Been on Specialized for years. Trying not to spend 7k. More like less than half that.
There’s always a few deals from shops at the year end. Keep looking online at dealers for the bike you want. If you don’t know what you want, go demo-ing, then check e-bay. Careful with used MTB’s make sure the bike hasn’t been ridden by anyone under age 35, feel out whether the thing has been thrashed. You will probably see some sweet deals in this economy. People desperate to off load inventory etc. As for bike brands that are good values. I like some of the labels not on everyones shelf. Niner bikes, Salsa, Turner, Ibis, Pivot etc. Maybe not the ones you’ll be able to find in a shop to demo, but great builders and quality service. Think about a 29er if you’re over 6’.
I like my fuel.
If you’re looking for a 100-120 mm travel bike look at a hardtail 29er. Lighter, faster according to velonews, and cheaper.
Between running tubeless and a bit of wheel flex, a 29er hardtail is going to be as comfortable as a fs 26 inch bike.
I’ve been very happy with my Niner Jet 9, which is a fs 29er and has been recalled and I’m getting a deal on an air 9 which is a scandium hardtail. I’m looking forward to racing it this winter in the local winter tri series.
Say hello to the all-time bang for the buck FS mtb:
I have the SantaCruz Blur XC and like it. You could get into the carbon xc for that range… if not the superlight, etc.
However, if I was to do it all over again (or add to the bike collection) I would get a hardtail 29er as suggested for racing… especially Xterra.
That being said, if my focus was racing but I absolutely had to have full suspension… I would have to go with the Canondale Scalpel (any model up to whichever price point you wanted).
I have a Santa Cruz Blur XC. I like it. Don’t listen to the lies about hard tails being faster than full suspension. Bonktown has been throwing out a Titus full suspension ride quite often lately. I don’t remember which model. I think ~$2k.
I have spent a lot of time on 26" both HT and FS, and on 29 HT including a 24 hour race. Despite what many claim, in my experience, the 29’er hardtail is not as comfortable as a well set up 26 FS on rough courses, more comfortable than a 26 HT, but in no way is it suspension.
The Santa Cruz Superlight would be a good choice, along with any of the bikes from the major manufacturers like the Trek Fuel, Specialized Epic etc.
Kevin