Beginner MTB Recommendation?

[Balduccimoto]

Trek has changed their format to where the bike size determines whether it has 27.5 or 29er wheels. I am loving my Trek EX9 27.5 FS. I ride really tight trails locally and it just flips through there with ease vs my 2 29ers.

Yeah the guy at the store told me that. I checked out the diamondback hook in a small with 27.5 wheels.. It fit me pretty good, but I was a bit disappointed in it. It didn't feel like something that was quality (in comparison to the trek x-caliber 7). I think it is worthwhile to break out the extra $350 and get something in the $1000 range. I also saw the Ghost Kato 5 at REI, very nice bike but I am not 100% committed to spending $1100.. yet..

 

[Vumad]

Yeah the guy at the store told me that. I checked out the diamondback hook in a small with 27.5 wheels.. It fit me pretty good, but I was a bit disappointed in it. It didn't feel like something that was quality (in comparison to the trek x-caliber 7). I think it is worthwhile to break out the extra $350 and get something in the $1000 range. I also saw the Ghost Kato 5 at REI, very nice bike but I am not 100% committed to spending $1100.. yet..

I think moving into the $1000 range is a good choice. Think of it like buying a superjet instead of a 650sx, but not quite a rickter yet. Dont worry about how much you are spending, but rather how much you can sell it for if it is the wrong bike. If you buy a $1000 bike, ride it twice, hate it, sell it for $950, youve gotten 2 rentals $25 each. Focus on the investment, not so much the price.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Yeah the guy at the store told me that. I checked out the diamondback hook in a small with 27.5 wheels.. It fit me pretty good, but I was a bit disappointed in it. It didn't feel like something that was quality (in comparison to the trek x-caliber 7). I think it is worthwhile to break out the extra $350 and get something in the $1000 range. I also saw the Ghost Kato 5 at REI, very nice bike but I am not 100% committed to spending $1100.. yet..

Stay away from Big Box Store Bikes. Stick with your LBS. (Local Bike Shop)