Best Value Budget Hardtail Mountain Bike | 2021 MTB Buyers Guide
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Hello everyone and welcome to the first buyer's guide of 2021. In this video, we go over my top 5 best value budget hardtails for 2021 (Under $750 USD, 900 AUD and 550 GBP)
Timestamps -
00:00 Intro
00:31 What I look for in a budget bike
01:57 How much is budget
02:44 Vitus Nucleus VR
05:29 Marin Bobcat Trail 3
07:39 Calibre Two Cubed
09:12 Rocky Mountain Fusion 10
10:51 Polygon Xtrada 5
12:22 5 Worthy Mentions
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• Best Value Mountain Bi...
Info On The Top 5 Bikes
Vitus Nucleus VR
vitusbikes.com...
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Marin Bobcat Trail 3
www.marinbikes...
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Calibre Two Cubed
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Rocky Mountain Fusion 10
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Polygon Xtrada 5
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Trail Hardtail Buyers Guide! kzread.info/dash/bejne/gWx4pq6RedbRf9o.html Budget Full Suspension Trail Bike Buyers Guide kzread.info/dash/bejne/oGZ4scSLlLvHnZs.html
@megatron9033
3 жыл бұрын
Quick question. If I buy the 27.5 is it a good idea to put 29ers? I jear 29 is better. Is it even possible?
*Looked at a lot of options for getting my **Latest.Bike** . Great find in SAVA. Super light, nice components, really good value as it comes with many options only found in much higher priced bikes.*
Refreshing to see 3 figure bikes in the budget range. Some people here list $4000 bikes as budget.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
100% Dont have to spend a fortune to get started!
@carlosdamian1427
3 жыл бұрын
I order one for $2200 and they cancelled my order 😤
@user-od8vx2ei9g
3 жыл бұрын
@@carlosdamian1427 I order one for 2$ too and they ship it in 2 hour
@ohtug
3 жыл бұрын
like 2021 best budget bikes, under 10,000$!!!
@jev2867
3 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't go that far. Under 2k is reasonably budget bike. Personally, $1500 and under is budget bike to me. Also, my only advice to anyone who is upgrading, get the best fitting (geometry) frame (Only) budget friendly aluminum and buy trickle down tech, mid tier parts one at a time.
Finally decent geo for us hardtail heads.
I got to go with the Rocky Mountain, that frame is so DOPE. Love the color way too.
thank you for more realistic budgets for the budget seekers, well organized content. this video undone all the stress ive built searching videos
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help! Luckily it's only a little bit of stress to do this each year for me hahaha
While I haven't compared the 2021 Nucleus VR to the VRS, in late 2019 I went with the 2020 Nucleus VRS over the VR (mainly because the VRS was a 1x10, while the VR was 2x9) and have been extremely satisfied with it, for what I use it for. Which is mostly butt and taint hair removal.
Just picked up a Norco Storm 4 in all black for $800CDN. Amazing entry level bike for the price .
Rocky Mountain Fusion!! 😍😍😍😍 Being a short guy myself, i love the way Rocky Mountain works the geometry of XS and S sizes in 29ers.
@shotbait5090
3 жыл бұрын
How short? Cause I'm 5'6 and I feel like slot of bikes are huge!
@amermeleitor
3 жыл бұрын
@@shotbait5090 5'5 (1.66mt)
@joerizaguirre500
3 жыл бұрын
Where did you get yours because I can't seem to find the fusion 10
I picked up a 2020 Norco Storm 1 last year, loving it. KZread needs more budget / entry level bike videos
I love my Giant Talon 2. Cheapest 1x hardtail on the market, I think. $620 and it's a great ride.
@ap.5567
2 жыл бұрын
I recently got a talon 3, £500,£75 rockshox dart 2s, absolutely great bike.
I got a Giant Talon 2 and I feel like it should be on the list the best part is the 1x9 11-46 tooth cassette
I was on here trying to find a budget 24-in for my 10-year-old and really wished everyone else would make their videos just like yours! I love the brevity and how you arrange it. Believe it or not, your video kind of got me excited about possibly wanting to venture into a much better bike if he and I wanted to start taking advantage of our bike trails in the park nearby. Great video! Wasn't what I was looking for, but it surprised me a lot.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
That's awesome! Thanks for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Glad I could help out :)
Love the polygon in the background
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Love my T8
@felixweber6495
3 жыл бұрын
Can I buy it in Germany?
Nice and comprehensive list. That Vitus looks like a beast for the monies.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
No doubt!
