Is This The Best Budget Mountain Bike?

[@politan83]

I am so glad I found this video. We need more KZbinrs who are mindful of the fact that, for most people, 2000 dollars is a lot of money.

[@JaredRMorgan]

It totally is! Sometimes if you’ve been in MTB too long, you can lose sight of that. But it’s definitely still a large sum of cash no matter what!

[@OmnieStar]

@@JaredRMorgan Yeah as someone who makes around $850 a month.... After I pay my bills I have like, $15 to spare? LOL So anything is to much. But I ended up financing a D7 and so far I love it! My first mountain bike and hopefully it will last long enough to not be my last. I'm guessing that the rockshox silver whatever they are called, are gonna need to be replaced at some point? But hopefully I can get a used set of fox somethings (thats what I see on everyones bike) used and not broken already. What would you suggest to be the "best" upgrade I could do to my d7 to make it more capable?

[@politan83]

@@JaredRMorgan Totally. I know people get snarky about this in comments, but it is a little ... noticeable when other sites refer to a 4K bike as 'budget'. I appreciate your content! As someone who knows the tech and has written fancy bikes, I would love to see a breakdown of how much marginal benefit you get for more expensive frames and components, maybe working ones way up from entry level.

[@fonzierello3424]

Some have $5,000 bike but doesn’t know how to ride🥴

[@christianbagley9462]

I got mine about two months ago and with a couple modifications I now have a fantastic trail bike at a fraction of the cost. Love this bike.

[@JaredRMorgan]

That’s rad! What mods did you pick?

[@richarde1355]

Thanks so much for creating and sharing this video! I recently bought a D6 medium from a local person who just didn't have time to ride it, so the bike had seen little use. I almost didn't look at the bike because it is a medium, and by the charts i slide in to the bottom part of the large. The 29 wheels make this bike feel bigger than a medium - more like a medium large - and so far it seems to be a great fit. The former owner upgraded the fork to a Pike, upgraded the front brake to an SLX with a 203 rotor, kept the MT200 in the rear but upgraded the rotor to 180, upgraded both tires to tubeless Maxxis, Chester pedals, Rockshox grips. I paid for the bike what it probably cost in upgrades! I am super happy and feel lucky. Oh, and as a wise man once said, you sometimes have to step back and just look at it. ;-)

[@TopToBottomMTB]

Nice work Jared! Love the effort that went into the intro… Quick cuts for retention and that yellow writing…😘👌🏻😉 Interested to know whether an intro like that vs just getting right into the review would be better in the first 30seconds. I tend to lose more audience then I’d like when I try something too “artistic” in the beginning… thoughts?

[@JaredRMorgan]

So for this video, I kind of keyed into only one thought process. I wanted it to feel like retro Seth’s bike hacks and be more of a visual essay / case study. How will it perform? We will see!!! Either way, I’m very proud of what I made and I’m stoked you enjoyed it!!

[@BikeDrFrankenstein]

I love my D7! We sometimes get spoiled and ruined, by having and wanting, the latest and greatest! Great video! Keep up the good work 👏 🙌 👍

[@JaredRMorgan]

The D7 is an awesome bike! And yep, it’s all by design! Gotta keep us wanting! 😜

[@Pointzofinterest]

I've got a D7 as well..can't complain whatsoever..🤙

[@myisraeltrails]

@@JaredRMorgan is that a D7 I see at 0:36??

[@joebikes]

Great video! Totally agree on not needing 12 speeds🤠 I'm going 10 speed from here on out. Nothing but positives for me. I can get an entire Microshift Advent X groupset for less than the cost of a GX Cassette. For a consumable part that I have the tendency to destroy -I've gone through 5 NX cassettes in 3 years - 10 speed makes perfect sense for me. BTW, 3 of those cassettes were destroyed by rocks pinging up in the cogs. So a $60 replacement, instead of $120... it's a no brainer.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Seriously bro! Advent X is the big value dominator. I’ll probably switch to that once I exhaust the deore 10 speed, but this is perfect for now. 🤘

[@richarde1355]

I replaced a SRAM setup on a Nukeproof Scout to an Advent X. The shop installing the setup for me commented on how easy it was/is to adjust the Advent. So far it's worked pretty well.

