Best Value XL or XXL Mountain Bike Brand

LAzzaClazza on 06/10/2020 - 10:58

My 14yr son is 6'4" and has well and truly outgrown his Medium frame MTB hand-me-down.
I want to get him an XL or 2XL MTB but something that will last a good while, not a cheap piece of crap that won't last a year.
Even 2nd hand, it seems like everything that ticks the boxes is $2k or more.

Are there any MTB brands which offer really good value?

I don't mean "I only paid $7k for this carbon frame work of art value", I mean "this brand is under $1k but has all the features you'd find in other bikes costing $3k value".

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • brendanm on 06/10/2020 - 11:43
    +2

    We have no idea what features you are after.

  • Maglia Nera on 06/10/2020 - 12:02
    +1

    Even 2nd hand, it seems like everything that ticks the boxes is $2k or more.

    Are there any MTB brands which offer really good value?

    I don't mean "I only paid $7k for this carbon frame work of art value", I mean "this brand is under $1k but has all the features you'd find in other bikes costing $3k value".

    The only that I can suggest is perhaps Polygon (via Bicycles Online) or Canyon - but as brendanm said you need to tell us what you're looking for in the bike e.g. hardtail or full suspension (good luck finding 1 under $1K with that), carbon or alum frame, gearing etc

  • lolz112 on 06/10/2020 - 12:07
    +1

    So what you're saying is you want something reliable and with all the bells and whistles but don't want to pay for it?

    You're not going to find many reliable bikes that have features of $3k bikes for $1k. There's decent competition with bikes and all the good brands spend money for research to make sure they're reliable. The cheaper bikes are cheaper because they take shortcuts in areas. These are usually in things that don't show up in the spec sheet that leads to a less reliable bike. If you want a cheaper build the I'd look at the online bike brands like Cell/Reid. If you want something reliable and not a cheap piece of crap you're going to need to dosh out the $$$. A middle ground might be going second hand or ditching some of the features of the $3k bike (e.g hardtail instead of dual suspension).

    The trek x-cal doesn't have dual and is priced around the $1.5k mark. Giant Talon stats at 600 and upgrades can be made to make it 1k

  • brotherfranciz on 06/10/2020 - 12:20
    +2

    Hmm, I'd say the first hurdle would be to actually find bicycles in stock, especially for someone who is 6'4"!

    As most others have said here, you'll probably be looking at second-hand. Be sure to do a thorough inspection for signs of damage from previous crashes.

  • trongy on 06/10/2020 - 12:21
    +2

    Normally at this time of year the new year's models (2021) would be in stores an you could hunt around stores for good deals on the previous year's (2020) models if there was remaining stock. However due to COVID bike sales world wide have been through the roof, there are shortages of new bikes and second hand bikes have increased in price. I suggest you check Bike Exchange as that's where a lot of bike shops list their discounted bikes. It looks pretty bare right now, but you might get lucky.

    "this brand is under $1k but has all the features you'd find in other bikes costing $3k value".

    That isn't going to happen. On the one hand the modern cheaper drive trains and brakes perform nearly as well as the more expensive components, just a bit heavier. On the other hand, cheap shock absorbers aren't even close to good ones. Engineering a reliable light weight frame with suspension in the rear is much more expensive than a solid rear end.

    If you want good value and reliability, you need exclude anything with rear suspension and look at hardtails only.

  • Whensday on 06/10/2020 - 12:29
    +1

    When I was looking at bikes a couple of years ago, Malvern Star was comparable quality frame, the components were almost identical to a particular Giant model, but the Malvern Star was about 30% cheaper.
    However, there's such a shortage in bikes at the moment it might be a case of just taking what you can actually find.

  • AustriaBargain on 06/10/2020 - 13:15

    Why is your 14 year old son bigger than most men of any age? What's your secret.

    • AzzaClazza on 06/10/2020 - 15:54

      We're early bloomers

  • [Deactivated] on 06/10/2020 - 13:54

    Best to determine what purpose he is going to use it for when determining how much to spend and what to buy. Above $500 you'll get something decent with reasonable componentry that should last a number of years if you a treating it right, primarily for pathway /commuting purposes. If you want to go off road the majority of time then I'd suggest above $1000. As someone else has mentioned you'll get more value & quality at a lower price point on rigid front suspension bikes at a lower price…..more suit cross country riding. Dual Suspension best to know what you are buying as they are more problematic given all the moving parts. For me $1.5-2k plus on a dual suspension is probably where you get something decent. Brand wise stick to your major brands Giant, Merida etc,. Study up your knowledge of Shimano's grading system of parts so you know how to compare.

    Also if you are considering second hand beware unless you know what you are looking at. Generally speaking you'll need to price in a new chain & cassette if it is 3 years old plus it is very hard to tell what is going on inside the hubs, bottom bracket…personally I wouldn't buy second hand and I know what I am doing.

    • AzzaClazza on 06/10/2020 - 16:00

      I'm trying to get him into riding more. The more comfortable it is, the more he is likely to take up as a hobby. He sat on someone's 2XL Trek on the weekend and fell in love but I explained it was that or a car when he's older.

      I'm riding a Merida Big 9 29" and I'm really happy with it, I lucked out and got it 2nd hand for a bargain so I think I'll just keep an eye out for another. Dual suspension would be great but I can't see it happening.

      Thanks for your input everyone!

      • Euphemistic on 06/10/2020 - 17:48
        +1

        MTB gets very specific in design. What is good, comfortable and quick on he flat won’t be as much fun going down - and vice versa.

        You need to buy fit for purpose. MTB Park and shuttle runs, get a downhill or all mountain rig. Cruising the tracks out the back of the house? Get a cross country hardtail. It’s not as simple as ‘buy an MTB for $2k, what’s best’

  • frondono on 06/10/2020 - 13:54

    Canyon is good value for money. Trek makes big bikes. Bikes online is good from a value perspective but might struggle for sizing.

  • Euphemistic on 06/10/2020 - 17:44

    $2k - hardtail. A dually at that price is well under spec.

  • Willco88 on 06/10/2020 - 18:11
    +1

    Bought an AVANTI black thunder for myself 6ft1 tall male they come in various sizes.

    They have disc brakes and plenty of gears with thick tyres and they are very easy to pedal long distances.

    Look into AVANTI mountain bikes should be around $500-$999 for MTB, can look online or at certain bike shops. I paid $599. Still going strong a few years on.

    • Euphemistic on 06/10/2020 - 19:06

      Yes, A good bike, but a basic one. Not really suited to hitting the trails day after day but perfect for regular riding. Each brand should have an equivalent model at a similar price.

  • Tango2alpha on 08/10/2020 - 12:33

    Cant go wrong with giant

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