5 Best Mountain Bikes Under $800 - 2021 Mountain Bikes!

[@garrettdeal4220]

the vitus nucleus 2021 is out now

[@CobraKyle]

It sure is! I was looking over it yesterday. It's pretty much the same for 2021. They did change the crankset from the Suntour Zeron to a Shimano Deore which is a nice change. Handlebars are now the Nukeproof Neutron V2's, but everything else is essentially the same. It's a pretty sweet red color now though. Pricing did go up to $799 however. Still a good deal, but would be awesome if they kept it at $749.

[@garrettdeal4220]

yea definitely should’ve kept the same price.

[@CobraKyle]

@@garrettdeal4220 Not sure if you saw the 21 Sentier VR for $1,300. It's a really nice bike.

[@garrettdeal4220]

oh yea definitely i looked at their whole line up but i’m looking to buy my first real mountain bike so 1300 isn’t a good budget for me

[@TheOlafmetal]

Currently out of stock. Sold out already or?

[@jayboy1860]

Finally someone living in the real world with respectable prices for a good bike

[@CobraKyle]

Wait....you don't want to spend $7,000 on a bike? lol. I'm glad these videos help people get into biking!

[@justincesarski314]

@@CobraKyle correct

[@rodrigokarmo1142]

YESSSSS

[@rodrigokarmo1142]

YESSSSS

[@ohtug]

Yeah it’s not just BUDGET BIKES UNDER 5,000 DOLLARS

[@gordonbombay676]

Just wanna add a real world review. I bought a very lightly used Giant talon 2 as my first bike and that thing took a beating. I rode bmx growing up. The talon took repeated bunny hops, ledge drops, stair drops etc. I do recommend upgrading to an air fork and getting a dropper seatpost but the majority of the bike was all there and great. I ended up upgrading bikes once i realized i really liked bombing trails but the talon with a few upgrades took A LOT of abuse on the trails. Great starter bike for someone just getting into MTB's or not really sure they want to spend big money. I was really impressed with my Talon 2. So impressed i kept it after upgrading bikes.

[@BNN-hy7iz]

Thank you for your input... I was looking at comparable bikes to the Giant Talon 2. I was checking out Specialized and Cannondale bikes in the $500 to $700 range. I live in western NY.

[@BNN-hy7iz]

I did test ride the Talon 2

[@blockin9556]

Talon is now 750 and not 500

[@enzyum7586]

I love the way you have chapters some people don't have this and it just makes it a lot easier to navigate you way around the video

[@righteousone8454]

I bought Specialized Rockhopper Sport 2018 model for $499. Then upgraded it to BMX handle bars, so arouns $619 that was in July 2020. Best deal ever. Hydraullic brakes. Reliable brand. Upgraded to 2.3 wheel up front and 2.1 in the back.

[@oswaldo8790]

Could you make a updated list of the $1,200 budget once more 2021 models get announced

[@CobraKyle]

I sure can! I'm keeping my eye out for 2021 models as they release and should have that out in the next couple months.

[@alexgagne2979]

You go one model up on these. Kona mahuna, talon 0, rockhopper elite

[@cwd08]

@@CobraKyle specialized fuse!

[@TonyPuleo1]

Hey Man, with everyone trying to be so-cool-online...I admire how humble you are. Your explanations are very clear as well. Great video.

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks Tony! That's really kind of you to say!

[@TonyPuleo1]

@@CobraKyle I subscribed to You

[@watchmymonkey]

Super helpful video. Unfortunately the Talon 2 in Canada comes with a 2x8 drive train instead of the 1x9 like in the USA. The Rocky Mountain Soul is a great looking bike, but the stand over height is about 1.5" higher than Talon 2, so for shorter riders or kids, it may be something to consider.

[@ericsmith2283]

I found the Giant Talon 2 29er in large in Suprise, AZ a month ago (after paying on Giant website), and love the bike. I had also looked at Cannondale, Norco, Trek, Marlin, GT, Diamondback, and more, and very glad with my decision.

[@smackinbaits6693]

Rocky Mountain Fusion 10 is what i'm keeping my eye on. It looks really good and I've heard good things.

[@camblack3680]

I Picked one up, super nice

[@juiswhoiam1149]

@@camblack3680 im picking mine up tomorrow. How do you find not having the lockout on the fork tho?

