Budget Bike Group Review - MTB's Under $2,500

#loamwolf #mountainbike
Are you in the market for an affordable dual suspension mountain bike? Check out our group test to see which budget MTB impressed us.
For this year’s Budget Bike Roundup, we set out to test five full suspension mountain bikes for under $2,500. That's $500 off the price of last year's Best Budget MTB Shootout! At the end of testing, we feel confident that we’ve found a few bikes that deliver incredibly high bang for minimal buck.
Full, written roundup can be found here:
theloamwolf.com/2024/05/17/20...
Individual Bike Write-ups:
Ari Cascade Peak: theloamwolf.com/2024/05/10/re...
GT Sensor: theloamwolf.com/2024/05/13/re...
Marin Rift Zone: theloamwolf.com/2024/05/14/re...
Polygon Collosus: theloamwolf.com/2024/05/15/re...
Trek Fuel EX 5: theloamwolf.com/2024/05/16/re...
We'd like to extend a huge thank you to @OfficialLeatt and @TifosiOptics for sponsoring this shootout and making it possible to create this series. If you're looking for quality protection and eyewear, check out Leatt and Tifosi and let 'em know you appreciate their support in making projects like this happen.
Need Tools or a Workstand? Visit Feedback Sports: alnk.to/4BF2GoP
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#mountainbiking #mtb #enduromtb #polygon #trekbikes #aribikes #marinbikes
00:00 Introduction
01:51 Trek Fuel EX
06:59 Marin Rift Zone
11:52 GT Sensor
17:08 Polygon Colossus
20:52 Ari Cascade Peak
25:41 Final Thoughts

[@echobenav8]

Would be great to see you guys do a "first mountain bike roundup". Maybe hardtails under a grand? $2500 is a lot of money to start into a sport.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll work on that in the future.

[@IIISentorIII]

In Switzerland, Specialized is selling the Carbon Stumpjumper Comp for 2500chf ( 2700$). 😊

[@TheLoamWolf]

That's pretty damn impressive. A few of the bikes in this shootout currently have reductions too. It's a good time to be in the market for a bike!

[@bitumen83]

I bought 4 years ago Trek Fuel ex 8, gen 5. I like the look of that bike, but geo is obsolete. Mostly in terms of slack seat tube angle. Since then I have changed almost everything on that bike. Instead of 34 140mm I put Fox 36 150mm, on the rear I put Fox float x, xtr brakes 4 piston, wider bars vibrocore 800mm, but one thing that really transformed that bike are tires. Those 2.6 tires are taking soul from that bike... Put some narower tires and make them tubeless. It will become much more playful bike... Great video guys. Greetings from Serbia 🤙

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes, the tires are definitely not what we'd like to see spec'd on the Trek. Thanks for the feedback, your upgrades sound great. Happy trails!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

In Canada it's more like 4999.99$ CDN

[@JaredHoff]

Love the bike line up guys. These are the bikes a lot of riders should be looking at. You can always do some upgrades overtime to turn one of these into a custom dream bike 🤘

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thanks for watching! And you're right, all of these would benefit from upgrades over time to boost their performance further!

[@sjones6177]

Keep up the good work Loam Wolf!!! Last years video played a huge role in what I bought in 2023. You guys rock!!!

[@TheLoamWolf]

That is awesome! Hope you’re enjoying it still!

[@dannyv5317]

Sad that Vitus went out of business. Vitus Mythique was one of the mtb to top the Marin Rift Zone.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

There Giant Trance was recently on sale too. Maestro is a great suspension platform imo

[@John-shreds]

Great content. Love you all.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We love you too!

[@Alan-75]

In 2019 i brought a new aluminium 160/170 enduro bike with NX groupset, descendant cranks, DT Swiss 1900 wheels with Dhr tyres, race face cock pit,guide R brakes, SD ULTIMATE rear and Lyrik ultimates for £2450. If I want a bike with that spec now I'd be looking at at least double that now..Since covid bike manufacturers have gotten even greedier and the constant push on carbon and 29ers hasn't helped with prices. I don't feel sorry for those that are struggling now as I don't see how anyone can justify 6 to 10k+ for a bike. If I do get another bike I will get the same brand I have now..Proper VFM.( Or polygon)

[@hudzo7795]

Marin keeps delivering in these videos it’s insane

[@likeaboss882]

Not surprised that the marin won, everyone i have talked to who has one, loves theirs. I’d love to get my hands on one and give it a proper thrashing. Looking forward to seeing you guys review the new alpine!

