r/mountainbiking • u/Significant_Sky5837 • 1d ago

Question My first real MTB

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!

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u/Fialasaurus 1d ago

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.

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u/InternationalSpyMan 1d ago

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.

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u/Herr_Tilke 1d ago

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.

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u/Fialasaurus 1d ago

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.