[@onlysendsmtb]

I bought a Marin Rift Zone 1 about a year and a half ago. I rode it for about a year before any upgrades. I learned to jump and corner on this bike. I can't recommend this budget full suspension enough!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Oh yeah the RZ is a sweet first bike! Glad it worked out for you!

[@AdrenalineIsLife]

Nice review Jared! Hard to argue with the value proposition on this bike. Perfect for a lot of riders out there. 🤟

[@JaredRMorgan]

I agree! Most brands will give you a hardtail at this price…hard to argue that this is a value!

[@rubenmoralesforte2376]

So happy to see a "back to basics" from you! Missed them! Cool video.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Thanks Ruben! Hope you’re doing well!

[@JaredHoff]

I hear ya bro! I’m making the same move and going budget 🤙🏻

[@JaredRMorgan]

Smart move! Love the name! 🤜🤛#TeamJared

[@MikeesTexas]

Nice thought provoking video I surpassed the point of diminishing returns somewhere in the 3-3,500 range

[@JaredRMorgan]

That’s normally a solid number tbh! I’m sure you have a great bike.

[@christinemorgan5478]

Love this style of video!! Voiceover is crispy and the music is on point. Love the Aspen cameo too😍 great job!!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Thank you! 🥰

[@letour32rr]

I did the same thing. Sold my Specialized Camber Comp Carbon and bought the same Siskiu D6. Although now it has a GX Eagle group, RockShox Pike Fork, Stans Flow/DT Swiss 350 Wheels, and other upgrades. Only thing left stock is the Headset, Stem, Bars, and Seat Post Clamp.

[@JaredRMorgan]

And I bet your D6 feels just as good if not slightly better than the less modern Specialized Camber! That’s awesome!

[@1979mjcarter]

Awesome to see some polygon action again mate :)

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yessir! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Atc05]

Let's see you take it down Drop the Hammer! or some more intense riding like the rock garden at the bottom of Schroen Train. Love the video!

[@JaredRMorgan]

I may do that eventually! But after the build out. Too scared to put that stock fork through that! 😂

[@yengsabio5315]

3:28 "It turns out, you don't really need 12-speeds." That's actually the argument behind the Microshift Advent X (10-speed drivetrain system).

[@JaredRMorgan]

Advent X is a great drivetrain. Will likely be what replaces the deore once it wears out.

[@WestPoint278]

"As a wise man once said. it's time to stare at it" Seth? Is that you???

[@JaredRMorgan]

You got it!

[@bellarogers7202]

Thanks for the review Jared. Great video. Been a fan since the T7 days (seems so long ago.. haha). I’m a bit hesitant to upgrade the fork on my T7 just yet. I’ve just upgraded bars, grips and pedals so far. Still running tubes for now. Keep up the good work and great content.

[@JaredRMorgan]

It’s crazy how much time flies. It’s been over a year! Glad you enjoyed this one. Yeah the T7 fork is fine for the job, but if you wanna shed a couple pounds and gain some support in the mid stroke as well as some suppleness at the top, a better fork will serve you well. Pike select would be a great option.

[@bellarogers7202]

I have the tinker bug too. Like you memtion in the video, I don’t want to fall into the “upgrade everything” bug. Another reason why I’ve not upgraded the fork just yet. Not to mention upgrading the fork will put the T7 in another price bracket. Im still debating on going tubeless for now. I can’t agree with you more.. the ride is the CURE. I use riding as my outlet. Thanks you again for the content!

[@GavinKeller]

This is awesome stuff, makes me want to buy one!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Right on! Yeah it’s a solid value!

[@JasonFoxLCB]

Nice vid, Jared. Of all the things I changed on my D7, the only one I consider a "must" was the fork. I was, frankly, used to cheaper forks, but a used Pike beat the snot out of my stock Recon. You know this, of course. I just like typing.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Haha oh yeah man the pike makes the Siskiu D come alive. No shame to these budget forks, they hang in there…but there’s no arguing the benefits of a nicer fork!

