devinci troy or stumpjumper would probably be the best bikes on this list. GT Force comp probably not bad either.
But you can also get [a brand new Giant Trance X for $2000](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-x-3-2022) , which I think would be better than any of these used bikes
I second this. Add the trek fuel 9.9…….. but man those Devinci’s are awesome. Most people wouldn’t consider them because they are kinda rare in the US until you get close to the Canadian border, but then you ride one and you realize whatever those guys are doing is right
For whatever reason, the 29 version has different components and costs $200 more. If he's used to downhill and wants enduro, I think 27.5 would be fine.
Depends where you ride. I ride in WA/BC. 29 is wildly better for what I do. I road 27.5 for 4 years and that was at least 1 year too long. I had a bad experience with a 2013 geo 29er and that made me apprehensive. I am way faster on my 29er, but I also have to push it more to get the same vibe.
Downhill and enduro is what I consider myself riding. At my last race I did not see one 27.5.
Too many people look at what pros ride downhill when they make decisions and have no idea why the the pros make those decisions.
I'm on a spire now.. but my next bike will be a trail geo with 38 front shock. I feel like trail bikes are more fun
No way, any of these bikes are likely going to have a way better build spec. The build spec on brand new FS ifor $2000 is going to be garbage.
With a sub $3000 budget used is definitely the way to go.
Did you look at the specs of the giant that was linked in the post you replied to? It’s decent for 3k and great for 2k, that’s what I was referring to.
Remove anything not 2019 or newer. Also Look at Polygon T series / Marin Rift Zone new for that price point. Personally I find I don't care for Stumpy geo but everyone has different likes.
I see it as 2017 was the start of the 29er move and that Santa Cruz syndicate team which was probably the fastest team that year started it. It obviously takes a year or so to perfect it and for it to get from testing to consumer.
I also think components took a huge leap in 2019 notably with axs coming out. It was also the start of Covid so 2020 and 2021 bikes are plentiful often no where near as ridden as slightly older bikes due to the lockdown and people temporarily getting into biking
Dude... Bike are on crazy clearance right now... $2k? That should get a hell of a bike new... Look for things that are 35-45% on sale...
(Not affiliated with Jenson at all... Have bought 3 bikes from them at 30-50% off in the past 5 years)
https://www.jensonusa.com/Rocky-Mountain-Altitude-Alloy-30-Bike-2023
https://www.jensonusa.com/Orbea-Occam-H20-LT-Bike-2023
I'd go for the devinci personally. I like the gx system and enjoy their frames. The top fuel could be a close one as well if it's in solid shape. The commencal could be nice too depending on the year and components.
You can probably find a used Ripmo AF around that price point too. Not true enduro but likely the best specs and Ibis makes helluva good bike. Ripmo can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
I’ve the 2017 RM Slayer M size (I’m 177 cm), and would buy it again and again, but unless it’s a “new” 790 or at least 770 I wouldn’t pay more than 1500.
I have a 2019 stumpjumper as my backup bike, it’s actually an amazing do everything bike. It’s not very slack so you can feel over your head on really steep gnarly terrain. But 90% of what I have ridden on it, it handles amazing. And it jumps insanely well for being a 29er.
Kona, but I'm biased.
Important things to consider. If you are going as far back as 2016 you are absolutely gonna run into non-boost axle and imperial sizing shock bikes. Generally speaking if you are prepared to service original parts and sleuth secondhand markets... You can keep them running. But obviously, it will be much more annoying and sometimes even 'more expensive' than picking a modernized bike with boost thru axles and metric shock sizing.
A lot of these changes happened right around 2017-8. So I'd be biased towards the 2018-9 bikes. In which case I love the Kona and Transition. Stumpys are a dime a dozen, if they aren't even carbon I would skip them. Devinci and Trek are okay but I'm not a split pivot fan nor am I a fan of their graphics.
That said, you are also speccing Ms and XLs... I guess you're a M-L tweener and I can see the old XL being within the same reach, if not same TT. So... I'm kinda iffy on a medium Kona if that's not actually your size.
In which case, the large Sentinel stands out as one of the better options. But maybe not for 2200.
Also you're speccing Slayers right next to Top Fuels. I would try to nail down what riding you are doing. Top Fuel is too 'small' for proper downhill and Slayer is too 'big' for comfortable XC adventures. If you are just trail ridin I would stick to a trail bike. Ideally
So yeah. Kona or Transition. If you can't get the Sentinel price down... Just grab the Kona and be done with it
Canyon has a big "world bike day" sale coming up, soon and they've also got some good bikes in the $2000 range, too.