[@lambertj.2892]

I bought one today. The black and gray model. It's awesome!! Paid $727.

[@NotPeteMcCabe]

I bought my Talon 2 in December and I love it.

[@konstantinospapoulidis6375]

Talon 2 or merida big trail 200

[@konstantinospapoulidis6375]

??

[@NotPeteMcCabe]

@@konstantinospapoulidis6375 I don't know the Merida. But my suggestion in general is to start by picking the bike shop that you think is the best, and then buy whichever brand they have in your price range. Bike shops vary more than bikes do.

[@jeygee3736]

@@NotPeteMcCabe most of the big brand bike shops are always sold out and better chances of finding certain bikes in smaller shops but for talon 2 most shops have this.

[@piezoman79]

Best advice for anyone looking for bikes in the

[@paulstarr6001]

Thank you for your very informative video. You've made my mind up. It's the vitus for me.

[@CobraKyle]

Nice! I'm glad the video was helpful!

[@thomasbernier5551]

One of my friends has the 2020 kona fire mountain and another has the 2021 Kona lava dome and they love them.

[@CobraKyle]

Glad to hear that! Those Kona's are really nice!

[@harrygrimley4352]

But. Which one is best.

[@thomasbernier5551]

Harry Grimley I think the 2021 is better because it have a one by

[@ChadLudlow]

good to see someone covering the bikes that our younger generation and newer riders can afford.

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks! It can be overwhelming looking on KZbin for bike reviews as most publications cover the nicest and most expensive stuff. I'm happy to discuss bikes that the average person can afford!

[@mtbboy1993]

2:09 i ride a bike with coil front and back ,and love it, no need to adjust air pressure, have a shock pump with you. if might get annoying so much I had to do it, in the winter, the pressures change a lot, after few minutes bikes is barely rideable, cus the pressure gets so low. I am glad I am back on coil after many years way from coil. but now I have high end suspension, and not cheap pogo sticks, with plastic caps, dials.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@jeremybrown8933 nowadays with modern frames and shocks you can run what ever you want. most frames work well with both these days, anyway there are tuning options, progressive springs. you are right about the pogo stick thing, a damper is a must have on suspension.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@jeremybrown8933 my fork can be setup to be very harsh, firm, if I want to, just turn hydraulic bottom out control up to max, turn both compressions to max and I have about a rigid fork. 😀 So far 5 flicks of rebound and zero compression, no bottom out control feels fine. I have Fox 36 with Vorsprung Smashpot coil conversion, have EXT Storia Lok v3 shock, lovely, so far if you look it up it seems like the best shock on the market. I haven't tried progressive coils on my bike, nor adjustable springrate coil. I forgot what it's called but it exist for the shock, but for coil only dh springs for downhill forks exist as far as I know.

[@mtbboy1993]

I am 181cm and 86kg with all gear on so I haven't looked into light weight rider stuff much. but air is easier to adjust if a rider gains or loses weight fast, like a child can. so one of the reasons msot go for air for kids bike, also it's ligter.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@jeremybrown8933 its defenitly possible to have light enough coil spring, but I haven't dived deep into it and investigated if it really is light enough for that light of a rider. But I love coil setup. But also a good damper and proper setup is nessesary. But I am sure there are Ole ty of options. But I don't have kids so I haven't looked into this as much. You need to know the weight fully kitted out, as the kid would be riding, it brings the weight up significantly I am 72kg and get to 86kg fully kitted.

[@mtbboy1993]

@@jeremybrown8933 fitting a big shock in a very small frame is the main issue like xs frame for people at 150cm or lower a frame that small will require a small shock, an ext Storia won't fit, it has a piggyback. But some shocks had seperate piggyback in the old days elsewhere but required a big hole and securing that elsewhere, not seen anyone do such system these days. Another option is sideways mounted shock, like Pole bikes do, or just go for air. I know Geometron were testing out small person/kids bikes plan was to bring them to market, it did not happen yet. But piggyback did not fit on the xs frame, and xs is much larger than most brands offerings. These bikes have modern geo like mine, I have a Geometron G1, the bikes they downscale seemed to be g15. So similar but different.

[@gixxer_kid]

I ride the kona lanai 2021 for a hardtail, it handles great in rough terrain.

