In need of a starter bike… I haven’t ridden since I was a kid, but I stumbled upon Carter road and got intrigued. So with no idea of what this trail had in-store for me (and without doing any research whatsoever) I took an old sporting-goods store quality bike out on the trail. Needless to say I had a blast, but it was very apparent that I was under-equipped.
So, I stumbled upon the SWAP site and started checking out what avid cyclists were riding and then set out on my normal channels to buying a new toy - Amazon & a google search. Surprise! I came up empty... I think I am on the right track after visiting my friendly local Trek dealer and I am currently torn between the Wahoo & the Marlin (am I on the right track). My original budget of two-hundred bucks got tripled, and as hard as it is to justify 600+, I am under the impression that I need that level of commitment to actually enjoy this sport. I get the feeling that if I cheap out, I’ll end up wasting a couple hundred bucks on junk and ultimately lose interest without giving it a fair shot.
- I am I correct in assuming $600+ is truly the entry level investment for this hobby or can I find a starter for 3-400, and if I fall in love with the sport, then put in the cash for a big boy toy?
- Am I on the right track investing in a brand new Trek Wahoo or the Marlin? I think I’d be really happy with a used bike as a starter, but I couldn’t find any (Craigs list didn’t look like a good option – but I could be wrong)
- If a new Trek really is the best way to go, will I actually use the lock out feature on the suspension of the Marlin or would I be better off going with the Wahoo (because no one uses that feature) and putting the price difference into “going tubeless”?
- Do you guys (and girls, no sexism) advocate going tubeless or is that a gimmick to squeeze another 80 bucks out of me?
I have tons of question and very few answers, please help!
I realize whining about a hundred bucks here or there must seem petty to a veteran of the sport who willingly drops two grand on a new rig (that he/she probably built from the frame up!). But, I am new to the sport and I realize that this form gives me access to a great wealth of knowledge. I really appreciate anyone who takes the time to help guide me through this awkward “All I know is that I know nothing” phase.