[@Chris-de2qc]

How much money would someone need to spend for a used pike?

[@JasonFoxLCB]

@@Chris-de2qc varies wildly, tbh. I waited until I got a great deal. Think it was $325 or $350. Then I upgrade the air shock to the 2021 version for $40.

[@marcstolk6682]

You nailed it here. there's too much of a pissing contest in the MTB Community... and 90% of riders are over-biked. I'm still sending my HCHT and I can keep up with the fancier stuff sometimes (rider skill the limiting thing for me lol). I see why you opted for the D6 - if you're going to get a better fork,.. it'll be better than the recon - which btw I use (140m)

[@JaredRMorgan]

Thanks you! Glad to hear you agree. When spending the money, I’ll go beyond the rekon a bit bc I personally don’t think it’s a whole lot better. There are still last gen bikes on clearance out there…that’s what I’ll go with. 🤘

[@marcstolk6682]

@@JaredRMorgan Absolutely. I just got my son a Marin Riff Zone 2 for $1999 AUD - I think that works out to be around $1280 in USD. Cheaper than a decent HCHT.

[@in_10z]

Great vid Jarrod. If you need 11 or 12, you need to hit the gym haha. I've been on 10 since day one and can hang with all the XC crew all day...well until I see a jump or hard line lol. Totally agree with you on the fork though. I shelled a hunk of change for my sus as you know but it was a huge difference....mostly in the cockpit though. I recently had an issue with the Fox rear and had to send it in for warranty. While waiting I slapped the stock X-Fusion O2 back on and it really wasn't bad at all.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah I was surprised by the XFusion shock as well! Thanks for watching!

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

Plenty of polygons are cracking frames (many other brands do as well) right in front of the sea tube gusset, Polygon is however doing a good job are replacing the frames under warranty

[@JaredRMorgan]

I’ve heard these claims, and I’m interested to see how mine does.

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

@@JaredRMorgan there's a FaceBook group for owners with cracked frames, but as usual, take it with a grain of salt.

[@RedDaemon69420]

I was gonna get this bike but the d7 on sale can go for the same price as d6 not on sale - so I got the d7 instead. Sales are pretty common on bikes online. To those considering this bike, wait for it to go on sale or get the d7 on sale depending on whether the upgrade or money saved is worth it for you.

[@JaredRMorgan]

The D7 is a nice step up! I don’t blame you.

[@aaron___6014]

Well I got the d7 and man you're right about the brakes, they give little confidence. Absolutely no bite. I'm going to try a couple of things otherwise I'll get an SLX setup for the front. I can't even lock up the rear wheel.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah it can be a challenge. I find levers and a brake pad swap makes a solid difference.

[@JLising]

This is such a good video!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

[@charlesdu9941]

I had one of these. Great bike, but I couldn't stand the stock fork. Replaced it with a rockshox Judy gold rl almost immediately. In retrospect, I shouldve just got the d7!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah the stock fork has some noticeable drawbacks but it does get the job done!

[@J_adventures1]

Riding a 1994 ritchey fully rigid. Found it in a dumpster, cost me 25$ for new grips and cables. Same level of enjoyment as my 3k XC race bike…… you need half as much bike as you think you need for local trails.

[@JaredRMorgan]

So true! Nice find!

[@MehediHasanSizan]

At night hounding the youtube for an sensible video which wouldn't tell me I need sell a kidney to start mountain biking.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Enjoy!

[@MadeiraTrailsBikeMTB]

cool video ! keep going !

[@JaredRMorgan]

Thanks so much!

[@MTBAlex]

Yeah, that D6 is surprisingly good

[@JaredRMorgan]

Agreed! So nice!

[@Chris-de2qc]

I still enjoy a 12 vs 10 as it gives you better pedaling cadence for trails you just want to pedal fast on. Maybe that's just the road biker in me!

[@JaredRMorgan]

That’s fair!