[@mtbboy1993]

3:16 riveted chain rings, awful. 3:23 nice absolute black oval chain ring, lovely, the benefits are very noticeable for me, no more knee pain while riding. also it works great as an bottle opener, at least 32T & 42T does.

[@kingpin22s]

I bought the Trek Marlin 5 and so far so good. No regrets. 👌

[@noahf3697]

@@Naturexl lmaoo

[@kamaka71]

Just picked up a Vitus Nucleus VRS XL 29er. One left as of 1pm central 1/30/21

[@patrickh4540]

This old man (56) just bought a Cube Aim EX for 560 Euro. As a beginner, it suits me fine. Sure better bikes out there, but prices seem to go skyhigh on bikes. Well something out there for everybody I guess.

[@CobraKyle]

Glad you are enjoying the Cube Aim! I briefly talk about that bike in a different list video I made (under $500). Mountain biking is incredibly expensive, but I say the best bike is the one you've got!

[@MikeBMW]

Nice, Kyle! I'm still sitting here in a CobraKyle T-shirt (I bought two so don't worry I'm sitting in a dirty T-shirt). :) It might be possible, at this price point, I add one as an experiment to my road biking. Well done! :)

[@CobraKyle]

Two shirts for Michael! That's awesome! With that Giant being under $600 it would be an awesome addition to dabble in some trail riding.

[@lucasmiller5574]

the giant talon 2 actually comes with the clutch version of this derailleur, have one it is a nice bike.

[@richardg6293]

Thanks bro for the guidance! Recently become more interested in trail riding thanks to COVID19...my 05 Giant Rincon needs to be upgraded...I'll check out the 1K bike video next!

[@CobraKyle]

Glad you're interested and the videos are helpful! Bikes have changed a lot since 05, and you'll love the differences!

[@richardg6293]

@@CobraKyle Before I go buying a Vitus (piqued my interest and when available again), need to seriously brush up on my skills (manuals, etc)....thanks again! Keep up the good work!

[@mikewoods8330]

I bought the lava dome in the burgundy this year only found one within 500 km of me, i paid a bit more than 750 as im in canada i paid just under 1000 canadian, i love this bike very much, however a bit of a lumber wagon on the pavement but amazing in the dirt, love the advent clutched derailer system very much, overall extremely happy

[@45eno]

Kona has a few of their hardtails 50%. Lava Dome, Cinder Cone and one other similar to Cinder Cone. $437 for Lava Dome, $600 for Cinder Cone.

[@bruceleeroy9044]

Great video. I just bought a Kona Mahuna hardtail and I love it! I also think Kona makes some of the best looking bikes! I get compliments everywhere I ride.

[@CobraKyle]

Great choice! I love the way Kona's look too

[@gregghorne2295]

I bought a kona lava done to get me on the trails while I save for a better bike as I'm an experienced rider. So far it's been a very capable bike and I've been pushing it to its limits. Great review!

[@CobraKyle]

That's awesome to hear Gregg!

[@jaysdub]

I am trying to decide between the lava dome and talon 1. What do you think? Any experience with the talon?

[@SumSouuthernSugar]

Great video. Thanks. I went to Ebay and immediately found the first bike I searched for. Selling for way more than your mentioned price and the price listed on the manufacturer's website. Also, the "new" bike seems to have some very "similar looking" but model or two downgraded, less expensive parts. Oh, and $300 shipping. ;-) Beware the scam artists!

[@CobraKyle]

Yeah Ebay is full of scams like that! I try to avoid buying anything from Ebay for that reason.

[@schwany6703]

Imagine if these were actually in stock

[@youssefrochdi1994]

Wait for the noobs to start selling their brand new bikes in the upcoming months

[@y0y0ification]

seriously hahah

[@lockshabaz1876]

@@youssefrochdi1994 very true

[@thisistheway3812]

Thanks for living in the real world and understand the people have a budget for a bike

[@CobraKyle]

Happy to help! Unfortunately Covid has pushed these prices up slightly

[@thisistheway3812]

@@CobraKyle yes I agree I got GT bike only because I was on sale for $500 normally $670 crazy it's more expensive on eBay LOL

[@brandonl.1637]

Out of all of these which would u recommend?

