# Advice on a mtb purchase
**URL:** https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156
**Category:** CX/MTB
**Created:** [June 16, 2020, 7:16am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156 "2020-06-16T07:16:53Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2020, 10:47am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/41 "2020-06-20T10:47:19Z")
I think it’ll be either
Specialized Rockhopper elite. - $1400
Or
Specialized fuse 27.5 - $1800
But it’s a tough choice.
The higher tier rockhopper expert $1700 comes with SRAM 1-12 SX. which looks like trash. Plastic body and the limit screws are self tapping into the plastic body. Major turnoff. Shifter doesn’t look much better. But the fork has an alloy steerer making it lighter than the steel steerer of the elite (both are Judy air fork)
Where as the elite has Deore, and while it’s only 1x10, I think it’s a better group.
So basically in the rockhopper it’s either
Heavier fork and better group
Or
Lighter fork and shittier group.
With the fuse I’d need an XL and there aren’t any around
So that’s where I’m at right now
---
### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2020, 10:51am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/42 "2020-06-20T10:51:09Z")
I could always get the elite, spend 300 bux and upgrade to slx 1x12, and just have a heavier fork I dunno.
I could upgrade the RH expert but then I’m heading up to 2grand and I just can’t afford it
I really don’t think I want a 2nd hand MTB from a stranger too. So that’s out…
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### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 20, 2020, 11:03am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/43 "2020-06-20T11:03:15Z")
Heaps of others I’ve looked at are running SRAM SX. so I’ve kind of ruled them out.the only other sticking point I have with the spec RH is the wheels are nonboost (standard qr) but I’m trying not to worry about that too much
Ideally the bike would be
Midtrail, Judy fork (or higher), Deore or slx, boost spacing. Under 1900. But so far I haven’t found it.
If I had an extra 1000 bux, I would of bought one of the sick surly Krampus’ that had at the Commuter garage sale. But I don’t soooo.
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### Author:  [@nikcee](https://fixed.org.au/u/nikcee)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 2:20am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/44 "2020-06-21T02:20:41Z")
Yo @Sh0rtsie
[2017 27.5 giant anthem, size large.](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/anthem-1-2017)
It’ll be under your budget for sure… I was thinking about 1500, but I’m open to discussion (for you).
It’s in pretty decent condition.
Pm me for deets and photos, while i try and remember what I’ve upgraded or changed from stock…
---
### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 2:55am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/45 "2020-06-21T02:55:58Z")
@nikcee PMD!
Twenty character
---
### Author:  [@MikeD](https://fixed.org.au/u/MikeD)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 5:00am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/46 "2020-06-21T05:00:17Z")
Plot twist!
What new MTB is Nik getting?
---
### Author:  [@zeph](https://fixed.org.au/u/zeph)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 9:18am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/47 "2020-06-21T09:18:10Z")
 
this is the anthem im thinking of, looks like a non stock rear wheel and xt bits, anyone notice anything off about it? total n00b.
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### Author:  [@MikeD](https://fixed.org.au/u/MikeD)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 9:58pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/48 "2020-06-21T21:58:35Z")
The rear wheel was probably a replacement for a crashed or broken one and is probably better quality than the stock one.
XT stuff is fine again may have been an upgrade to replace a busted one - not unlikely that they ruined their old wheel and rear derailleur in the same accident.
One question to ask is if the shocks have ever been serviced and have the pivot bearings ever been replaced, if so how long ago for both.
If neither have happened and it’s been ridden alot budget $300-500 (can be more if any suspension parts are needed) for a suspension service and pivot bearings to be replaced.
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### Author:  [@zeph](https://fixed.org.au/u/zeph)
#### Post date: [June 21, 2020, 11:20pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/49 "2020-06-21T23:20:12Z")
ripper, thank you! @MikeD Im checking it out this afternoon, the seller has been short on info so far but understandable with so many tyre kickers on FB. will be back seeking advice on pumps for tubeless it looks good.
This has probably been gone over somewhere on here but I feel like I’ve arrived at MTB’s as the best option for shredding around on rather than where instagram type algorithms/social contagion theory were trying to point me at crust/blue lugged surly’s. Obviously those are touring-ish but it seemed to me a lot of people, me included, are setting those bikes up wanting mtb performance (as seen in all the clips of people jumping them off this or that, generally getting wild, 90% unloaded). Ive been riding this thing around for years (formerly erle’s), now set up with knobbies which has been a lot of fun up here but has me thinking a lot of similar bikes would be best traded for a normal mtb if ripping around in the bush is all they’re doing.