@nidhiraz501
3 жыл бұрын
No its not
@nidhiraz501
3 жыл бұрын
Banana Bitch if u buy a bike and have to do so many upgrades, how it is cheap anymore?
I ride a Nucleus its amazing even handled a DH park well.
Gotta say, the polygon looks killer.
@mannyk7100
3 жыл бұрын
@Machine Fack have you done any mods to it? Any complaints about the bike?
@mannyk7100
3 жыл бұрын
@Machine Fack oh ok thanks for the feedback! I may get the vitus nucleus VR but I heard the chain is very clunky when shifting. How is the polygon in regards to shifting?
@mannyk7100
3 жыл бұрын
@Machine Fack nice man haha thanks I appreciate it
@mannyk7100
3 жыл бұрын
@Machine Fack ahh ok, so arguably not worth the price? In comparison to the vitus nucleus at least
@mannyk7100
3 жыл бұрын
@Machine Fack oh ok fair enough, I guess there's gotta be some sort of trade off for this price range. Polygon definitely looks the best out of these 5 in my opinion. Just gotta find a place where I can get one, I live in Canada so
I'm a complete beginner when it comes to mountain biking, and didn't really understand a lot of the terminology used but I did appreciate the video! It definitely gave me some options to look at
for what i can find easily in my country, i think giant talon 1 and even talon 2 gives you a better deal than the rockhopper.
Great video thanks man! Trying to find no-nonsense clear videos that compare things well is hard, but you've nailed it. Came here looking at the Xtrada and have some others to research too now! Thanks!
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, thank you!
@Mytro34
2 жыл бұрын
Did you end up getting the Xtrada?
Great video mate. One thing i would say is that for a video on budget bikes and people like me entering the sport...there's a lot of MTBs jargon you're using that i don't understand. Expand a wee bit on why I've to focus on certain specs mate, cheers 👍
That Vitus is a game changer for the price! Crazy to get air suspension and 1x under $1000 AUD
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Best value bike for 2021!
@George-je1fs
3 жыл бұрын
Air suspension on my 2018 nucleus broke after a few rides. It's a budget air fork. And like most budget air forks the plastic lever caps are awful
@George-je1fs
3 жыл бұрын
Same fork as that one
@reubenhooft541
3 жыл бұрын
Anyone know where I can buy one though. Out of stock 🥲
@George-je1fs
3 жыл бұрын
@@reubenhooft541 keep checking chain reaction a few times a day
Funny, now I want a mountain bike in the Netherlands 😅
I’ve just bought a Nucleus VR for my wife - it’s a great bike! Amazed at how good it is for the price. 👍
The Vitus looked enticing, but its been out of stock for a while. Ended up finding a 2021 Marin Bobcat Trail 3, and am really happy with the way it rides. Even though it has a straight headtube, its 44mm so you could upgrade to a tapered fork if you changed the headset.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Derek, I should have double checked the dimensions of the headtube! Good to note!
Was looking into giant talon 2, until I saw the first bike the vitus nucleus. Waiting patiently for that to come back in stock.
@cambernard2438
3 жыл бұрын
Same here! Every local shop and online store is out of stock right now. I just want to rip down some trails
My budget hard tail is a 1980's Maruishi I rescued from the trash pile. Clearly our definition of budget is different.
@mtburner4631
3 жыл бұрын
Roughly 300k people have watched this video. Hard to have the same definition in the word "budget" that suits everyone
I can't find any of these in Australia at the moment
Great video for those looking for a budget hardtail, they would be my options too.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tom!
Polygon xtrada 5 best 👍 Thanks for spreading knowledge 🙏
I’m hopefully getting the vitus nucleus in midnight blue this week 🤞
@klayroach4097
3 жыл бұрын
Where did you find it, everything's out of stock where I've looked
I always think it’s funny when people think you need a dropper post. I ride a titanium build and didn’t add a dropper post and where I live it’s some bumpy rocky and root filled trails and I just learn how to ride my bike. You don’t need a dropper to ride so don’t believe everything KZread says.. not just this channel but most channels think that is a must have upgrade.
I ride a two cubed right now and it’s great for xc stuff but DONT try taking it to jumpy trails because I’ve had more crashes than I could count due to the tubing. But for trail rides it’s perfect for the price!!!!
@basedpatriotLT
3 жыл бұрын
How do you mean crqsh due to the tubing?
Great video, no bulls**t, real information. I'm subscribing now, keep up the good work. (I have a Norco 2020 Storm 3... almost exactly like the 2021 Storm 4).
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
I have the 2021 Marin San Quentin I. Great budget hardtail $900 before tax,tag and title. Awesome bike.