[@gouppy]

Thanks alot for the help..I'm just a Joe shmoe bike guy that loves to peddle..Now I have to find a 5 or $600 used bike as all the new bike as far as next year are all sold out ! It's aweful that here in Canada we can't buy a new bike...So I'm lookin hard for a 50/50 bike as I use one for getting around the street as well dirt Trails..wish me luck finding one, I'm gonna need it 🙄✌

[@mtbboy1993]

2:55 Stans no tubes offer conversion kit, that include a valve in the rim strip, the rim strip will make the tyre fit better, and take up the room, seal it properly. but if you want to use Cush Core or any tyre insert like that, you need to just have a rim strip and install a rim insert tubeless valve. So there are specific products that allow a good conversion, a long time ago I tried the Stans no tubes rim strip tubeless conversion, it worked well.

[@james-hb5tu]

nobody is using cush core in one of these bikes

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I bought a 2021 giant Talon 0. The upgraded components make it an amazing value. The truth is entry level bikes are more capable than ever. Spend just a bit more and you’ll get something far superior to what’s being offered at the box stores. You don’t need to spend thousands to get on the trails in a capable hard tail.

[@CobraKyle]

It's crazy how far bikes have come. I bought my first nice bike in 2012 for $1,100 and it wasn't very good. Had a 3x drivetrain, uncomfortable geometry, and a coil fork. We are truly in the golden era of mountain bikes!

[@vintensity09]

Thanks for this review...You include here one of my wish list, vitus nucleus.

[@CobraKyle]

Great choice!

[@marlayoutourist]

great video, learning a lot. But also the international shipping cost really messes with the price points.

[@larshiggs2514]

I totally used this list in my search, and I just now picked up a 2021 RM Soul 10. I was keeping an eye out for a Rockhopper Comp but I saw that a Soul was available in my size, so I pulled the trigger. I think I’ll be happy with it for quite a while. Thanks!

[@CobraKyle]

That's awesome to hear! I'm glad this video is helping people get stoked on bikes! Enjoy that Soul!

[@Jtrp]

Broke my rock hopper I’m half completely

[@Jtrp]

Lmao jp

[@lonniebrunet]

Hi Kyle - thanks for the great and informative video. I mainly do riding around the suburbs with my family, but want a bike to maybe try getting into trail rides (if I ever get time). Was thinking of either the Lava Dome or Rockhopper. LBS has a 2021 Rockhopper for $800 CAD available now. The LBS across town has the Lava Dome coming in April for $949. For the average Joe like me not requiring anything technical, would you take one over the other? Thanks!

[@albertomitchell2280]

Great video Kyle, one question whats your take on the cannondale trail 7??

[@TheDoozie43]

Through axles are very necessary if you’re a heavier person either way. Skewers just don’t support much weight and/or leg strength well. If you’re pumping hard up the trail and your brake pads rub the rotor here and there each rotation you need throughs. I found out the hard way.

[@bafare25]

I have a 2021 Talon 2. Total price is $620 with taxes. It comes with microshift Advent with clutch. 1x9. Maxxis 2.25. it's a nice bike and cheap. Rims are tubeless.

[@cochinotime]

I got the same bike about a month ago, it came with the same setup as yours. Idk why every review I looked at said they weren't tubeless ready and had no clutch.

[@davidveltum6730]

I bought a Trek Marlin 5 and just upgraded it. Very happy with my purchase as my plan was to build it not ride as is.

[@mtbboy1993]

7:37 nice seatpost, it has two bolt design, which is a must, to adjsut theh angle just right.

[@thelazywhitedog6147]

I ordered a giant talon 2 (2021) from my local bike shop at january 23rd, it’s finally arriving this tuesday!!!

[@CobraKyle]

Sweet! Congrats!

[@thelazywhitedog6147]

@@CobraKyle bad update, my order got mixed up and now its coming in july...

[@rocketman3158]

Which of these is best overall? 2021 models of: Trek Marlin 7, Giant Talon 1, Jamis Highpoint A2 or Kona Lava Dome? I want to only buy one of these available at my local bike shop, all available in Houston, Tx. All have MSRP between $750 to $850. Overall, which is best?

[@austinvoges2119]

Have you checked out the Voodoo Bizango? Rated #1 two years in a row by MTBR.

[@jonathandjing1065]

Finally bikes I can afford!