[@Skyum123]

I agree alot. With that said, I dont want to go for a ride not trusting my fork will hold up to the abuse. So while i pdbt want to Pay what most bikes cost these days, there are some areas i will put some money into ☺️

[@JaredRMorgan]

Oh yeah long term it will be getting a sweeter fork for sure. Just surprising it did as well as it did.

[@Skyum123]

@@JaredRMorgan sure is! Looked like tons of fun, and its all about the fun 😉

[@kleo_mtb1061]

I shred a norco fluid ht with a coil fork so you don't really need much, only skill

[@JaredRMorgan]

That sounds like fun!

[@jasoncarli2617]

I have one and I love it

[@JaredRMorgan]

Nice! Stoked to hear that!

[@markjmaxwell9819]

They step it up every year. Thru axles front and rear with a fantastic drivetrain. Nothing to be ashamed about when talking about the bike with mates after a ride.... This seems to be the level needed to do some serious rides seems like the shocks and a couple of bits and pieces might be the only upgrades needed. I hope that the companies will give people the option to run 27.5 and 29 in all sizes and also give people the option to run 170 mm and 175 mm long cranks. Polygon are where the consumer wants them to be......😎👍

[@JaredRMorgan]

I agree! I love that it’s 12x148 boost out back. So many options!

[@mwinburn200]

So my comments are from someone who rides a D7 daily and I have a brother with the D6. The D7 is 100% worth the extra cost for the parts it comes with unless you have at least a better fork to throw at it. If you do a lot of climbing the gearing on the D7 is also much better. Both are great but the D7 is hands down the better buy.

[@JaredRMorgan]

I totally get that. It should be stated that at the time of release this bike was actually $1199 on a flash sale whereas the D7 was still rocking the $1899 price tag. Depending on the way of the sales, the D6 can at times be the best value. Just depends.

[@mwinburn200]

@@JaredRMorgan you barely missed the D7 for $1600 or something but at the flash sale price it is maybe worth going D6.

[@mwinburn200]

Damn, unfortunately my D7 frame cracked so no longer digging the Polygon. Going for a longer travel bike now.

[@shadowofthestarsdespair]

Somtimes bells and whistles make you less alert

[@JaredRMorgan]

I can def see where you’re coming from.

[@SoulBlazeNightmare]

few weeks ago i was in a bus ride up a mountain and there was this sponsored state DH rider. the guy was so frustrated about his fork not being factory lvl becouse of this and that and then it hit me..Yari on my Slash 7 works wonders for ehat i do. i was surprised how something so amazing as mtb can be so frustrating for somebody over small things like that. i understand that maybe at the highest lvl it does but still..

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah that’s interesting. I think it’s important to not lose sight of the simplicity. A rider shouldn’t need a grip 2 damper and kashima coat to enjoy their day out on the trails!

[@jayb.6685]

very nice. i got a budget china build alloy hardtail that cost about 400 usd. 10 spd ltwoo group set with 11-50 cogs, cheapest china airfork. it's not the smoothest ride, but gets the job done.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Sounds like you got a lot out of your dollar and that’s what counts!

[@pedronunes7610]

Where were you able to find a frame so cheap to be able to build a hardtail like that? I'm really interested in building my first bike from a frame, but the frames I've found cost like 400€, I'm better off buying a brand new bike

[@jayb.6685]

@@pedronunes7610 it's a pinewood, not literally, but a brand name. I bought the lowest end model, about 13,000 pesos in the philippines for the whole bike or about 200 USD. Then I change the parts as they wear out. In your case, probably you can source the frame and all the parts from ali express, alloy frames will always be good, and parts are cheap, but they will not last longer than name brands.

[@Chris-qd3oz]

Nice video! I agree with you for the most part, most people do not need a 170mm enduro rig BUT i think if you really push your bike to the limit it would not fair so well. For example, i already know for a fact (without needing to try them) the brakes and suspension would hold me back on this bike. I would be hard braking much earlier than normal into corners & the suspension would either be broken or in need of a full service after a few rides. cant see the rims lasting much more than a couple rides either tbh.