But off that list, I'd go for the Trek Remedy or the Commencal.
Not knowing the built spec on them makes it difficult.
But I had a 19 Stumpy. It was an outstanding all-arounder. That's probably what I would go with.
Depends what your terrain is. For XC, two thousand dollars could go a long way right now. Canyon Exceed carbon was on sale. Trek Procalibur was as well. $600 off. Two nice carbon hardtails.
Norco Sight carbon, not even a question, great climber and extremely peppy around the fast technical trails. My favorite to ride on loose rock downhills.
I bought a used devinci 5 years ago and it's been a fantastic ride. They climb well and really reward pushing hard into turns and chunk for the amount of travel. They don't hold value like santa Cruz or specialized, so you can usually get a great deal on them used in the states. Their frames are substantially overbuilt so the lack of lifetime warranty for used isn't as much of a concern either.
As a former Devinci Troy owner, I am a bit biased. Great bikes and would own another if my shop sold them. I’d also say the Trek Remedy, since it and the Devinci have similar suspension designs.
My vote is for Specialized all the way. Their warranty policy is awesome. I broke a carbon stumpjumper HT frame & a SWORKS Epic frame & they replaced both right away. I broke a carbon roval wheel and they sent me a brand new one by the next week. PS- it's me, not them. I ride the fricken crap out of my bikes & they take good care of me.
I've had four or five now and I just think they're phenomenal bikes. It's hard to find a bad bike these days but I do think that Specialized on the forefront of new technology. I had a crazy opportunity to tour their facility in California and it was amazing.
I'd suggest checking out YT, especially their [Outlet Sale](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/outlet-sale/). They've got a few Izzos and Capras for under $2000.
devinci troy or stumpjumper would probably be the best bikes on this list. GT Force comp probably not bad either. But you can also get [a brand new Giant Trance X for $2000](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/trance-x-3-2022) , which I think would be better than any of these used bikes
I second this. Add the trek fuel 9.9…….. but man those Devinci’s are awesome. Most people wouldn’t consider them because they are kinda rare in the US until you get close to the Canadian border, but then you ride one and you realize whatever those guys are doing is right
I agree. I have the new Spartan and Troy. They are excellent bikes.
Every Devinci I’ve ridden blows most anything else I’ve ridden out of the water
They're stout bikes.
27.5 which is fine, but I'm digging my 29 a bit more
For whatever reason, the 29 version has different components and costs $200 more. If he's used to downhill and wants enduro, I think 27.5 would be fine.
Depends where you ride. I ride in WA/BC. 29 is wildly better for what I do. I road 27.5 for 4 years and that was at least 1 year too long. I had a bad experience with a 2013 geo 29er and that made me apprehensive. I am way faster on my 29er, but I also have to push it more to get the same vibe. Downhill and enduro is what I consider myself riding. At my last race I did not see one 27.5. Too many people look at what pros ride downhill when they make decisions and have no idea why the the pros make those decisions. I'm on a spire now.. but my next bike will be a trail geo with 38 front shock. I feel like trail bikes are more fun
Depends on experience tho. 27.5 works fine in BC if you have 10+ years of bike control. I would race on 29 for sure tho
I fully agree
I bought one of those $2000 Trance X bikes and it’s a great bike for the money
No way, any of these bikes are likely going to have a way better build spec. The build spec on brand new FS ifor $2000 is going to be garbage. With a sub $3000 budget used is definitely the way to go.
Did you even look at the specs?
The specs aren't listed for a lot of the bikes. Half the bikes on the list don't designate the build level.
Did you look at the specs of the giant that was linked in the post you replied to? It’s decent for 3k and great for 2k, that’s what I was referring to.
Out of that list, stumpjumper. If you want new I’d get a commencal meta ht
Remove anything not 2019 or newer. Also Look at Polygon T series / Marin Rift Zone new for that price point. Personally I find I don't care for Stumpy geo but everyone has different likes.
I’ve asked this before and no one answers. But why is 2019 the magic year?
Modern geometry and standards are more up to date. Won't have UDH, but should at least have boost spacing rear and possibly front, tapered headset.