[@jobandhillon1882]

What do you mean by "with clutch"? Sorry, I'm new to this mountain biking stuff I just wanna get to know the parts and terminology.

[@CobraKyle]

It's a mechanism on the rear derailleur that keeps tension on it, so it doesn't have a bunch of chain slap when you're riding in rough stuff or hitting a big drop. If you pick up the back wheel on a bike without a clutch and drop it, you'll see the chain and derailleur bounce a bunch. The clutch keeps tension so you'll have less dropped chains, and a quieter bike!

[@mtbboy1993]

11:45 things I would change on this: different crank to allow oval chainring to be mounted, as this crank does not have an aftermarket option, and SR Suntour does not offer oval chainring. a dropper post is an must. the rest I don't know, or is personal preference and fit, I don't know about engagement on the hub, and all the other stuff. the geometry looks decent.

[@danajones760]

Thank You Brother! Waiting on a Trek marlin 6. . . Uh, waiting. Delivery to HQ August now they say, from February 2021. Ordered 7/7/20 Whoa! Might now see if I can get a Kona Lava Dome sooner. Better choice?Ya think? Ugh. We'll see. Thanks Kyle

[@cbo301]

Are there any that are better for going up hills?

[@1300312]

Vitus is the way to go. I love my 2020 Vitus Sentier.

[@CobraKyle]

They are hard to beat in terms of value. I really want to test ride a Sentier!

[@edwardtownsend6191]

Giant talon is a great platform. With some cheap upgrades you can really trick this bike out

[@ruredy33]

Thanks to you Cobra Kyle, I was finally able to get a Vitus Nucleus. I've been visiting the CRC website regularly waiting for them to come back in stock. But I had not checked in a couple of days. Then I saw your review. I paused the video and went to the site. And BAM! The 2021 was finally available!! Couldn't believe it. I went back to your video to read the comments. Sure nuff I wasn't trip'n. Several of you all commented it was back the day before. I was kinda freaking out. Wasn't mentally prepared for when the day actually came. Not to mention I had to clear it with the boss. But when I showed her there were only four left in stock, she said I should get it. Good thing too, they were out of stock the following day! So because of you (and my awesome wife), I got my VRS in a couple days ago. The bike is great. Just wanted to share my appreciation. Thanks man

[@CobraKyle]

That's so awesome to hear! I'm glad you like the bike and was able to get your hands on one. I appreciate you sharing! Happy riding to you!

[@thebrickist8859]

Which one is the lightest and what one is the heaviest

[@wellhellotherefellowhuman4535]

Yeti 35th anniversary edition mtb is my favorite i ever seen .ever use hardtail in best colour performances..so sick..

[@CobraKyle]

Yeah that thing is beautiful, just way over my budget lol

[@wellhellotherefellowhuman4535]

@@CobraKyle ✌️😊

[@rocketman3158]

2021 models of: Trek Marlin 7, Giant Talon 1, Jamis Highpoint A2 or Kona Lava Dome? All are available for between $750 to $850 MSRP?

[@tigerbalm666]

Vitus is Best Value but OOS! My top picks is RM and Marin for the slacker geometry!

[@HoldMeForever]

Only the first two bikes are available where i live (:

[@manishmaithani398]

None of the price mentioned is correct 😔 Expect a deviation of at least $200. Range from $800 to $1050

[@tigerbalm666]

Just learned about RM...impressive! Considering this and Marin.

[@calebsmith1529]

Awesome information .just bought a Kona lava dome.

[@Noybi009]

How is the lava dome? I am eyeing this sexy beast since last month

[@CFCportarthurTX]

As always good job with the review and making as MTB newbies a little smarter. I really like the under 1200 hundred review you did. That Vitus Sentier (deore) caught my eye. Somebody posted that they have stopped making that and will just have to wait for the 2021 version. Do you have anything new on that particular bike?

[@CobraKyle]

I'm glad the video was helpful! Funny you ask about the Sentier, as I saw they posted the 2021 models today. They did increase the price $50, but it's still a really good value. Here is a link to the 27.5" version: www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/vitus-sentier-27-mountain-bike-2021/rp-prod195566 29" version: www.chainreactioncycles.com/us/en/vitus-sentier-29-mountain-bike-2021/rp-prod195612 Mostly unchanged from the 2020, but they did change the crankset from a Suntour to a Shimano which I think is a nice upgrade. I really love the Sentier VR model which is $1,300, but dang it's a nice bike for the price.