[@JaredRMorgan]

I hear you there. The second bike in my stable is a Propain Tyee. I tuned this bike for slaughter pen in Bentonville. When it comes to gnarlier stuff, this bike doesn’t come out to play. Keep in mind, this video is geared a bit more for folks entering the sport.

[@Chris-qd3oz]

​@@JaredRMorgan Fair play mate, tbf as a starter bike this thing would rock! certainly much more capable than my first full bounce 😆💯

[@ElevatedMtbAvion]

Just order the 27.5 demo bike for 999 definitely in my budget

[@JaredRMorgan]

Nice!

[@eugene44569]

The d6?

[@ElevatedMtbAvion]

@@eugene44569 yea

[@eugene44569]

@@ElevatedMtbAvion that's awesome!

[@sim_dude]

I think it dederve a better fork. A pike select maybe or a marzochi z2

[@JaredRMorgan]

I like the way you think. Pike select may just be exactly what I have lined up for it.

[@ezoez7548]

I'm gonna save up for a polygon hardball >:))))), I sometimes feel like I should've discovered them before I bought my bike. It's great but I feel like I could've gotten more spec for the money with them :o Great video!!!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah the polygons definitely give you the spec for the dollar! One of the biggest reasons is for that is that they make their own frames…almost no brand can say that other than a choice hand full of companies.

[@pdoggtheog]

Upgrade the fork and that thing is money!

[@JaredRMorgan]

You know it!

[@illwillmtb]

I ride a Walmart bike and I love it. How about the T7 or T8? Thinking about getting one.

[@JaredRMorgan]

I've done quite a few videos on the T7, so I recommend you check those out. That bike hasn't changed since I made that content other than some new color options. Both of those bikes are great for the price!

[@senyum0]

seth the wise man❤

[@JaredRMorgan]

indeed!

[@nobrakes7247]

The forks are Heavy None oil bath You could try installing better wipper seals and a set of foam oil lubrication rings and 8ml of 15w oil in each lower . May need to seal bolts with fibber washer But a set of Z2 130mm forks would be a good budget upgrade. You will also have to install foam rings and lubricantuon oil in them as they dont install them from factory. Seat angle setting with a level? Bro as soon as you sit on the seat the noise is pointing up and putting pressure on you prostate. Nose down a fraction when setting seat angle how much depends on seat rail flex and seat tube angle change due to suspension movement

[@nobrakes7247]

180mm rotors front and back Sithired metal brake pads as well. The new Forecaster 2.6 up front and 2.4 out back . Make wheels tubless There not that heavy Tubeless the wheels Bam Budget rocket!!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Perfectly level seat is how I roll. Always have. It’s perfect. As for the fork, I’ll leave it be and upgrade. 👍

[@JaredRMorgan]

Perfectly level seat is how I roll. Always have. It’s perfect. As for the fork, I’ll leave it be and upgrade. 👍

[@JaredRMorgan]

As for all the upgrade ideas beyond the fork, I’ve already got all that handled as well. Thanks!

[@DAZprojects]

Trust me you don't need a lot of money to get a good bike, i own an enduro full suspension bike by Decathlon (it's a very big sports brand in Europe) it's called the rockrider am 50's, it has Stam eagle drivetrain, a 175mm dropper, 150mm rock shox fork and 140mm Manitou shock, good geometry and sram brakes, all of that for 1400$, for the price it has no competition in my opinion

[@JaredRMorgan]

That’s awesome! Sounds like you scouted a nice deal!

[@chicodiflora]

Riding reasonably priced bikes is the way to go.

[@JaredRMorgan]

For sure!

[@kekhrieshuya5479]

I have been eyeing this d6 for a long time, a do it all which i can race xc, commute n also ride some trials. The numbers are not too slack or too steep, just perfect. I have been riding a hardtail for so long...this might be my first proper full sus. The QR on the d5 and high price of the d7 is just not for me.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah I actually think the geo is DIALED. I gel with this bike well. I consider it ready for almost all trails except for one’s that ebb to the side of enduro or DH. You’ll be happy with this one coming from a hardtail for sure. Massive improvement. And I agree, the D6 balances price and value sooooo well. Underrated bike!

