What is a good full suspension bike?

Question

I am a beginner and I have been riding my boy friends Teck. I need to get my own bike but I’m not ready to spend $1000.00 on a bike. I want a good bike for single track. Can any onr help?

Answer 1

Giant has a full susp. Yukon it is priced around $750/800, and was the winner in a recent mtnbike mag. shootout.

Any less money than that and you'll be on a hard tail or a used bike. For good used bike deals check on "craigslist" for bikes in your area.

Answer 2

Decent full suspension bikes aren't cheap.....so you can either save up until you have the cash ($800-$1300 will get you there with lots of choices), or you can look for a good used bike.  Whatever you do, please consider buying a good hardtail instead of a cheapie full suspension (the $250 to $400 range)...you'll hate those bikes.  

If your trails aren't too rough and if you don't mind learning to ride smart and/or aggressively, you could consider getting a good hardtail that will accept large tires.   Running a 2.3" - 2.5" tire in the rear (and the front, if you want) can really add a surprising amount of shock absorption, not to mention grip on corners and uphills.  They're heavy tires, but you can still end up with a decent weight for the bike overall, especially when you compare it to the weight of a full suspension bike.

There are also some suspension seatposts out there that can give you a little added cush if you go the hardtail route.  The only one worth considering is the Cane Creek Thudbuster...it's expensive but it works, and the others on the market are marginal at best.

I have both types of bikes (and a bunch of others) and have ridden lots of them over the years.  Honestly, a hardtail can be a lot of fun if you ride it correctly.  Big bumps or chatter bumps on the trail are where a full suspension is nice to have, but most of the time a hardtail is great and has a lot of advantages.  If you're riding the right way (on either type of bike), you won't be sitting on the saddle much anyway, so keep that in mind.  I'm not trying to sway you one way or the other, just some friendly advice.     :o)

Hope this helps some...good luck!

Answer 3

I would look for a used bike. Any new fs bike under a grand is gonna be kind of cheezy. I have a carbon cannondale raven that is a 1999 and it still rocks. I have seen them for sale on ebay/craigs list for 5 or 6 hundred. Many bike stores have some old rides to sell. You just have to look. Good luck.