Looking to upgrade from a cheap Canyon Grand Canyon to something in the $3 to 4K range for east Coast trails.
When is the best time to buy?
Figured this was as good a topic as any for the new sub forum.
I’m not sure there’s any specific time of year. From my experience, the best deals are when a new model is coming out and the manufacturer wants to clear out the old stock. That often coincides with a big event like the Olympics, but not always. For example, Specialized just released the new Stumpjumper which is a completely different bike than the outgoing version. If you look around you might be able to find a really good deal on the previous version (which is a pretty solid option for east coast trails), although it seems like stock is getting pretty low.
Locally, stores ought to be putting things on sale in the next month or two. These are typically only modest discounts as the margin on bikes is relatively low.
With a $3 to 4k budget, you may be best served by looking at used (but well maintained) bikes on Facebook Marketplace. At retail, that amount can buy you middle of the road hardtails and lower-end full suspension bikes. By going used you’re getting lighter components, more durable wheels, and better performing suspension which is beneficial for control (again, if you go the full-suspension route).
In general, no idea, but I see that the Canyon USA site has the Lux Trail CF8 on sale right now for $3999 ($1000 off)
I think that would be a really nice bike for east coast style trails.
Transition Bikes has last year’s models on sale for big markdowns on their website. Stock is dwindling a bit but I just picked up the top-spec version of their Smuggler (140/130mm trail bike) for $2,500 off list. The Spur is their 120/120 XC bike and it looks like there are a few of those left as well.
I ended up buying a YT Izzo Core 3. Not getting it until November but the deal was great. Apparently it also comes with a Bernedoodle as that was the trade for the purchase with my wife. Our daughter left for college, so the dog is replacing her. :). I’ve wanted a Bernese Mountain dog for 30 years. So I was on board. My son gets to name it, so everyone wins.
Nice, I’m interested to hear how you like it. I had a Jeffsy a few years ago and looked hard at the Izzo before I landed on the Transition. I’ve heard good things about the Izzo and you definitely get a ton for your money with YT.
I can confirm that the Lux Trail is an awesome bike. It’s not a trail bike though, more of a marathon xc bike.
I have a Lux, and I like it for the most part but when I get my next MTB in the next year or two, I’m probably getting something different.
But when I think of east coast riding I think of very rocky and rooty terrain. If I lived that way I’d probably want a little more travel and would be more interested in a Rocky Mountain Element for a smidge more travel.
A Lux, or a Lux Trail 24 model? They are very different bikes. Probably more different than their travel numbers alone would suggest.
2023 Lux Trail CF 6 to be specific, is what I have.
What is it that makes you only like it for the most part? What are you thinking of changing to? The 2024 Lux Trail is a very different bike to the 2023 bike. The 2023 one was just a modified Lux, whilst the 2024 was completely redesigned as its own bike and addressed most of the criticisms of the old model. It’s still a marathon XC bike rather than a trail bike, but very different.
I’d probably look into an Allied BC40 or Rock Mountain Element being my top choices, and maybe an Epic because I have a few dealers nearby I could test ride one at… Although I’ve never particularly been a big Specialized fan in general.
Do all of the 2024 Lux’s have integrated storage? That’s probably a no go for me because I wouldn’t want to risk having to hear shit in there constantly rattling.
All of the Lux Trail’s have integrated storage, but not the Lux World Cup. I must admit, I love the storage, and have never had a single rattle from it. I store a TPU inner tube and tyre levers in the Canyon bag which fits snuggly in the frame, and then there’s a clip where I secure a CO2 canister. I also have a frame pump with a OneUp EDC tool in it. I’ve been absolutely stoked with the Lux Trail - at the price as well it was crazy good value. It’s surprised me how capable it is for an xc bike, though sometimes that’s a bad thing as I forget I’m on my 120mm travel and not my 170mm enduro bike until I get a very swift reminder as I pile into a steep Rooty section a bit quicker than I should!!!
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It’s too bad a test ride isn’t a realistic option, because you have me more interested in the new version of the Lux after what you’ve said about it.
Nice, any first ride impressions?
I’ve been enjoying my Transition Smuggler but it’s definitely most at home on downhill and/or fast, flowy trails. On punchy climbs and tighter technical stuff it feels a little long and sluggish, but I have an XC bike for that type of stuff.
One of my mates rides a Transition Smuggler and whilst it’s way more nimble than his enduro bike, it definitely isn’t an XC bike! Looks like a fun trail bike though, and if you were only having one do it all bike would be a good compromise.
It feels big but fast. I’m a $500 rider on a $3500 bike, so not the best reviewer. Rode 5.5 miles today with 750’ of climbing. I never rode this trails with my old canyon Grand Canyon. Might need to take it out for a spin to get a comparison.