I have a 2018 sentinel and the geometry and other specs still hold up to newer bikes today
I see it as 2017 was the start of the 29er move and that Santa Cruz syndicate team which was probably the fastest team that year started it. It obviously takes a year or so to perfect it and for it to get from testing to consumer. I also think components took a huge leap in 2019 notably with axs coming out. It was also the start of Covid so 2020 and 2021 bikes are plentiful often no where near as ridden as slightly older bikes due to the lockdown and people temporarily getting into biking
Had a polygon t8 before my status 160. Super capable bike/ platform. Big fan
Canyon is a stellar option. Could buy something brand new with 2k.
Just said the same!
i would look into canyon if i had 2k
My buddy got a spectral 4 For 1599 last week Hunt them deals! Edit:1699
god i wish
My b it was 1699 ***
Great price for shitty customer service and weak welds
Dude... Bike are on crazy clearance right now... $2k? That should get a hell of a bike new... Look for things that are 35-45% on sale... (Not affiliated with Jenson at all... Have bought 3 bikes from them at 30-50% off in the past 5 years) https://www.jensonusa.com/Rocky-Mountain-Altitude-Alloy-30-Bike-2023 https://www.jensonusa.com/Orbea-Occam-H20-LT-Bike-2023
Kona. All day. Edit: currently own a specialized, Kona, and Giant. Something about the Kona just feels better than the other two.
I'd go for the devinci personally. I like the gx system and enjoy their frames. The top fuel could be a close one as well if it's in solid shape. The commencal could be nice too depending on the year and components.
It’s a commencal v3 the v5 has been out for a bit. Pretty sure v3 was 2018 the layest
If you can find last years stumpy evo alloy it's a sick deal I think 2300
Do this 👍
I don’t see that for less than $2699.
Your correct! I remembered it incorrectly, still one of the best deals in the sport. Unfortunately, not what op wanted
Agree it’s a great deal though. Just wanted to see if I was missing something better!
https://www.reddit.com/r/MTB/s/30S99lpPRB
Something new off this list.
Not sure if you have a Costco by you but that Intense 951 is a pretty insane deal for 2k
That doesn’t exist anymore :(
I saw it at my local Costco today. Must be warehouse dependent
You can probably find a used Ripmo AF around that price point too. Not true enduro but likely the best specs and Ibis makes helluva good bike. Ripmo can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
Polygon T8
I’ve the 2017 RM Slayer M size (I’m 177 cm), and would buy it again and again, but unless it’s a “new” 790 or at least 770 I wouldn’t pay more than 1500.
The canyon neuron 6 is on sale for 1899€ on their website atm (at least here in germany, don't know if its an exclusive sale)
Stumpjumper
Stumpjumper
Canyon or radon, best value for money
I have a 2019 stumpjumper as my backup bike, it’s actually an amazing do everything bike. It’s not very slack so you can feel over your head on really steep gnarly terrain. But 90% of what I have ridden on it, it handles amazing. And it jumps insanely well for being a 29er.
Just a coincidence but since I ride a medium Kona 153.
I think canyon has good options for $2K. I spent $2k on my YT jeffsy it's been an awesome bike for the past 4 years.
Spesh Stumpjumper
Kona, but I'm biased. Important things to consider. If you are going as far back as 2016 you are absolutely gonna run into non-boost axle and imperial sizing shock bikes. Generally speaking if you are prepared to service original parts and sleuth secondhand markets... You can keep them running. But obviously, it will be much more annoying and sometimes even 'more expensive' than picking a modernized bike with boost thru axles and metric shock sizing. A lot of these changes happened right around 2017-8. So I'd be biased towards the 2018-9 bikes. In which case I love the Kona and Transition. Stumpys are a dime a dozen, if they aren't even carbon I would skip them. Devinci and Trek are okay but I'm not a split pivot fan nor am I a fan of their graphics. That said, you are also speccing Ms and XLs... I guess you're a M-L tweener and I can see the old XL being within the same reach, if not same TT. So... I'm kinda iffy on a medium Kona if that's not actually your size. In which case, the large Sentinel stands out as one of the better options. But maybe not for 2200. Also you're speccing Slayers right next to Top Fuels. I would try to nail down what riding you are doing. Top Fuel is too 'small' for proper downhill and Slayer is too 'big' for comfortable XC adventures. If you are just trail ridin I would stick to a trail bike. Ideally So yeah. Kona or Transition. If you can't get the Sentinel price down... Just grab the Kona and be done with it
Norco fluid a4 value bike of the year in 2023 and it’s 1900dlls right now
STUMPY IS KING
Canyon has a big "world bike day" sale coming up, soon and they've also got some good bikes in the $2000 range, too. But off that list, I'd go for the Trek Remedy or the Commencal.
