Best entry level hardtail deals? Trying to help a newbie out.

Dave Taylor

Dave Taylor

Rex kwan Do
My buddy is just getting into xc riding and hopefully racing. He had a $600 Jamis MTB/jump bike thing but is looking to get more serious. I am trying to find him something in the lines of a Trek Superfly 6 as far as components go. Hardtail 29er geared bike. Sure, he's going to try some bikes out at jungle but not buying for a little while yet. I am a big fan of Trek despite many opting for the smaller companies. I like the complete, engineered packages they offer. I feel they have the best tubeless setup from a factory. But, this isn't my bike so I am leaving open for opinions. Are the deals on Jenson any good? Any local shops that can hook him up and guide him a bit? He's from Toms River. Anyways, current year bike isn't important but he doesn't really want "old" technology. Thanks in advance for opinions.
 
buying used on here or head into the local shop, im sure one of the jersey shore peeps can point you in the right direction.
 
Picked up a $Tree-Sevny-Nine$ Jint for the wife, who rarely rides, from Mr. Fenton and Co. bout a year ago, nothing special, but a lotta bike for the money, ready for upgrades when necessary. Haven't broke it yet, prolly won't ever.
 
Dave- I think it matters more who he buys from. Living down here I think his options are: mike (c-dale & spec) Kathy (trek), Jonathan (niner), Alex (Scott).
Establishing a rapport with the shop is at least equally important to the brand. B/c let's face it, he won't know the difference between frames. Group sets make a huge a difference. And everything will suck when he falls over and tweaks the derailer hanger. A good shop will keep him tuned and well supplied much better than the Internet.
 
GratefulRider said:
Dave- I think it matters more who he buys from. Living down here I think his options are: mike (c-dale & spec) Kathy (trek), Jonathan (niner), Alex (Scott).
Establishing a rapport with the shop is at least equally important to the brand. B/c let's face it, he won't know the difference between frames. Group sets make a huge a difference. And everything will suck when he falls over and tweaks the derailer hanger. A good shop will keep him tuned and well supplied much better than the Internet.
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Listen to this man.

While I would love to have everyone buy their bikes from my shop, it is vitally important that people start looking to bike shops as their first point of contact for bike shopping.

Every shop has a few closeout bikes on hand that can be had for a nice price. This is also the best time of the year for one on one service and attention.

Better yet, in some cases 🙂rolleyes🙂 the bike shop guys actually build and maintain the local trails. In a no BS way, by supporting shops you are keeping the people who push bike access employed.

Here are some #'s that should make anyone cringe who enjoys going into shops and seeing all the goodies in person:

Year Number of Specialty Bicycle Retail Locations
2000 6,195
2001 6,259
2002 5,505
2003 5,358
2004 4,982
2005 4,704
2006 4,600
2007 4,451
2008 4,349
2009 4,319
2010 4,256
2011 4,178
2012 4,089
2013 4,055
2014 3,950
2015 3,790
 
I do try to support my local shop. My problem at the moment is time. I use Trek Middletown and despite them not being too big into MTBs(they stock a shit load but they don't really ride too much offered competitively) they do give me deals and are very friendly. I however buy a lot from Jenson as I am not wealthy and they usually get the parts to me faster as what I usually need isn't in stock locally. I'd be open to other bike shops within 5 miles or so of West Keansburg but time(two very young boys at home) makes it much more convenient at the time to order online. I do all my maintenance myself and get my opinions from here and riding buddies. The other shop close by(Atlantic Cyclery) gave me a very bad first impression. The owner basically ignored me while I was just trying to buy $30 in gels on my way to ride at Hartshorn. I was the only one in the store and he didn't acknowledge me walking through the door and continued to answer phone and place online orders without even saying"just a minute". Was trying to spend 2-3 min in store and spent 1/2 an hour. Not fun when buddies are waiting at Hartshorn for you after work. Haven't tried Cranky's....next I guess.
 
Dave, to be honest... The shops by us are a one trick pony. The best customer service I found was through Jonathan at the red bicycle. Always looking to make a deal AND he don't BS about anything at all.

Krankys is limited and a lot needs to be ordered. Garret is a great guy and will work with you.
This year I used cycles 54 as my shop of choice bc it's close to my job and I can get there during my lunch break. Next year I will give Jonathan (the red bicycle) more business as he will be helping me through the winter and gearing up for next year.
 
I would suggest crankies. Despite the name, the owner is very nice. Also try the peddler in long branch, they probably have a bunch if bikes they are trying to unload. Crankies also offers free bike support for the Twin lights bike ride. I know the peddler will give buyers a bike fit. on online bike store won't.right next to crankies is a great coffee shop
 
knobbyhead said:
I would suggest crankies. Despite the name, the owner is very nice. Also try the peddler in long branch, they probably have a bunch if bikes they are trying to unload. Crankies also offers free bike support for the Twin lights bike ride. I know the peddler will give buyers a bike fit. on online bike store won't.right next to crankies is a great coffee shop
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Now start a coffee spot thread! Monmouth county is like the Mecca of coffee snobs. Waterwitch has decent coffee, rook is my fav
 
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