best bike under 2K

[ecwashere7]

I wish I could drop 4 grand on a bike, but it's just not realistic (newborn twins at home). I was hoping to spend under 2K. Actually more like 1500 I love the idea of a trail bike with plenty of travel (love going down) that still climbs well (hate that part).

So what bikes are a good value but still ride well? I live in Nashua, but was thinking of checking out a variety of bike shops.

I'd love your suggestions on a solid full-squish rig for around 1500 and any recommendations on a good shop in the southern NH or Greater Boston area would also be appreciated.

Thanks for your help.

[Jisch]

I think $2K is just about the lower end of a truly usable full squish bike, but I think just about all manufacturers have bikes in that range. Check out the Giant Anthem X 29 3 (I think that's right about $2K), or the Specialized Camber 29er - both solid builds. Of course I have no idea of what you are really looking for - both of those bikes are on the XC/AM side of things, you may want something more aggressive.

You may want to look at demo bikes too - I got my Niner RIP9 for $2100 - it was a demo bike that had less than a season of riding on it. I saw Hammerhead bikes (mail order) had their 2011 demos for sale the other day for that same price point (thereabouts).

[wiggum21]

Check out the 2012 Kona Tanuki Deluxe. Kona just dropped the price on those to $1999. The straight Tanuki is around $1299 after their price drop. With the Deluxe you are getting a better wheelset (Easton XC), better fork and brakes. I have a 2011 Tanuki Deluxe that I got as a leftover for short $$ and I absolutely love it. Goes down just as well as it does up. JRA cycles is a great shop in Medford that does Kona if you want to take a look. You can even demo one there for a small fee and they apply that towards your purchase if you decide to go that way. You will get plenty of input on this forum as well. Lots of knowledgable people on here. Good luck! I will be curious to see what you go with as I was in the same boat as you last year as far as budget and little ones at home.

[Jisch]

A friend of mine just got the Tanuki and loves it, I forgot about that bike.

[ktmdad]

You really need to give us a bit more info. How big/tall are you, what travel bike you are looking for, 26 or 29 or 650B even. Any favorite brands you really like?

The web is full of great bargains both new and used and you need to just start calling dealers to see what they have leftover. I just picked up a new 2010 leftover 17.5" Gary Fisher Roscoe 1 for my son for $1500 from Bike Alley in Worcester MA. Original retail was about $2800. They had 1 left in that same size a few weeks ago, it's a 140mm travel bike with full warranty and it gets great reviews. They had a bunch of other bikes in their closeout room also in 26 and 29 sizes.

[ecwashere7]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I'd say I'm either an advanced novice or an intermediate rider. I can handle a lot of descents but I wouldn't call my technical abilities or my pace to be that stellar (I couldn't really keep up with the intermediate ride at NEMBAfest). I'm 6'1" 200 lbs. and I currently ride a Scott Scale 50. I've really liked it, but my propensity to bomb down hills makes me think a full-squish would add to the fun and improve my chances of maintaining my pace through the roots and rocks. I haven't really decided about 26er or 29er. I've ridden a couple 29er hardtails and I wasn't a big fan. It might have been that I was just more comfortable with my own bike.

[Fitch]

Another thought, buddy, is to mark off time to do some of the NEMBA rides where the demo bikes are there. When I did that, I ended up with my Trek FS.

I think the Fells opening day has some demo stuff coming up!

[bikerdom]

$1999 Marin Full suspension 29er.
http://www.marinbikes.com/2012/bike_..._Zone_29er_XC6

[xxxcore]

You can get a lot more bike for your $$ if you go gently used - check out PinkBike - they have loads of bikes listed - you won't be disappointed.

[homegrown]

http://www.dgcycles.com/ This is a new shop in Londonderry(apple tree plaza)Shaws plaza.He may have some gently used if you choose to go that route or new.Great local guy who rides a lot locally with a good staff. I started using their shop recently and very happy with the service.