[@oozrenn]

what should i buy, can't decide between trek marlin 4 2022 and kona lana'i 2022?

[@davao0506]

i just ordered the vitus vrs yesterday..cant wait..thanks for this

[@CobraKyle]

Awesome you found one in stock! Hope you enjoy the new bike!

[@2wheelin]

I hate the suntour xct forks. They're on so many beginner bikes and tend to be a sore spot for me. Very cool to see Giant is moving to modern drivetrains on the beginner bikes!

[@CobraKyle]

I agree that these coil forks aren't very good, but it's all that is offered in this price range. Giant made huge improvements to the Talon for 2021! I hope this starts to become the norm for budget bikes. As nicer features get added to cheaper bikes, it should in turn bring down the pricing on more expensive bikes too as they won't have a huge advantage.

[@davidcluster3718]

I agree that finding a good bike under 800 dollars doesn't mean just 50 dollars off. I'd like to find something better $400-$600 is more I believe in the range folks are speaking about. Like a GT Aggressor Expert Edition doesn't kill the pocket for a hardtail. It has lots of pro's. Affordable doesn't mean $200 over. For a lower budget can you try a market as noted before from 400-600.

[@CobraKyle]

I've already got you covered David: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZfdkp18arhghrs

[@mohamedchebbani46]

What do think of the Diamondback Odyssey 27.5 MTB??

[@franciscoayon9470]

How do the marlin 6 compares to this bikes,which one would you recommend over the marling 6 or would you say to go with the 6,ill be getting 2 bikes and 1 bike trailer

[@tomdeighton1045]

Would you be able to use these bikes for fairly long bike rides, I want a 1by drivetrain but I'm not sure whether this would affect my pedalling efficiency?

[@jbird8590]

Super helpful. Thnx man that was quality !!

[@CobraKyle]

Glad it helped!

[@mroland808]

Thank you so much you helped me a lot in choosing my first "real" mtb! Now I only need money lmao

[@CobraKyle]

Glad I could help! The struggle is real....wanting all the bikes, but not enough funds!

[@rairando282]

Hey man,looking for my first bike what one do you advise for the first one?

[@davidboudreault2814]

Thanks for putting this video together - super helpful!

[@wungabunga]

Pretty sure my first bike was a Kona Lava Dome. It had rigid front forks, was purple, and weighed a ton. I might buy the modern version and get back into biking!

[@0verfiend]

good luck finding a bike.

[@briandp9535]

Hey, the confusion with the specs on the talon 2 may be due to their website mixing up regional spec info. What I mean by that is, for the Australian and New Zealand market, the talon 2 uses a 2x8 Shimano acera group set, and it gets worse, because I believe it has a screw on cluster, and not a cassette. So that may bring some clarity to the confusion. Great vid, very informative for those in the market for something more budget friendly.

[@CobraKyle]

I figured that might be why. They are so global I guess they made that mistake. That sucks New Zealand and Australia get those cheap components cause I imagine the riding there is spectacular!

[@briandp9535]

We seem to get a lot of weird spec differences here. Some things I see the reasoning for, like keeping a price point. Here we're so far away, so shipping is high, our government taxes every single step of the way, so that's reflected onto the retail cost. But then some stuff doesn't make sense, like the 2020 giant reign 29 2. Worldwide it was a nice green/blue/purple chameleon style paint. But in Aus and NZ it was painted fake chrome, and looked cheap because it didn't look like chrome, didn't look like polished alloy, and didn't look like anything else other than cheap rattle can artificial chrome. Bit of a shame

[@emmanueldlm822]

What do u think about Roscoe 6 from trek ? Coul find something better in that range of price ?

[@franciscoazevedo8641]

Hey kyle, I was watching the kona lava dome when i saw the kona mahuna, and for 200€ more(in my country) do you think its a lot better? Tks for the video!

[@spogfrog]

Hi dude, please review/compare Kona Kahuna 2021 with other bikes in this price category - 1000 euro. Thanks!

[@AbaddonDeath]

The 2021 TREK Marlin 7 should have gotten an honorable mention, although it is $839. I think it is much easier for people to go to a local TREK store in there town and get a bike, than to have to order it online, especially if they don't know how to assemble them properly. It's missing the air fork and the thru axle, but the rock shox judy it comes with is much better than the suntour coil forks that most of these bikes have.