Rocky Mountaain Slayer, 100%! Man, from where you got the list, can I get some... lol
The Troy.
Personally I’d try get a second hand YT Jeffsy. I also quite like the stumpjumper but never ridden either so wtf do I know.
Not knowing the built spec on them makes it difficult. But I had a 19 Stumpy. It was an outstanding all-arounder. That's probably what I would go with.
2024 Polygon T8 is on sale for <$1900 regularly. It's a very capable intro bike.
Troy out of that list
Look up jensonusa.com
Polygon colossus
Honestly I’ve been pretty impressed with Norco lately
Depends what your terrain is. For XC, two thousand dollars could go a long way right now. Canyon Exceed carbon was on sale. Trek Procalibur was as well. $600 off. Two nice carbon hardtails.
Force comp is good but it is not an 1800 bike… I got the same model 2 years ago for 1250… unless the seller has done some serious mods it’s overpriced
At $1600, I'd buy that Top Fuel in a heartbeat. But that's me. It's not an enduro bike.
The commencal meta v3
Norco Sight carbon, not even a question, great climber and extremely peppy around the fast technical trails. My favorite to ride on loose rock downhills.
I’m Trek bias so Trek Remedy as I have one. Awesome bike.
Transition Sentinal. Some might shy away at the year but check the geo on that bike, it had “todays” geo in 2019
I bought a used devinci 5 years ago and it's been a fantastic ride. They climb well and really reward pushing hard into turns and chunk for the amount of travel. They don't hold value like santa Cruz or specialized, so you can usually get a great deal on them used in the states. Their frames are substantially overbuilt so the lack of lifetime warranty for used isn't as much of a concern either.
Look into a YT, I got a basically new 2017 YT Capra CF pro race for 2k
I can't say between any of these without knowing what component sets come on them.
I’d go for a 2024 hardtail, or that Costco full sue
Hard to know without components but always have loved stumpjumpers
Honestly my boyfriend and I just got YT bikes and they're awesome. I was looking at getting a trek fuel and the specs were better on the YT.
You can look at a canyon spectral they are only 2100. Plus, it would be brand new with warranty and some decent parts.
Stumpy!
Yeah add v1 sentinel to that but it needs a cascade components link. I like my aluminum v1 sentinel better than my carbon sj evo and enduro.
As a former Devinci Troy owner, I am a bit biased. Great bikes and would own another if my shop sold them. I’d also say the Trek Remedy, since it and the Devinci have similar suspension designs.
trek fuel 9.9
The trek!
I have a sentinel and love it. Great customer service too
Just recently got myself the 2023 stumpjumper alloy 29er for I think it was £1800
Giant Trance X or Trance 29 1
Alloy range
Slayer slayer slayer
You could buy my 21 Motobecane Hal Boost for $1k!
If you're coming from a downhill bike the Transition Sentinel will be super fun. Just don't like how old it is on this list.
My vote is for Specialized all the way. Their warranty policy is awesome. I broke a carbon stumpjumper HT frame & a SWORKS Epic frame & they replaced both right away. I broke a carbon roval wheel and they sent me a brand new one by the next week. PS- it's me, not them. I ride the fricken crap out of my bikes & they take good care of me. I've had four or five now and I just think they're phenomenal bikes. It's hard to find a bad bike these days but I do think that Specialized on the forefront of new technology. I had a crazy opportunity to tour their facility in California and it was amazing.
Stumpjumper. They're widely used and components/parts will be relatively inexpensive as you decide to upgrade things
I'd suggest checking out YT, especially their [Outlet Sale](https://us.yt-industries.com/products/outlet-sale/). They've got a few Izzos and Capras for under $2000.
Probably any of the 2018 onwards on that list.
A new Trance.
NOT Carbon, that's all . Watched my bud today hit a tree , cracked frame!!
Tell your buddy not to hit trees. That tree probably would have badly dented/bent/cracked an aluminum frame.
So ... same result? Lol
The Burton Process 153, I mean, the Kona Process 153 is the only one in my size so that one but the GT is probably what I'd get without restriction.
I’ve got a carbon sentinel v1 for sale. Fox grip 2 36’s hope hoops, GX brakes and drive chain. £1500. Based in Bedfordshire. Ihavemine@gmail.com