r/Hardtailgang

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.)

I'm buying a new MTB for trail riding in the UK - rolling hills, all weathers. Intermediate rider - nothing too scary! Currently have a Voodoo Bizango which is beyond repairing anymore. Budget around £1500.

Looking at what is in stock in my size I've narrowed down to 3: On paper I think the Cube looks the best spec and is a little cheaper than the other 2 but keen to hear other people's thoughts.

Cube-Reaction-TM-Pro-2026 - £1500

Sonder-signal-st-deore - £1550

Orbea-laufey-h30-2026 - £1600

Hello Guys,

I just snagged a Giant Fathom 1 on sale for $999, I was initially going to buy a GT Zaskar LT Elite but this deal was too good to pass up on. Anybody own any of these? I can't find much reviews anywhere, how is the upgradeability like? I was thinking on throwing up a fox 34 performance with the saved money or upgrade with a better drivetrain. Any thoughts?

So with the recent post about the new Surly hard tail, I can't help but notice that it seems like manufacturers all seem to be converging on a similar frame design for their serious hard tails. The Trek Roscoe, the Surley, the Yeti, the Orbea, etc. They all look like they are carbon copies of each other. Is this just because that's an optimal design for HC hard tails or are they just copying each other because it's easier than developing their own model?