The frame locks in the bike's handling and pedaling performance - things you can't easily modify. Each of the four bikes in this feature have a well-constructed aluminum chassis backed up by a proven suspension configuration. The winner here is the Diamondback Release 3, because it has the strength and the suspension to handle a lot of abuse, ready-for-anything handling skills, and very good pedaling dynamics. The Release is also more salient to the times, and in this respect, it edges out the Siskiu (rough-riding suspension trumped its superior 29 inch wheels) and the versatile, but dated Trance.
Winner: Diamondback Release 3
 | I've enjoyed every minute aboard the Release 3 - rides which have ranged from all day trail epics, to a few first descents down rock chutes and gravity trails that would have given me pause on longer-travel elite level bikes. Diamondback's decision to design the Release 3 from the ground up to be an affordable shredder was apparent every time I threw a leg over it. Excusing its original tire selection, out of the box, it's a bike that can keep a top rider entertained for life, or introduce a beginner to every genre of the sport. |
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I know segregation is frowned upon in the 21st century but I shouldn't have to have to read articles about bikes that cost less than $10K (USD). Can pinkbike create preferences like the one that eliminates having to read anything about the Kardashians so we don't have to hear about poor people's bikes? LOL JK
I would buy one...and put a $500 handlebar on it. LOL
www.pinkbike.com/news/fasst-company-announces-flexx-handlebar.html
User: We need reviews of affordable bikes!!!
PB: Reviews 4 bikes under $3000
User: (Insert complaint)
Me: Goddamn I hope I win something in the Christmas giveaway this year
And @headshot, don't worry, there are plenty of fresh reviews on the way.
On a sub $3k, I can unload the frustration on the day... and then I go for a ride on my $1,850 that is the most perfect piece of machinery crafted by humanity, until I face plant.
Thx PB for existing (no joke)
chrisk if I could give you + 10 kudos I would.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b71yUmWMQto
£300 bikes were as far out of range then as a $10,000 bike is now!
All it took was a sick paint job and some v brakes and it was game on.
Please note that Siskiu's geometry is rather "Asian". I am 171 cm (~ 5ft 9in) and my personal bike is Large-sized 29er version of T7. I guess "short" riders can still fit in medium just fine.
That sounds painful. Could you maybe just write the article about what bike you prefer and then leave it to us experts in the comment section to write the header for you?
p.s. You can get the Diamondback even cheaper on ebay or by looking up one of their discount codes; that should tell you something.
Never said they were junk or anything like that though.
www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Scout.cfm
Happy riding
All that said: My buddy bought a GX build Sentinel at the same time and the hub lasted about one ride...so I'm not exactly optimistic.
- Trance wheelset now 30mm inner width.
- Release shock now Fox Float DPS EVOL LV, Performance.
- Fork now Fox 34 Performance Float, Grip Damper
- And rubber now Maxxis DHF and DHR (EXO, TLR)
Richard or PBers - Would the Fox shock be a downgrade compared to RS Monarch Plus RC3 DebonAir ?
Pros:
No 29er option.
"old-school Sun Ringle Inferno rims were neither tubeless-ready nor wide enough for a modern trail bike."
People have been riding on trails just fine with 25mm inner width rims. That used to be a big increase over the narrower rims. What standard has RC set for a trail-capable wheelset? I know I'm doing just fine with my 22mm wheels.
To much BS being peddled these days.
While at the same time discovering that sometimes some of those cheaper parts (drivetrain, brakes, stems, bars, etc) perform pretty much the same as their bigger brothers... as long as you don't mind a drop in fit and finish and a little more weight.
www.specialized.com/us/en/mens-stumpjumper-st-alloy-29/p/154985?color=253566-154985
Would also make sense to include more of the competition, e.g. YT, Commencal, Canyon, and perhaps some low-specced expensive brands just to see how they compare.
Can you elaborate on why you aren’t a fan of the Schwalbe Hans Damp‘s? Do you consider them slippery in specific situations like tech climbs or fast cornering, or any and all situations? Interested in anyone’s opinion really. My home bike shop in Tennessee switched out a Maxis Ardent rear for a HD when I got to do some rockier riding on a tip to Cali and I’ve been pretty pleased.
NO.
When bicycles, and bike parts, start to reach cost parity with automotive products there is a major issue. IMHO.
The media sure is working overtime to try to justify these insanely high bicycle prices. Spin it all you want. It won't work on me.
Giant's wheels and dropper are top drawer. The dropper works better than my Thomson and the hoops run true almost a year later.
I can not say enough about this bike.
Sponsored riders who came down to ride my tours were sceptical and ended up adoring the bike and that included Trek, Rocky Mtn. and Lapperier riders all could not say enough about the bikes.
I found myself calling my Ibis Mojo twitchy after a month on my Trance.
This bike is a deal breaker for me on the lust worthy rides I really want. I lust for Evil and Yeti but they are no longer on my list as I now want Giant's Advanced rides and the new wider 30mm inner rims for 2019.
I can't believe how much I love this bike.
The cheaper drivetrains and alu frames work just as well as the top of the line stuff bar being a couple hundred grams heavier... Bikes have come a long way that the cheaper bikes are so capable, almost makes you wonder what you are spending your money on with the more expensive ones...
Though i kinda feel that the models selected are a little "exotic" (aside for the Trance), and there are many more obvious options to throw in there, it's still very well put.
Retail is 3350 Cad you get a dropper 1 by 11 gears revelation charger rc with debonair. metric truinon shock tubless ready wheels.
$ piston trp brakes and for 4000 Cad you get a yari nx 12 raceface cockpit a 150mm dropper and a coil rear shock for harder riders
agreed . you would have a hard time beating the specs and ride quality of this bike at $2499
for example: HTA too steep? upgrade the fork to a 160.
at this price point, there is room to upgrade/personalize the bike to your liking. i really like my Trance btw.
Fine. I'll settle for a PB staff downhill race on pre-1995 bikes to decide who will be crowned as the Elastomer Chancellor
It would be brilliant!
Also... you need to find a very generic frame, take any identifying stickers off, and have professional bikers to hot-laps on their reasonably priced bike.
www.youtube.com/channel/UCu8YylsPiu9XfaQC74Hr_Gw
Throw some 2000$ carbon wheels with a two year warranty and your good to go.
www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2444280