Newb New to Tassie

Hello, newb needs some advice. Just moved down to Hobart from SE Qld. Only ridden a hard tail on forest trails/dirt roads. Now it seems Tassie is the place for real mountain biking, therefore a full suspension is on the cards. I am 46 years old 6 foot 2 110 kilo guy so can't see myself doing large jumps/drop offs, but you never know. So a trail bike seems the go. Just don't know whether to go an XC orientated Trail bike like the Canyon Neuron or an Enduro orientated trail bike like the Canyon Spectral, Commencal meta TR 29, or Polygon Siskiu T7/T8.
I definitely want a 29er, and am thinking due to my weight and fitness ability I may want SRAM eagle gears, but what will I notice more? The up hill climbing ability between the bikes mentioned or the downhill fun factor? I do like up and down as that's all I've done but geez I would love to try some down hill at Medena or Derby. My budget is around $3000, I don't think I want to spend much more as the wife will kill me.
Hoping there are some locals on here that can advise me on whats best for the Hobart area.
Cheers and thanks in advance.
 
Yes nice bike with a great price. Just thought it was overkill as a trail bike for me. But as you say if it climbs ok it doesn' matter. Flow bike review says it can work as an all rounder due to its conservative geometry. Worth a thorough look.
 

hellmansam

Likes Bikes and Dirt
if most of your riding isn't going to be Maydena type hectic double black diamond rated, the Siskin N8 above should be a good all rounder. Then hire something bigger for a Maydena visit and see if you feel the need to go bigger
 

ozzybmx

taking a shit with my boobs out
Above would be a great start, good price and great bike for the price.

It will not be your lifetime bike, you will move in a different direction pretty quickly, you will be looking a faster bike for XC level stuff or a bigger bike for more gravity orientated trails.
Every one of us has went through the same stuff, its all about finding the best starting place and working out what way you want to go from there... if you go both ways, then commute, then gravel, then you end up with 6+ bikes... and still looking at more.

With the initial drop in price of a new bike, the one above should be a small loss after a year compared to a more expensive one as there more buyers at that price point, similar to yourself.
 

nzhumpy

Googlemeister who likes bikes and scandal
Get that Polygon if the budget is 3K, you won't find a better new specced bike for that.

You're living on an island with some big hills...the only thing that'll make the ups easier is a chairlift or a very accommodating Mrs, so trying to save a kg or two is a false economy when you'll still be knackered when you get to the top of said hill on a 10kg XC whippet or a 14kg plow...the smile at the bottom however will no doubt be bigger with machete rather than the scalpel.
 

rangersac

Medically diagnosed OMS
Hobart local here, and not far off either your weight, height or age!! Basically there’s no avoiding decent climbs here unless you want to limit yourself to a few tracks so your suggestion of a mid travel 29er is on the money. I have a 140mm fork/ 130mm shocked Intense Primer and it’s a pretty much do it all bike, unless you hit the really nasty stuff at Maydena or Derby (I’ve got a Cotic Rocket for that ), so I’d suggest something along those lines. You are welcome to meet up and check it out. Otherwise riding buddies have the Spectral and rate it. Only other point I would make is to choose a fairly burley frame rather than something that’s trying to shave weight as us big boys add some force.
 

hifiandmtb

Sphincter beanie
Get that Polygon if the budget is 3K, you won't find a better new specced bike for that.

You're living on an island with some big hills...the only thing that'll make the ups easier is a chairlift or a very accommodating Mrs, so trying to save a kg or two is a false economy when you'll still be knackered when you get to the top of said hill on a 10kg XC whippet or a 14kg plow...the smile at the bottom however will no doubt be bigger with machete rather than the scalpel.
That's my thoughts too.
 
Well the consensus is unanamous, a longer travel trail bike is the way to go. I was worried if I got something like the Neuron it would be dissapointing down hill. Really liked the look of the N series Polygon but discounted it due to it being an Enduro bike. Realistically though would you notice the difference climbing btw say the Polygon N8 to the T8. What is the travel, 2 cm difference, so probably not.
 
