u/NickReddit17

Getting back into mountain biking and looking for a new bike.

- Budget: ~$2800 (can stretch a bit for the right deal)

- Height/weight: 5’11”, ~180 lbs (between M/L or S3/S4)

- Location/Terrain types: Maine (technical, roots/rocks)

Likely moving to South Florida within a year or so (flatter, XC-style trails like Markham and Virginia Key)

What I’m looking for in a bike:

- A very good condition used bike, will consider new ones

- Good for technical trails (Maine) but still pedals well (Florida)

- Fun/playful for jumps, drops, and boosting features

- Not overkill (don’t want too much travel for Florida)

- Ideally something I can progress on (especially in jumps/drops)

- Might occasionally ride park (Highland MTB park in NH), but not a priority

Open to both hardtail and full suspension.

Current bikes I’m considering:

- Transition Scout / Smuggler / Spur

- YT Izzo

- Marin Rift Zone

- Others in that category

Would love recommendations or thoughts on what direction to go (travel, geometry, specific models, etc.)

Hello all,

Today I rode a mountain bike for the first time in about 5 years after taking a hiatus during university and other life happenings.

I’m looking for feedback on my jumping skills since I never had access to dirt jumps until recently, and now have had the fire of passion for mtb reignited. Jumps were something I had very limited access/exposure to when I first began riding, so I was never able to progress on them and I am extremely motivated to do so.

The bike I’m riding is my dad’s Specialized stump jumper carbon, with 27.5 plus tires. I felt like the plus tires, only running 20 psi in the tires (or maybe that’s enough), the dirt feeling wet, slow and somewhat muddy worked against me a bit when attempting these jumps. I do think my technique mediocre, but would these conditions really affect me enough to where it would make a difference if I changed some of these variables?

Would I be better off waiting for a dry day, inflating tires more?

Also, if I’m looking for a trail bike to also ride dirt jumps with to hone my skills, are there any specs I should look for?

Any advice for improving my jumping skills would be greatly appreciated!

Best MTB for Maine and Florida Trails and Jumps

Tips for a new jumper