Rediculous how expensive these bikes are now, the vitus nucleus is now over $900 in 2022
When I was riding in the late 80’s/90’s, the best two budgets, imo were the Specialized Hardrock and the Scott Boulder. Both were awesome bikes. 🚲😁 I almost bought an Alpinestars T24 (anyone here remember these?) but when I was buying they had a bad habit of snapping. 😳
@ISOSAILING
2 жыл бұрын
still rideing my hardrock pro, just upgraded it with a dropper seat post haha dose me fine for what i do still going strong think it's 12 years old now somthing like that anyway.
It’s a great video only problem is that you explain the specs for more advance buyer. Would like intro explaining why the angeles and mm so important and the difference with fork and frame material and such. Also some rating for speed, handling , comfortable etc Besides that all great
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the idea! Will include more details next year!
The only entry level bikes you can purchase from a legit bike shop around me is Giant, Trek, and Specialized so I am disappointed these didn't make the top list
@chartphred1
2 жыл бұрын
Same here.
Suntour air forks are also adjustable usually up to 140mm travel
@joesimmonds2849
3 жыл бұрын
Around $300 Aussie dollars for an SR Epixon on AliExpress. That’s a third of the cost of the Vitus complete.
Another vid from phil...champion
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks mate!
The silverback stride deluxe ($870aud) and Reid Argon ($999aud) should be on the list. Both have suntour xcr32 air forks, deore 1x10 with clutch, and the Argons fork even has thru axle! Pretty sure they're the only mtb under $1000 with air fork in Australia.
Oooo I love hardtails that are in budget that don't make you wish you had a hard head after the frame breaks in half
The Silverback Stride bikes have good geo, tapered steerer and 1x systems. 2.35 tyres and tubeless ready too. They are a great Aussie option (sure they're available elsewhere too).
@joesimmonds2849
3 жыл бұрын
I got a Silverback Stride Junior for my boy who’s turning 9. Amazing bike for the very low price. Great geo but the parts spec is average. Perfect platform to bike on with better components.
Have recently been looking for a new bike for my teenage son and did start looking at entry level bikes. There are some pretty cool looking bikes around at the moment but I cannot understand why at this price point they all come equipped with cheap low quality suspension forks. I think I would rather have rigid forks and the cost saved go into frame or components making a more upgradeable platform, I wish some brands would offer entry level rigid hardtail options.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good idea! Save a bit of weight too!
Love it Phil, Recently I bought the siskiu t7. I set it up tubeless and put a small dent in my rim riding. It still holds air and doesn’t affect the ride, what would you recommend I do? Thanks
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
If it holds air I wouldn't be too concerned. When you replace the tyre it might be worth bending it back
@benfairbrother2458
3 жыл бұрын
@@trailtalkmtb6603 thanks mate, I can always count on you for good advice
@karob4707
2 жыл бұрын
What about Trek? That bike keeps coming up when I ask people. So many bikes to consider.
Great detail but concise as well. Thanks.
Would be great if any of these bikes were in stock
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
No bikes are in stock at the moment :/ they will be soon
@richardg6293
3 жыл бұрын
Agreed! Been wanting a Vitus for a long while ....nothing....damn you COVID19
@wst3968
3 жыл бұрын
i found the exact bike I was looking for. Granted it took hours of google, emails and phone calls + a 7 hr round trip to pick it up lol
@drmartin5062
3 жыл бұрын
@@wst3968 easy peazy
@stolencoats63
3 жыл бұрын
I got lucky af to get a 2021 Fuji Nevada 1.5...one shop had one in stock...but after watching this vid I feel like I overpaid for what I got at 850. At the same time I'm able to ride so I can't complain too much haha.
Thanks for the video. I had to lookup what was a dialed up bike 😂
Dude great video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks Phil. Can you do budget 2021 dual suspension next?
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Will be after the trail hardtails, which is next :)
Awesome review! Thanks. Which one would be better out of 2021 Fusion 10 and 2021 Kona Lava Dome? Stability and rider confidence matters most for comparison. Also parts and durability. Regards
Not a bad list. We will probably just end up with another GT or Schwinn and upgrading it however. Thanks for the video man.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Awesome content bro! New subscriber here!
I have the polygon xtrada 5 and i love it :)
GT has a few in chain reaction, I can't remember the model, Ragley Marley 2.0 if you can find last year's model.
Great work, keep it up! Im subscribing
Vitus almost impossible to buy...Always sold out ! And what about Marin San Quentin 1?