---
### Author:  [@AL9000](https://fixed.org.au/u/AL9000)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2020, 12:09am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/50 "2020-06-22T00:09:29Z")
> [@zeph](#):
>
> (formerly @angry’s)
fix that for ya!
---
### Author:  [@zeph](https://fixed.org.au/u/zeph)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/51 "2020-06-22T01:48:19Z")
cheers blakey! not sure ill be parting with the rsogn for the full squish, might just turn it back into the slightly-sealed rack-able do all. Do you still have your rsogn?
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### Author:  [@AL9000](https://fixed.org.au/u/AL9000)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2020, 1:59am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/52 "2020-06-22T01:59:12Z")
Yeah, it’s got flat bars and vee brakes now, works really well in this setup.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwrDTljlO4o/embed
As seen with Friendpoint in Japan.
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### Author:  [@zeph](https://fixed.org.au/u/zeph)
#### Post date: [June 22, 2020, 7:01am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/53 "2020-06-22T07:01:06Z")
looks great, I’ve been meaning to upgrade the brakes on the rawland since i got it! ah well, now i have this full sus aluminium and plastic monster worth as much as my car to worry about instead, just went for a ride and loved it, allows for really terrifying speeds, also climbed a bunch of steep sections where I’ve usually bailed out half way, maybe guilt for spending so much money was my main motivation but…
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### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2020, 4:40am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/54 "2020-06-25T04:40:03Z")
Its decided. Getting this arrives in 4 weeks
Just gotta check it’s the right size 97% sure it’s fine. Worst case, i need a longer dropper.
> **[Fuse 27.5 | Specialized.com](https://www.specialized.com/au/en/fuse-27-5/p/171070)**
>
> Here's proof you don't need tons of suspension travel to tackle challenging trails. Equipped with an all-new, longer, lower and rowdier chassis, we've added 27.5x2.8 wheels and tires to the Fuse 27.5 to create a bike that lets you hit rocks and roots...
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### Author:  [@EzyLee](https://fixed.org.au/u/EzyLee)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2020, 5:11am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/55 "2020-06-25T05:11:25Z")
Make sure to contact Harry for your Endurag_TM_
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### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2020, 5:15am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/56 "2020-06-25T05:15:45Z")
I have no idea what that means…
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### Author:  [@Cafe\_de\_Keirin](https://fixed.org.au/u/Cafe_de_Keirin)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2020, 5:25am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/57 "2020-06-25T05:25:39Z")
Nice! Happy trail times ahead.
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### Author:  [@heavymetal](https://fixed.org.au/u/heavymetal)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2020, 11:08pm UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/58 "2020-06-25T23:08:01Z")
> [@Sh0rtsie](#):
>
> I have no idea what that means…
Your fault for going FOA AWOL for like 8 years.
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### Author:  [@HeavyMetalCyclist](https://fixed.org.au/u/HeavyMetalCyclist)
#### Post date: [June 26, 2020, 2:02am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/59 "2020-06-26T02:02:56Z")
hes back now tho, such a triumphant return.
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### Author:  [@Sh0rtsie](https://fixed.org.au/u/Sh0rtsie)
#### Post date: [July 3, 2020, 5:09am UTC](https://fixed.org.au/t/advice-on-a-mtb-purchase/158156/60 "2020-07-03T05:09:32Z")
Fuck. Fuck. I’m back to the drawing board.
I think about this shit way too much. My apologies for being annoying.
Buuuut. Was settled on the fuse, but this got sent to me. Now I’m not sure.
Marin San Quentin 3
[https://www.marinbikes.com/au/bikes/20-san-quentin-3](https://www.marinbikes.com/au/bikes/20-san-quentin-3)
The fuse is 600bux cheaper, and also 600bux more than I was aiming for. Kind of.
Both bikes fit the bill in terms or what I want to use them for.
Group sets don’t worry me that much. The Fuse has Deore which is fine (vs Marin SLX).
In saying that tho, I can see myself upgrading it to it SLX at some point in the future.
Ithe real issue is the the forks. I dread the idea of upgrading forks. The Fuse comes with Rockshox Judy silver Air. Vs Rock Shox Revelation on the Marin.
I don’t know much about sus forks. But I’ve heard Judy forks can be a bit … well… Shit apparently.
Questions:
-Will the fuse end up costing more for me in the long run? And should I just shell out more upfront without the need to upgrade later?
-Are the Judy forks really that bad? Will they be noticably bad to somebody who hasn’t MTB that much in the past?
Also. I can get the Marin NOW.
The Fuse I have to basically wait til end of August minimum. Fuck.
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