[@TheLoamWolf]

It's a ripper for sure. We're excited to test the AT too!

[@Strash44]

100% agree with this… great bike for the money. I scored the XR version for 2300 last year. Absolute steal! Slx/Xt drivetrain, Bomber z1, Fox float shock, 4 pot brakes.

[@jaynolajones]

The new habit? Fabulous trail bike

[@tomassanesson902]

lov the GT

[@Aredub-fx7wr]

Yt clearance is the place to go Got a YT Jeffsy core 2 for 1500

[@jasonlindquistmedia]

new or used?

[@Aredub-fx7wr]

@@jasonlindquistmedia brand new it was 1484.10... After taxes and the build 1649 Picked up in San Clemente

[@user-kk9ez9hg4z]

When YT goes on sale, they go hard

[@topchoice1621]

@@Aredub-fx7wr that’s a great bike and for that price it’s a steal you did good

[@thinkaboutit3011]

Yup! I picked up a core 4 izzo 2 weeks ago for 2200!

[@jasonlindquistmedia]

great review, I ended up gettin a Ibis ripmo af last aug. best $3k ive spent

[@mrvwbug4423]

They're good for a "first big bike" for newer riders, or just someone who wants an all arounder on a budget. The Marzocci suspension was a major improvement, the DVO suspension they used to have was prone to problems related to QC.

[@curtrobertson6799]

For a few hundred more I’d look at the ibis Ripley AF or Ripmo Af

[@TheLoamWolf]

Great options if you've got a little more cash.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Also Trek fuel EX 7 gen 6, it has the newer Fuel EX frame and a bit nicer build for 2999. Ripmo AF is a good first big bike, as is the gen6 Fuel EX, they have the travel and geo to start doing big bike things, without the "pushing you to go ever faster" sensation that you get on an enduro bike.

[@seriousmechanicing]

Picked up a Devinci Marshall for $1800 recently. Sweet to have extra cash for upgrades. Very happy so far!

[@TheLoamWolf]

Looks like a good option at that price, hope you’re enjoying it!

[@jokermtb]

The previous generation, but very similar GT Sensor, I threw a rockshox deluxe shock and a rockshox revelation 140 (modded with a pike ultimate rc2 damper), saint brakes (second hand), pnw loam dropper and some hunt enduro wide wheels and made this bike a true ‘budget’ ripper….

[@manfredstrappen7491]

Ended up with the Marin after seeing it’s usually the winner in these price point comparisons.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Can’t go wrong! Hope you enjoy it!

[@tjabaley]

Excellent commentary and discussion. Well done. If you cant have fun on these bikes you cant have fun. Id take the Marin.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Thank you very much! Marin is definitely a good pick.

[@tjabaley]

@@TheLoamWolf subbed! keep up the good work

[@TheLoamWolf]

Awesome, thanks! We'll do our best - eMTB Shootout will be beginning to drop in the next couple weeks. And plenty other videos!

[@janvahalec4386]

Hey guys, you forgot big name in your test. Canyon Neuron.

[@51077454]

What trail are you testing these bikes on? For the review part of the video it looks like you’re at Sawyer Park!?

[@TheLoamWolf]

Yes that was Sawyer. We tested in Oakridge, Bend and also Prineville at the 66 trails.

[@aariclai7778]

How about Polygon siskiu T8?

[@Casitascrawlers]

I would take that $ buy a frame of my choice then buy the parts I want & keep buying parts till I have a complete build kit.

[@petedog9581]

2023 Rocky Mountain Instinct C30 w full Deore group set, WTB wheels, Maxxis DHF/DHR, Marzocchi Z2 Rail 150mm, Fox DPS 140mm, Ride9, etc... $2800 USA.

[@mrvwbug4423]

That's a decent deal, usually the frame is 4100 at MSRP. I picked up a 2023 Altitude C70 last year for $5200 which is normally an $8000 bike.

[@topchoice1621]

That’s one of my dream bikes right next to the propain

[@petedog9581]

@@mrvwbug4423 I just bought the C30 for $2905 total delivered to my door and the bike was fully built. I was riding it in 30 minutes. MSRP was $4700 originally.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Out of this bunch, if I were buying for myself, the Polygon. Can't beat that for a budget big bike. If I were going to recommend to a new rider, the Marin. Maybe the Ari to a rider who is willing to deal with the DVO money pit or drop money on new suspension within a year.