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
San Quentin 1 is great, just keep in mind is a QR141 rear spacing, not boost thru axles like the 2 and 3
Great video, very helpful information. Just wondering what you think of the Focus Whistler 3.7 or 3.8. I’ve been looking at it, I really like the look of the Rocky Trail, but it seems too hard to find anywhere. Thanks
Sick video! Shame these budget bikes are still pretty low quality, I'd long for the day you could get a trek roscoe 8 kinda bike for $800, I don't like how the current entry level bikes just can't handle the typical progression a beginner rider takes, by the time most people progress to dualies, their $700 hardtail is pretty much in pieces, this sport is just so darn expensive, but good on ya for helping out the beginner riders who can hopefully get a bike that's a little more trailworthy!
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely agree. I destroyed my first budget hardtail. Unfortunately bike companies just cant make a profitable bike that can handle that kind of abuse at a budget pricepoint. I'll cover some trail ready hardtails in the next one. Theres a fair few for around 1500 but not many beginners want to spend that much
@davidh7414
3 жыл бұрын
@@trailtalkmtb6603 I've kept my old Shogun 26er with QR axles, straight steerer and Deore everything ( 3x9 drivetrain, brakes, wheels) going for 20 years. it cost precisely $999 in 2000. with 80mm coil fork and vbrakes , is now 120mm air and deore disc brakes. Have finally after much analysis, bought a 2021 Fluid HT1 and with upgrade parts to replace the 26er. Will still watch your next video on mid range hardtails anyway as I really enjoy what you present.
@davidhargrave778
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidh7414 Crazy, good you mention the QR axles, they must die. A bolt-through axle doesn't cost much more but improves things so much, my old bike used to drop the rear wheel all the time under intense braking or pedaling with QR axles, with thru axles that will never happen, plus it keeps your wheels so much stiffer and gives you that piece of mind. Silly to think you can still get a $3000+ bike with rear QR.
@hambo76
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidhargrave778 I'd recommend the Vitus Sentier or Merida Big Trail. Both come in at around AU$1,200 for their respective entry models.
@davidh7414
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidhargrave778 completely agree with you. Absolute bare minimum for any bike purchase these days is through axle, tapered steerer and, for anything other than XC - modern geometry. Treks stupid "boost 141" QR axle on the Roscoe is absolutely ridiculous. I agree that a 12mm axle should not cost that much more than a 9mm axle.
Not in the market for one but still a great video
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate!
Thanks a lot for the review. Have you seen the Fusion 30 and for 930$ usd would that be a good buy for me as a beginner, or would there be better options at 900+?
What do you think about Kona Lava Dome 2021? Would you recommend this or the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2X 2021? They're both around 700 euro in my local shop.
I was leaning towards the fusion bike already. Thanks
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
awesome content!, what are your thoughts on the Giant fathom 29er 1 ? i just paid for mine down in Sydney for when i move there in a couple months.. i'm hoping his will be a good mountain bike!
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Looks great! Love the updates for 2021
@skyleryork9656
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve been riding a 2021 fathom 2 for about a month and a half now. I love it! The geo is awesome for a hardtail and the components it’s spec’d with are really unbeatable for the price. Full disclosure, I did change the giant brand fork it came with to a longer travel fork. Not because the giant crest was bad though. It is actually a cool fork, it just didn’t have as much travel and tube ability as I wanted. Otherwise though, the fathom is one of the best hard tails for the money you can buy right now.
I wish I would have bought a bike a year ago. None of these bikes are in that price range anymore. Looks like I’ll have to settle for a Giant Talon 4.
Might be worth mentioning the lack of a through axle and or if it can be change to one as this will limit updating the wheel set
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Of course. Should of made that more clear when I said we shouldn't expect thru axles. But as I said its not necessarily great value to spend money upgrading these bikes. A good thru axle wheelset is pretty much the half to 3/4 the price of these bikes
which one of these 2 do u recommend for jumpy trails and rock garden trail? xtrada 5 or bobcat trail 3? these are my only option available in my country 😌
1st thing to do on budget bikes is changed the internal cheap bb to dub or hollowtech.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
100%!
I just got the VITUS thanks!!
Can u recommend bikes with a £250 budget?
my hardtail was listed as $1499.99 but got it for $1199.99, it has a rockshox recon rl, the drivetrain is sram sx 1x12
Great video , what are your thoughts on the 2021 Marin Bobcat Trail 5 -
Anyone got any suggestion for new mountainbikers
Great reviews for guys starting out, bless you mate, sorry I asked this on your entry level full sus vid too, but as a comparison to these hardtails what do you think of the direct marketed REID Horizon 1.0 $999 full sus with hydro brakes?