[@sjokkomann8126]

From my experience the sweet spot in bikes is around 3500$

[@JaredRMorgan]

I actually totally agree with you. Typically my budget for bikes is $3500-$4000.

[@darrinkulyk9560]

I Bought a 2019CF Warden Under 500km on it lady Rode Never seen Black till Me 3500

[@c.phillips6917]

Let’s say I do have many bikes. Mostly because I have a family that rides how would you store all these bikes?

[@JaredRMorgan]

Like this!! amzn.to/3U3JRcq

[@c.phillips6917]

@@JaredRMorgan that’s perfect. You always know what I’m looking for.

[@thebrewgeek]

Was that the Large D6? I've been waiting for ages for the T8 to come back in stock in the Large.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yep it’s a size L. Perfect for me. 465 reach.

[@jimmccallmotomccall5071]

Thanks for the review! As a somewhat newer rider the amount of choices in bikes is somewhat mind boggling. I'd like a new bike but will it make me a better rider??? I'm thinking probably not. The old (80% rider 20%bike) seems even more true to mtb more than motorcycles. What's the Polygon weigh?

[@JaredRMorgan]

I’d say that enough bike to where you can stay confident that it’ll carry it through all that you wanna do is what you gotta find. This bike is CLOSE. Fork and a few other bits and I’d say I’m good to party hardy for a long time.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Weight not sure. Maybe 33.5??

[@jerseylife8701]

I love this bike, it does need riser bars though. I came from the bmx world where your bike parts didn’t matter. Delete brakes, delete crank, delete it all you just need a solid frame and tires to huck any jump you want. The MTB World is so upgrade obsessed it makes me sick.

[@JaredRMorgan]

I hear you there! It’s a lot of marketing. Mid grade is the way to go on MTB. Works well, tough, and affordable.

[@eugene44569]

Going budget!

[@JaredRMorgan]

Oh yeah!!

[@petredinga1649]

I got confused. One said this model has a 12" frame (30.48 cm) frame and another said 26 inches has a 16.5 inches frame. what frame size is it

[@JaredRMorgan]

Mine was a large.

[@shadowofthestarsdespair]

I can barley ven afford this bike it comes with every thing I would need to get started biking ( I have aback injury so hard tails just don't work for me unfortunately)

[@JaredRMorgan]

I feel that with the hardtail thing. And yeah it absolutely can do everything you need for entry into the sport. I loved this bike.

[@DMT-cm4el]

Are you in Bentonville?

[@JaredRMorgan]

I am, indeed.

[@yeabuddy6070]

Polygon makes great bikes.

[@JaredRMorgan]

They really do. Grossly underrated!

[@joeymalin]

Can you fit a second water bottle above the rear shock?

[@JaredRMorgan]

No I don’t think so sadly.

[@coryricci301]

How does this compare vs your old t7?

[@JaredRMorgan]

Very different experience. T7 is heavier but more prepared for gnarlier terrain and features. If I was to pick one or the other for my one and only bike, it would likely be the T7. The D6 is light and spritely which is really nice, but I wouldn't count on it to do some of the bigger features I do. I don't think the bike would like 10 foot drops and stuff like that whereas the T is more prepared for such bafoonery.

[@coryricci301]

@@JaredRMorgan thank you!

[@markclancy5714]

yes and no the fork has to go... them suntours are below entry level and do not have what it takes even for xc, they exist to fill a market for wallmart bikes, a yari can be got for under $300 and revalation domain pikes come in all sorts of travel size and are affordable, hell id even get a chineese fork for 100 bucks that has high and low speed compresion dampening rather than a suntour poc.

[@JaredRMorgan]

There’s no way I’d run a Chinese Amazon fork over this fork. This one did fine, but I can’t guarantee for how long. A Yari is not a proper fork for a bike like this. Revelation or Pike would be the way to go.

