How much for a good bicycle?

pep.fermi
pep.fermi Posts: 383
edited October 2023 in MTB buying advice
My sport #1 has always been running. Used to be better than most. Now I'm 50, often injured, and although I run most days I no longer compete.
Road cycling is my sport #2.
Now I'm getting into MTB too. Can't see MTB ever becoming sport #1 or #2.
Just entered my 1st MTB event, Heroes Dolomites, and I want to buy my first 29" hardtail.

I could afford the most expensive MTB on the market. But I don't want to. Not because I'm stingy (I am), but because after a certain level, it's just paying more for the sake of it. It would be "better" as sexier, posher, better looking, whatever.
Spending more than some threshold, I wouldn't ride more (no time), or "better", or more satisfied.
Keeping up with the Jones's or showing off the mates is not me.

For the record: my current roadie, Cannondale Synapse Carbon Ultegra, paid 2.5k€ 2yr ago (was 2yr old at the time, price new would have been 3.6k€). Couldn't be happier with it.

So realistically, how much would it be sensible to spend to have a good / very good 29" hardtail????????????

I know it's like "how long it's a piece of string". Ultimately, you spend how much you want, neither more nor less. But no harm asking....

Thanks,
Alberto

Comments

  • singleton
    singleton Posts: 2,523
    edited October 2023
    Are you based in Italy Alberto?
    In the UK there are some good deals around and you can get something like a 12 speed Specialised Chisel for half price - £1k instead of £2k.
    This would be a good xc bike for you to consider for your event.
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    Ok thanks.
    I'm neither baked not in Italy. Though I'm Italian.
    I happen to be in Germany.

    Thanks a lot for the answer. I take you mean 1k.
  • I've been looking recently for a new mtb, and had my heart set on an epic evo xc bike capable of taking "anywhere" (i.e. not FR/DH runs).

    Great price.... not a hardtail. Gets rave reviews from owners, worth considering:

    https://www.certini.co.uk/bikes/mountain-bikes/2022-specialized-epic-evo-comp-fsr-mountain-bike--satin-carbonoak__81357
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    Thanks a lot.
    I'm still oriented towards a hardtail, Carbon, used. Used or new is like cars, buying new is 90% down to paying for not having scratches (well, not having them yet). I rather buy used all the time, price-to-value simply too much better.
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 12,002
    Decathlon must be worth a look if you are after value for money.
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    @daniel_b
    Very good suggestion, thanks.
    I'm eager to buy used, same as with cars, value for money so much better.
  • Wheelspinner
    Wheelspinner Posts: 6,705
    Niner Air RDO, or Open One+ are pretty good race hardtails. Dunno about used prices though, not seen many available here.

    If you like Cannondale, the Scalpel maybe an option.
    Open One+ BMC TE29 Seven 622SL On One Scandal Cervelo RS
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    edited October 2023
    Thanks everybody.
    I want a hardtail, Carbon, good / very good, used.
    Prices I'm looking at near 1500eur.
    For the record, I am based in Germany.
  • OK. Staying with Certini.co.uk and I know these guys well.. they do ship abroad.
    This is what you're looking for..
    https://www.certini.co.uk/bikes/mountain-bikes/2022-specialized-epic-hardtail-mountain-bike--gloss-tarmac-blackabalone__81351#miv-1
  • photonic69
    photonic69 Posts: 2,871
    Does nobody actually read the OP's requirements for a USED bike???


    Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.

  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    Yes. My opinion is simply buying used, the value for money is simply so much better. Get two scratches on the frame and save 1000eur, yep I'm all for it.
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    edited October 2023
    Here my current shortlist

    Trek Procaliber 9.8 SL - 2018
    https://buycycle.com/en-gb/bike/procaliber-98-sl-2018-41570



    Bianchi Methanol CV S 9.1 - 2022
    https://buycycle.com/en-gb/bike/methanol-cv-s-91-gx-eagle-2021-27421


    Both used. Spec and price very similar.
  • Does nobody actually read the OP's requirements for a USED bike???

    Yep. But in this crazy world where two years old bikes are advertised at 60% of price new, and brand new are advertised at half price, why not point this out?
    Trying to help. Not offend!
  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383

    Does nobody actually read the OP's requirements for a USED bike???

    Yep. But in this crazy world where two years old bikes are advertised at 60% of price new, and brand new are advertised at half price, why not point this out?
    Trying to help. Not offend!
    OP here. Not offended. In fact, thanks a lot for the comment.
    But extremely few new bikes are 50% off, and only when the size spec color whatever are mostly ran out. Whereas 60% off for a 3yr old bike is kind of normal.


  • Just be careful buying a used carbon bike --- previous owner might have had a crash with no obvious (visual) signs of damage --- you go for ride, have a minor off, land a bit too hard off a drop, slightly case a jump, whatever and..... snap, possibly even an outing to hospital!

    I've seen it happen, carbon frames and wheels which must have suffered previous damage can be seriously weakened.... Some owners like to get rid after such events - maybe for peace of mind that it won't happen to them.
  • The price of a good bicycle can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and specifications you're looking for. Entry-level bicycles can start around $300, while high-end models with advanced technology and materials can cost several thousand dollars. It really depends on your specific needs and budget. Do you have a particular type of bicycle in mind?

  • The cost of a good bicycle can vary widely depending on several factors such as the brand, type, features, and materials used. On the lower end, you might find decent bicycles for around $200 to $500. Mid-range bicycles with better components and features could range from $500 to $1,000. High-end bicycles, especially those designed for specific activities like racing or mountain biking, can cost $1,000 to several thousand dollars.

    It's essential to consider your specific needs and the type of cycling you plan to do when determining how much to spend on a bicycle. Additionally, factors such as frame material (aluminum, carbon, steel), the quality of components (gears, brakes, wheels), and brand reputation also play a significant role in determining the price of a good bicycle. Keep in mind that investing in a higher-quality bicycle can often result in better performance, durability, and overall satisfaction with your cycling experience.


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