[@CobraKyle]

The Vitus is really the only bike on this list that you would have to purchase online. All 4 of the other bikes are sold in bike shops. I've seen Trek stores in northern states, but here in Texas I've never seen one. I do think the 2021 Marlin is a huge improvement over previous years for sure!

[@randyjanebikingadventure3808]

Nice Bike? Unfortunately, Talon 2 are out of stock in our area. Thanks for the review.

[@chocolate_squiggle]

Admittedly I'm here because it's been many years since I rode a bike. But I don't understand the emphasis on brakes & stopping power. 30+ years ago I was thrown over the front of my handlebars and that was just on a cheap department store thing. I'm pretty sure they will all make you stop well. Anyway after watching the rest of this video I do have a much better idea of how to appraise a bike quickly without going too far down a technical rabbit hole. Thanks.

[@CobraKyle]

lol yeah brakes have changed a lot. Hydraulic disc brakes offer far better modulation that rim brakes. You can still flip yourself over if applying serious force, but you'll adjust to modern brakes nicely! I'm glad the video was helpful to you!

[@darlenejohnston7480]

I will be loving it riding my new bike in San Francisco 😁

[@dandemore8057]

Man vitus is killing the budget market

[@CobraKyle]

They certainly are. Now if I could only get them to send me a bike to demo lol

[@aslmx1918]

Vitus never has bikes available. I’ve been trying for a year to get one.

[@dandemore8057]

@@aslmx1918 you can't preorder?

[@aslmx1918]

Dan Demore I haven’t tried. I’ll get on the stock notifications email list and when I get notified they are all out of stock.

[@ryanknobloch6834]

The rockhopper comp here in eastern nc right now is like $1,000 minimum

[@GerietCrumm]

Awesome video. Sending this to all the homies that still haven’t bought a bike!

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks so much! Hopefully you have a fully assembled crew soon!

[@lachlanmartin4046]

I have a 2021 kona lava dome I was able go tubeless with a bit of rim tape it’s an amazing Ike I really recommend

[@CobraKyle]

Nice! Good to know it was able to go tubeless easily. Enjoy your new bike!

[@julioserna5659]

Hi, I've seen hundreds of videos, yours is the best so far ,,,, from $800 - $1000 should be magnific video, thanks

[@CobraKyle]

I really appreciate that! I'm glad they are helping viewers!

[@brandonkelly5520]

I can't decide between the kona fire or San quentin 1.

[@KaberEsplin1]

So noob question, why is the front derailed bad? I understand less maintenance, but is there something else?

[@vlbz]

It would be great to have this list (also the under 1.2K one) with bikes that can be bought everywhere (at least in the US and Europe). I live in Romania where most of these bikes can't be bought.

[@TheOriginalBrian80]

Picked up the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29'r. After some serious mileage, upgrading to a Rock Shox fork and KS Rage dropper post.

[@johngalbraith1591]

The calibre two 3 is a great bike for the price! 😎

[@keredrellit3992]

i was able to buy a vitus nucleus, quite happy with it! the wheels are tubeless compatible. just doesn't come with tubeless tires.

[@CobraKyle]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@marinm4247]

Vitus nucleuc and sentier are those bikes have good forks

[@DowellPa]

Very interesting and well thought out video! These entry level bikes are insanely good.

[@CobraKyle]

Thanks Dan! Entry level bikes have come a really long way in the last 10 years.

[@markbroad119]

Loved my Lava Dome. Until the crank. The stock crank sucks. So I emailed Kona and they up graded it for free.

[@CobraKyle]

That's great customer service! Unfortunately a lot of bikes under $1,000 use a square taper bottom bracket/crank, and I almost always have issues with them.

[@calinfloyd]

I got the giant talon 2 because of this video, thanks!

[@CobraKyle]

So stoked to hear that! I'm glad the video was helpful. Enjoy your new bike!

[@vhockada]

Serious question. Vitus or Rocky Mountain? I am leaning Vitus.

[@lisakane5041]

Cobra Kyle, what’s your opinion on the 2021 Devinci Kobain SLX 12 speed and the 2021 Liv Tempt 0?