[@TheLoamWolf]

Our thoughts too. The Ari was a close 2nd of the shorter travel bikes, but let down by the potentially faulty DVO units.

[@tacvbomtb1442]

What’s wrong with DVO? Is the DVO on the La Sal Peak be considered a money pit as well?

[@harleyharrison9180]

I just picked up 2023 Rocky Mountain altitude a30 brand new for 2200

[@mrvwbug4423]

That's a killer deal. I got a 2023 Altitude C70 last year for $5200, which was also a smokin deal

[@andrewsiasparks]

If you get a bike with tektro/TRP brakes a swap to Shimano H series pads will save you the headache of having to buy a whole new set of brakes. Not sure why their pads are so bad but they need to work on that shit 😅 The thick 2.3mm rotors are nice tho

[@TheLoamWolf]

Good tip, thank you!

[@user-kk9ez9hg4z]

Tektro/TRP pads are fine for me but I can't deal with their lever shapes...I have pretty small hands and couldn't adjust them enough to feel comfortable

[@GIFD]

Z2....This fork doesn't last more than a few weeks. They have (unless Marzocchi changed them) non-replaceable plastic bushings that wear out very fast. Last year I watched a lot of similar videos where they test for a day and the Z2 was always noted as being good. So I got a bike with one. After 5 rides the bushings were gone. Sent it to Fox and they repaired it under warranty, the only way was to replace the entire lowers. So I bought another fork. No way I'm going to keep a fork that lasts only 5 rides and then I have to replace the lowers. Search online and you will find many similar stories.

[@baddriversofcolga]

Not to discount your experience, but I have a 2020 Marin Hawk Hill with the Z2 and it's been completely problem free for the 4.5 years I've had the bike so far.

[@mikeburgh3956]

Marin all day!!;

[@justinlam8203]

I just got a mint Yeti Sb5 for $1500 NZD (under $1000 freedom eagles)

[@teamdoa]

Are these all this year models?

[@TheLoamWolf]

These were all available to purchase at the time of shooting. Some are not necessarily fresh MY24 frames/builds.

[@teamdoa]

@@TheLoamWolf Fair enough. I was going to say, you are better off going for brand new previous year models in terms of value for money as there is a big backlog of them, so plenty of bargain to be had still and obviously with some you get the frame warranty still.

[@TheLoamWolf]

A few of these bikes are on sale at less than the quoted RRPs just now anyway!

[@miyui9269]

specialized status is the unbeatable budget bike, sad they dont have new stocks yet. probably a new model is coming soon

[@mrvwbug4423]

It's a good budget park bike, but it's going to be a hard to pedal slug for a newer rider. Mullets are also pretty niche for park riding and enduro/DH racing on tighter tracks, full 29er is going to work better for most newer riders.

[@topchoice1621]

The polygon N7 is the best budget MTB on the market right now even if it’s a enduro I’d still buy it

[@TheLoamWolf]

It’s a top choice for sure

[@topchoice1621]

@@TheLoamWolf lmfaooo haha

[@mrvwbug4423]

Yeah for a budget park or race bike it's hard to beat. I would probably recommend the Marin for a new rider though, a big enduro bike could be an exercise in frustration for a new rider, since it's going to be harder to pedal uphill than a trail bike and at new rider downhill speeds it's going to feel pretty dead.

[@topchoice1621]

@@mrvwbug4423 I agree with you

[@glynnb6572]

That GT Sensor sport is now 1700$ on sale 😅

[@TheLoamWolf]

Crazy deals!

[@brivera25able]

How about a $5k Enduro shootout??

[@TheLoamWolf]

We should have an Enduro shootout later in the year. Unsure on price cap for now!

[@Bench_mark_113]

@7:31 "ZEE" 2, he tried really hard not to say "Zed" haha.

[@TheLoamWolf]

You're not wrong, haha!

[@brandonfields5720]

I'm just out here looking for slightly used test budget bikes under $2500

[@TheLoamWolf]

Hahaha.

[@dont_hit_trees]

Late model Altitude!

[@mrvwbug4423]

Or even previous 2021-2023 version. I have a 2023 and it's an amazing bike. The Altitude strikes the perfect balance between stable and playful

[@dont_hit_trees]

@@mrvwbug4423 correct. I have mine with a works angle set.

[@blurglide]

Jeeez- 35+ pounds for $2,500. Bikes have gotten soooo heavy.

