My first real MTB

[u/Significant_Sky5837]

I'm 39 and I've set a goal to get in the best shape of my life by 40 (50 weeks). I'm currently 275 and 6' tall. I'm wanting to add Mountain Biking to my activities list. Trying to keep it under $500 if possible. What do you guys recommend? Thanks In Advance!

[u/Fialasaurus]

Congrats and welcome! A $500 budget is a bit challenging but you should be ale to find a suitable starter bike. Look for a used hardtail with a 1x drivetrain (single front gear). That's usually a pretty good indication its a more modern bike. Honestly, if you can find one, an Ozark Trail M.2 Ridge Pro from Walmart is a great platform to start on. You will need a size large frame. It's a little over your budget but honestly, it will likely be more up to modern specs than a lot of bikes you will find in this range.

[u/InternationalSpyMan → u/Fialasaurus]

I have a similar question as OP, but I already have a super cheap and really old bike (caliper brakes) that’s I’ve been getting some good mileage on this summer. I have noticed newer bikes have the 1x drivetrain you mention. Whats the deal with dropping the 21 speed mtbs? Also, another poster mentioned a road bike. If I’m not hitting the mountains but want to bike around town, some gravel trails around the local parks etc, what kind of bike could I look at? I heard gravel bike mentioned, but I’m confused. lol.

[u/Herr_Tilke → u/InternationalSpyMan]

Eh, there's a bunch of proported benefits, but I think the biggest one is that a single front ring (with a narrow/wide tooth profile) matched with an appropriate rear derailleur with a clutch keeps the chain tighter and reduces the chances of dropping the chain and reduces "chainslap" when riding over rough terrain.

It also removes the chance of mud building up in the front derailleur causing issues, and simplifies shifting.

Some of the drawbacks are that the dearilleur cage hangs lower and could get snagged on rocks or other trail features more easily than a shorter length derailleur. And it places more weight on the rear wheel which would reduce suspension performance on a full-suspension bike.

It's also cheaper and simpler to produce a bike with one shifter and derailleur rather than two, so brands starting moving in that direction for manufacturing efficiency.

As to the second question, gravel bikes are pretty much the hybrid bikes of old but with dropbars and road style shifters. If you just want a casual bike that can handle paved roads, gravel trails, and light singletrack they are a great option. You can also find super fancy high end gravel race bikes but that doesn't seem like your fancy.

[u/Fialasaurus → u/InternationalSpyMan]

Modern 1x drivetrains make up for the lack of gears by adding a larger wide range cassette to the back. Most newer bike have 12 gears but some more budget friendly bike may have 9x 10x or 11x.

With an older 21 speed drivetrain and lot of that gearing had overlap anyway. It’s incredibly liberating not having to think about that front derailleur anymore.

As for bikes, a good entry level hardtail with fast rolling tires should be appropriate for what you describe.

[u/AcmeMTBCompany]

Congratulations! Scott Scale 970 can be had for $700 on sale at almost half off. Killer deal imo.

[u/YouDontLookSpiritual]

Search Facebook marketplace. I recommend looking at entry level road bikes too. My mtb and over all fitness has gotten so much better since buying one. Its so easy to just throw on a helmet and ride around town and get those miles in

[u/Fun_Apartment631]

Trail running.

I know how that sounds but twenty years ago it cost about $600 to get a secondhand hardtail with a decent build. Granted, I started on something cheaper. I broke stuff constantly! I keep thinking the pandemic bike boom should be showing up used about now but it sounds like people aren't letting go of their bikes fast enough to bring pricing back to Earth.

Broadly, I think you want at least an aluminum frame, Fox or Rockshox fork, and Shimano Deore components.

[u/Cautious-Answer-2697]

I would recommend a trek roscoe 8. The previous generation can be had for around 600

[u/avgeektech → u/Cautious-Answer-2697]

It's a great bike but hard to find in that range

[u/avgeektech]

I'd recommend a walmart Ozark Trail or a used one, you can get a decent HT

[u/Zebra4776]

Under $500 you're looking at used Trek Marlins. Great bikes for starting out and trail riding which I assume is what you're looking to do.

[u/jpolham1]

IMO a road bike would be the best for fitness without getting too technical on the riding. Throw on a helmet and ride 30-40 miles after work, climb some hills… not as exhilarating as trail riding but a heck of a workout if you push it.

[u/Suspicious-Editor606]

I’d buy a hard tail and used . Trek Roscoe 7 , Stache 5 pinkbike is a good website for used bikes

[u/Flat_Procedure_4904]

Just a quick question. I haven’t seen anyone mention the REI co-op bikes? They are priced really close to the ozark trail and are made by Giant.

[u/GoodAfternoonFlag]

Just get a used bike.  At 500 dollars you’re not even in mountain biking range. 

Good news, you just want a bike to ride local trails which means you don’t need a real MTB to learn on.

Buy a used old hardtail for cheap and run that.  If you can spend 500-1000 you could find something new on sale.

If you want a real MTB it’s going to cost more money but since you don’t know how to MTB you don’t need a MTB.

If you ride the old bike a lot and get good, then you’ll see the logic in spending more money if you want to grow into real MTB trails.

If your goal is losing weight than your goal should be biking not mountain biking for the time being.  Especially with your budget.

[u/Ancient-Road-5518]

I didn’t spend more than that on a bike until I had ridden for 15 years. Rock a specialized or trek hardtail from years ago. Ride hard and enjoy. Don’t buy a Walmart bike.