[@emamihaelagimpirea6136]

Love the bike design kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L and functionality. It is hard to align the front tired to center the disk brakes. The brake wheel touches the stationery side of the brake caliper and pad. I aired the tire up to 40 psi as the markings say 40-60psi. Left the house for a few hours and came back to an exploded innertube.All in all it seems to be a good bike. Have not ridden it yet though so that's the max of my knowledge. Update, put a new innertube made sure the tire was set properly and it did the same thing in under 20 minutes as second pic shows.

[@JaredRMorgan]

The recommended weight limit for the Siskiu D is somewhere around 240lb so I wouldn't advise it unfortunately.

[@DTTX-un3hz]

Bentonville?

[@JaredRMorgan]

You know it! 🤜🤛

[@aaron___6014]

Do you have an affiliate link for the d7? I'm coming from a hardtail racing XC but the new full bike prices make me sick so I am looking at these more budget builds. I hear the T8 is great but since I rode mostly XC trails (occasional mountains) I'm thinking the D7 will do well enough.

[@JaredRMorgan]

I do! You can click the link in this description to follow it to bikes online and just nav to the D7 of your choice and send it. Haha! I really love the new D7 SE you should check it out. Cheers!

[@aaron___6014]

@@JaredRMorgan interesting, so you'd go with the D7 SE over the D7 with the rockshox front fork?

[@aaron___6014]

@@JaredRMorgan purchased. I noticed the irclickId in the url disappeared after I added it to the cart, so I hope you get your share.

[@kevinburke1325]

No, I had the trek fuel ex 7 and within 2 years, everything broke on it with no major crashes. I can most certainly say that a "budget" bike is not enough. Specialized is way better.

[@JaredRMorgan]

It’s funny bc the entry level specialized stumpjumper is specced with a lot of the same parts as this bike but costs like $1200 more. So who really wins here??

[@kevinburke1325]

@@JaredRMorgan uuuuhhh, I used a specialized $500 bike on the roughest trails and it took 0 damage. Want to try again without lying?

[@kevinburke1325]

@@JaredRMorgan meanwhile, my neighbor's electric bike from trek got obliterated from absolutely nothing. Other people have had problems with trek and their scams but I see you are a trek fanatic.

[@kevinburke1325]

@@JaredRMorgan in fact every time I ride the trails, I see zero people with trek bikes. The fuel ex 7 was a little bit above entry level, but my point is, the manufacturer matters and the specialized shop I go to was really good about fitting and making sure everything was correct on the bike. There was a good person at the trek store, but when he left, it got controlled by clowns who didn't understand anything about bikes. Not only that, but I encourage you to ride a trek bike and then ride a specialized bike and see the difference. The quality is just way better. I mean, I can see with my own eyes. One breaks and the other doesn't.

[@bagera3005]

GT Aggressor Pro Mountain Bike an it rides like more ex-save bike with mods i have done

[@JaredRMorgan]

I know those are really popular!

[@clint2627]

But is it as fun? 😊

[@JaredRMorgan]

That’s a good question! I definitely felt like I was living on the edge more. 😂

[@hadyatmikasuryadinata838]

yeah, 5 bikes just me and wife 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JaredRMorgan]

haha!

[@chrisberrymanalo]

Truth bombs

[@JaredRMorgan]

💣 💣 💣

[@francescofoschi8941]

Most people out there (especially smaller guys) can easily find a better used bike for the same money.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Used is rarely better. Since I've started doing this to this day, I don't endorse many used buys. My experience is that 9/10 people fail to maintain their bikes properly leading to excessive costs to get things back to factory performance. A perfect example is I had a buddy who bought a "lightly used" Trek Slash for a "deal," but was completely gutted when it needed about $1500 in parts after he got it checked out by a professional.

[@abhukk]

I agree, bikes are overpriced. you can get a kawasaki vulcan s 650 motorcycle in $7000 with a 650CC engine and can easily ride 80mph on a freeway. A normal MTB with price of $3500 is not even 5% of what you get in that motorcycle. bike parts are overpriced too.

[@JaredRMorgan]

Yeah it definitely got out of hand over the years.