[@watpsucks7727]

Agreed. Have seen way more expensive bikes even heavier. They all are kinda porky.

[@baddriversofcolga]

You can definitely save some weight with tire choice and if you want to spend the money new wheels can make quite a difference, too. But it is pretty wild how heavy bikes are now...

[@mrvwbug4423]

@@baddriversofcolga People discovered that downhill and bike parks are fun, so bikes have gotten burlier as a result. It also depends on where you live and what trails you like to ride. If you do mainly pedally XC trails and live somewhere with smooth trails then you can get away with light tires. If you live in Colorado and enjoy downhill you're gonna want those burly casings and maybe some cush core.

[@mrvwbug4423]

A DVO suspension setup riding like crap, that neeevvveerrr happens haha /sarcasm. In 3 years I could never get the DVO setup on my old Ripmo to ride even half as good as a RS or Fox setup.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We've enjoyed some of their suspension in the past (and Drew is currently loving the Onyx 38 D1 with SL). But we didn't have success with these units.

[@tomff8251]

Even that is too expensive for me if finance available i could but 😢 Due to my status cant even afford that 😢

[@TheLoamWolf]

Sorry to hear that. Hopefully you can save up some money to buy a nice bike soon!

[@joshleonard6566]

The Polygon N7 on bikes online is 2k. Financing through affirm too on the ride now pay later deal. Got mine for 90 bucks first payment and shipped. Came in 4 days. Upgraded a bit and the bike actually rips hard. Set up the shocks right and its amazing. The frames do run big tho in my opinion. Every other bike im a medium. I ordered a small and its perfect.

[@davekal]

Buy used.

[@user-kk9ez9hg4z]

I bought used previous gen N9 for $860. Used market is flooded with good deals lately.

[@tomff8251]

@@joshleonard6566 i wish i could i am from Asia Nepal 🇳🇵 and its hard to payment .

[@user-pb8de6hx7s]

Why don't you ever include the Salsa Blackthorn? It has better components than most.bikes and less expensive.

[@TheLoamWolf]

We've got a Salsa in our eMTB Shootout, dropping very soon!

[@John-shreds]

Salsa probably didn’t send em a bike for this segment. I find a lot bike compare videos are all from manufacturers that will send em stuff. I.E specialized status. That’s got Fox suspension for under $2500. I like the Marin the most here. So not saying the status is the one to get, but that’s definitely one to compare against.

[@mustclime5311]

Not bad, how about budget e mtb's

[@TheLoamWolf]

Stay tuned for the eMTB Shootout coming soon!

[@rgboss1337]

$2,500 was mid tear 10 years ago.

[@TheLoamWolf]

And you could feed a family on $20 at Taco Bell too, now that barely gets one of us full. 😂 sadly times have changed.

[@CJGrand1]

Why is every person who reviews a mountain bike obsessed with the weight of everything? They are so dramatic about it. Focus on the fun and possibilities of the bike.

[@TheLoamWolf]

The weight influences the handling of the bike. So, when we're talking about how it performs, we typically consider it worth mentioning.

[@KlintonSilvey]

Cheap (sx) drivetrains don't keep working well after a few weeks

[@wvjeepguy8178]

No YT?

[@TheLoamWolf]

They don't have a sub-$2.5k RRP bike sadly. Some good deals on them just now, though.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

@@TheLoamWolf Those prices have been in effect for at least the last 2 years. They have effectively been lowered permanently, but showing 30% off or more to a customer is too much of a sales motivator.

[@Arbigale]

These are luxury bikes in my country😅😅😅 3rd world country😅

[@BigJim_909]

Budget??? Jeez. 😭

[@ondrejjanoska660]

Leatt affordable? 🤣

[@TheLoamWolf]

Their 1.0 and 2.0 lineups are full of good quality gear that we'd consider reasonably priced.

[@ryuu21]

Terribile all 5

[@TheLoamWolf]

We disagree! While they may not be as sexy, light or dialed as some more expensive offerings, they didn’t stop us from having a lot of fun.

[@ryuu21]

@@TheLoamWolf i had 3 of those and sold in one mounth!! 🫠

[@teamdoa]

@@ryuu21 3? maybe a rider issue?

[@ryuu21]

@@teamdoa i mean, it's almont 1000 up to their value.. I just dislike all and find something better for the same price 😉😉

[@3XH1L]

​@@ryuu21what is better at this price?