Gear
Gear Guy
Q:

Can I get a quality dual-suspension mountain bike for $1,000?

I’m looking to upgrade my mountain bike to something in the $1,000 range. What’s the best choice for a larger rider (like, Clydesdale category) on cross-country and short adventure-race outings? Should I go for full suspension, or can I get more for my money with a front suspension? Harold Hanover, Maryland

Douglas Gantenbein
Jun 26, 2006
A: These days, prices of quality dualies are so low it’s ridiculous. REI (www.rei.com), for instance, sells its house-brand Novara Method 1.0 dual-suspension bike for about $1,200, which is a little above your price target=, but not much. It has a proven rear-suspension design to minimize bobbing when climbing, a Manitou Elite front fork and Manitou Radium rear, plus a decent-quality Shimano drivetrain. And it also has Hayes mechanical disc brakes. That’s pretty amazing! The aluminum frame can take plenty of abuse, so I doubt you can break it (disclaimer: I weigh 160 pounds and managed to break a mountain-bike frame last year, so you never know).

REI Novara Method 1.0

Novara Method 1.0


That said, hardtails do offer a little more for the money, plus a little less weight and a little better pedaling efficiency. I like steel hardtails because the softer frame actually works a bit like a fully suspended bike. Marin’s steel Eldridge Grade (www.marinbikes.com) has a Manitou front fork that’s a step up from the Elite, Hayes hydraulic brakes for a little better braking performance, and a higher-end mix of Shimano drivetrain components that includes a spiffy XT rear derailleur. At $1,070, that’s a lot of bike for the scratch. And you’d find it to be very comfortable.

I’d also suggest you look at Giant’s XTC (www.giant-bicycles.com). It’s an aluminum hardtail that comes with a RockShox Recon front fork, nifty SRAM twist-shifters, and Avid brakes (which, perhaps a little surprisingly, are caliper brakes rather than discs). The frame is light but tough. And it’s right at that magic $1,000 mark.

Have fun!

The votes are in: Check out the winners of Outside's 2006 Gear of the Year awards, including the year's hottest mountain bike.

Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.
Contribute to Outside →
Lead Photo: courtesy, REI
More Gear