What is the best full suspension entry level mountain bike?

Question

I don't have a huge budget to work with. I've checked out three fairly inexpensive full suspension mountain bikes.

1. IBEX Ignition Sport - $699.00
2. K2 Base 2.0 - $814.00
3. Iron Horse Warrior 6.0 - $799.00

What are the opinions on any of these three bikes. Any suggestions for an entry level full suspension mountain bike? I really don't want to buy a hard tail, but then again I don't have a big budget to work with. What is the best built, most reliable bike, with decent components that I can purchase fairly inexpensively?

Answer 1

With this budget get a hard tail it will be better spec'd, but if you have to have a dual susp. check out Giant's Yukon FX, same price range and it gets rave reviews for an entry level bike.

Answer 2

Best Entry Level Full Suspension Mountain Bike

Answer 3

Usually, an entry level hardtail will be better than an entry level full suspension. The deal about full suspension when theyre cheap is that the shock will likely work pretty lousy, will be heavy and not really work to provide the traction and control that a mid to high level full suspension bikes. But if the Kikapu is in really good shape, then that's a good price, I think. But I would think that the Kikapu I wouldn't consider as an entry level bike, meaning that the msrp will likely be a lot higher. So you do have a nice choice.

Answer 4

There are no entry level F/s bikes that will come speced with more than entry level components, Period! Deore or Deore LX or Sram X5/7 and even 7 is a stretch. If I had to choose between these that you have chosen (I own two IH bikes now) and the K2 Base is also made by IH and this is the one I found here: http://www.rei.com/product/761433?cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-761433&mr:trackingCode=9E68CF50-0305-DE11-96D7-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA It is speced sufficient enough to get the job done for your needs and the IH 6. here: http://www.rscycle.com/2009-Iron-Horse-Warrior-6-0?CAWELAID=232401901 There isnt much difference between the two and I would steer toward the K2 more so. The IBEX does not even deserve honorable mention here! Go with the K2 but remember, you cannot use either of these two bikes for more than AM and singletrack use as they are not built for jumping (much) or DH/ FR whatsoever ...you will destroy them if you use them for this!

Answer 5

Go to Craig's List and buy a nice used F/S for your budget. I bought a Gary Fisher Cake 2 F/S last year that was rode 4 times for $575 w/ a new set of riding shoes and shock pump. Dont get hung up on new since in this economy people are selling bikes in droves!



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Answer 6

Personally, if your budget is less than 1500 the best thing to do would be a to get a hardtail. But if you need a FS check out the Mongoose Otero Elite. Another thing is those bikes are heavy as hell. But to each his own i guess. If you do decide to get a HT though you'll have a larger range. you might be even able to score something with an xt or xtr group.





Actually check out jensonusa.com

Answer 7

With that budget, you can either get a really bad full-suspension bike, or a good hardtail, I mean, what do need a full-suspension for? If it's just to look cool, don't get it, it's just extra weight. I got a 2009 Gary Fisher Marlin Disc for $799.99 and it's a terrific hardtail. You should go to your LBS and ask them about the bikes and try them out and everything.

Answer 8

I have a trek 820 and i don't know what full suspension means but it is for sale. Seems like a sturdy bike.Maybe someone here could help me, i cant get the stem off the fork, anyone know a trick, i posted a question on here. and if any questions about the one for sale let me know i have 2 and a giant that is good but 4 years old for sale.

Answer 9

If you want a full-susp be ready to spen 1800-2500 new. Get a good hardtail for around 700.

Answer 10

I like the Jamis Dakar XC. Great value for the performance.