Any feedback on the Devinci Kobain SLX? Looks really good spec for the money. Much better spec than most on this list. Made in Canada and under $2k
VIIIIIIIIITUUUUS for the win 👍👍
Bought a cannondale trail 8 for $625 for my girlfriend. Does the job.
Great review, im. In UK and want to upgrade from my carerra, was willing to spend around £1000 on something like a trek, but your review on the vitus nuclear vr has me sold. It has everything im looking for, the dropper post, air forks, tubeless, single cassette.. What more do you want?? Thanks. Just got to find one now!
😱 Which is best 2021 MTB with USA MSRP of $750 to $850? Trek Marlin 7, Giant Talon 1, Jamis Highpoint A2 or Kona Lava Dome? These are all available at my local bike store here in Houston, Texas USA. I only want to buy from my local bike store. 🤠
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
I'd go the Kona :)
@nidhiraz501
3 жыл бұрын
Kona lava dome, best choice
Hold on a second... I got my Scott Scale in 2014 for £1100 and none of those bikes comes near to the spec of it? So does it mean that I'm better off keeping my 7yo bike than buying new? I thought technology advanced a bit more, with prices going down for old. 2x8 train to be upgraded to 1x8? Wtf? I already have 2x10, on 8 year old bike. Taking one gear off is only upgrade if you go up the wheel size, but you loose the range. I did the math, and dropping one in the front on my setup is like going up three at the back, so going by 1 by x setup should go with more gears at the back. But range also matters, so if steps are bigger then its fine but I'll stick to my 2x setup as it works faster to drop front under power, than go up 3 gears at the back.
Which would you recommend, Marin Bobcat Trail 4 or Scott Aspect 940?
This video has decided me to buy the rocky mountain fusion 10 2021. The frame looks so aggressive at that price point! Just do some few upgrades especially on the groupset [Deore XT] of this bike and this will be an XC/trail bike. Oops, also the fork, I am gonna lie RockShox Judy TK 29 air fork 100 mm QR will do here!
Is it possible to have a video on best hardtails under £1000?thanks in advance all the best..
Would Giant Talon 2 be a bad choice,mate?
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
I think these bikes present better value than the Talon. It's not a bad bike. You just get more for your money with these
@jimbo4203
3 жыл бұрын
Having a good bike shop makes all the difference in which cheap bike you should buy ! The shop closest to your house is where you need to start looking for a bike
Hey mate nice video .. could you do a review on the 2021 polygon syncline c5 carbon hardtail ?
Wish I could find a Vitus... Never around. Im looking at an Xtrada 5 instead... thoughts?
marin bobcat trail 3 is now 819 usd. Not sure if I should wait for a Soul 10 in stock or just get the fusion 10 or maybe get a marlin 5
Yea buddy 🤘👑
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Yeeew! Thanks for becoming a member mate!
@A.D.D.O.C.D.T
3 жыл бұрын
@@trailtalkmtb6603 No worries champ ,logo is sick !
What are your thoughts on the Polygon xtrada 6 for a budget bike?
I'm in the market and trying to get best bang for buck. I may put a rear rack on my bike and I may tow my kids. I'm a USA buyer. Do any of these jump out? Would you steer me away from any?
Specialized Rockhopper 29 vs. Fuji Nevada 29.. Which one is better..?
Awesome video!
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm pretty sure you could use a Cane Creek EC44 or the generic Nukeproof adapter to run a tapered fork on the Marin.
@trailtalkmtb6603
3 жыл бұрын
Very well might do the job
@thomasamos4055
3 жыл бұрын
@@trailtalkmtb6603 I did it on my Bizango and it's cool. A lot of the strokey beard indy manufacturers use them.
Appreciate the video but in America you can't buy many MTBs because dealers can't get them. Marin Trail bikes have been on backorder almost a year now so I bought a Trek and MAYBE I'll get it in NOVEMBER.
Surprised that the Kona Lava Dome didn’t make this list...Has a lot of the features that some of the nicer bikes on this list have 🤔
I would like to have a MTB till 800€ with 44 theeths in the front (because I like to ride fast) I also would wish a 27,5 bike and my frame hight is around 50cm. Any suggestions? 🙂🤔
Sadly, The Vitus , or any other bicycles from Chainreaction are not even a consideration for us Canadians. 680$ CAD for shipping and duties, as opposed to 100$ to ship to USA. Very frustrating.
imma go with the rockhopper just cus its pretty cheap where i live
Carrera Fury beats all of them for spec but not included?