Hobart local here, and not far off either your weight, height or age!! Basically there’s no avoiding decent climbs here unless you want to limit yourself to a few tracks so your suggestion of a mid travel 29er is on the money. I have a 140mm fork/ 130mm shocked Intense Primer and it’s a pretty much do it all bike, unless you hit the really nasty stuff at Maydena or Derby (I’ve got a Cotic Rocket for that ), so I’d suggest something along those lines. You are welcome to meet up and check it out. Otherwise riding buddies have the Spectral and rate it. Only other point I would make is to choose a fairly burley frame rather than something that’s trying to shave weight as us big boys add some force.
Thanks rangersac, do you think the N8 is a good choice and is the frame burly enough for my weight? Cheers
 

LPG

likes thicc birds
Unless you are 60-70kg fit rider the bike weight won't be much concern. 2kg of bike weight is less than 2% difference to the weight you pedal up hill, and usually means one that is a lot nore comfortable and confidence inspiring on the rest. A lot of people find climbing difficult technical climbs on trail and enduro bikes easier than the XC bikes. These days XC bikes are much more specialised and only really suit racing and easy trails. They don't really offer much for someone like yourself.
 

Ultra Lord

Hurts. Requires Money. And is nerdy.
Seriously for that price the polygon is the go.

And if you do wanna change it up, you can just frame swap later on once you’ve spent more time riding and have a better idea of what you want.
 
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link1896

Mr Greenfield
Seriously for that price the polygon is the go.

And if you do wanna change it up, you can just frame swap later on once you’ve spent more time riding and have a better idea of what you want.
No no. New bike time then. Everyone needs at least one bike in each category

Still cheaper then being a couch slob that gambles, drinks and smokes.
 

Plankosaurus

Spongeplank Dalepantski
A 120-140mm travel trail bike would cover you for 80-90% of your riding. I know plenty of people that only have that and don't feel they're missing out (I don't subscribe to this myself though).

I've got an intense spider that weighs in at a fairly portly 14kg and has 130mm rear / 140mm front travel and it's my "xc" bike. I have other bikes that are nicer down a hill or lighter and quicker from a standing start, but this is the complete package. On a 2hr plus ride it's the ducks nuts and does pretty much everything with surprising competency.



And I know this is all over rotorburn already, but it's full of super important information for a budding mountainbiker:


Sent from my G8441 using Tapatalk
 

rangersac

Medically diagnosed OMS
Thanks rangersac, do you think the N8 is a good choice and is the frame burly enough for my weight? Cheers
No way you'll beat that price. If the T8 cost less I'd say go for that, but given the sale price get the N8. Sure, you'll be way overbiked for most things, but it'll be a shed load of fun going down!!
 

Nambra

Definitely should have gone to specsavers
There’s something weird going on with the bicycles online website. On the N8 page it links to the T8 with a discounted price of $2,499, but the T8 page lists it at $2,999?

I’d go a mid travel 29er over the N8, based on OP’s description of his riding experience. The T8 or maybe the Spectral AL 5.0 look good for the money. Plenty of good second hand stuff around too, even interstate via the Rotorburn postal service.
 
There’s something weird going on with the bicycles online website. On the N8 page it links to the T8 with a discounted price of $2,499, but the T8 page lists it at $2,999?

I’d go a mid travel 29er over the N8, based on OP’s description of his riding experience. The T8 or maybe the Spectral AL 5.0 look good for the money. Plenty of good second hand stuff around too, even interstate via the Rotorburn postal service.
I have noticed that as well with bicycles online. Their pop up ads sometimes have a lower price, then you click on them, taking you to the website and its back up to the normal price.

Thanks everyone for their input. It is just what I needed. I couldn't make up my mind as there are so many options. The thing holding me back from the T8 is it doesn't have the big 50 tooth gear. So the N8 is looking more and more the bike for me.
 

born-again-biker

Is looking for a 16" bar
I just re-read OP's initial post. A few things stood out to me...

Here's what I would do, in this order. Today.

  1. Buy the XL N8 for $2800 (un-f@cking-believable VFM)
  2. Order the following items from MtnBikes Direct:
- 1 Maxxis Minion DHF 29 Exo
- 1 Maxxis Minion DHR 29 Exo
- 1 set of OneUp flat plastic pedals
- chain lube, Stans Sealant
- Any riding gear you might need (i.e. - better helmet, decent gloves, knee pads, shoes, shorts with bum foam?)
  1. Go to Bunnings buy this tape (or the narrower version of it) for your rims: https://www.bunnings.com.au/bear-48mm-x-25m-clear-all-weather-tape_p1661582
  2. Take delivery of awesome enduro bike (for less than initial budget!).
  3. Build & light-off medium sized fire in backyard / gutter / neighbours' yard...wherever. Remove tyres from bike & place in fire.
  4. Fit new Minions, tubeless, to bike.
  5. Head to nearest trails and have more fun than you ever thought possible
  6. Send me a PM when you're riding in the North so we can go for a spin!
 
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