I think most of us here would be happier on a Jones than a more traditional modern MTB, but we are definitely the outliers. I agree with John's take, unless they too are someone who puts considerable value in doing things the simple, timeless way with lower maintenance and willingness to walk tougher sections of trail. The Krampus / Karate Monkey are great bikes that satisfy both camps about as well as any bike could. Another one to scan for used is the Salsa Timberjack.
On Wednesday 7 February 2024 at 07:11:06 UTC-8 rmro...@gmail.com wrote: > That Jones is an absolute no-brainer answer to the op question. That is a > screaming deal! > Sent from my iPhone > > On Feb 7, 2024, at 9:59 AM, Stephen <cavell....@gmail.com> wrote: > > Jones bikes were being discussed in another thread, they have some pretty > steep discounts at the moment. If your brother fits either a small or large > (seems theyre out of mediums) he could get a SWB v2 for $1295. > > > https://jonesbikes.com/jones-plus-swb-v2-complete-bike/ > > On Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 9:46:49 AM UTC-5 John wrote: > >> Trigger warning: opinions regarding "modern mountain bikes." >> >> For $1400 I'd watch the local Craigslist and Facebook marketplace >> listings for a used hardtail from 2016ish or later. Something with 69 to 66 >> (ish) HTA. 29er/700 tubeless ready wheels (27.5/650 is OK too) at least >> 2.3" wide. 1x drive train (46T or more big cog in the rear, clutched >> derailleur). Dropper post. Wide (650mm or more) handlebars. Short (<60mm) >> stem. Disc brakes (these will probably end up being hydraulic because >> that's become standard, although IMO cable actuated is fine for most >> people). That would cover riding a lot of mountain bike trails/singletrack >> in and around AZ as well as bikepacking routes on forest and jeep roads, >> doubletrack, etc. >> >> Modern mountain bikes are really good. The geo works extremely well with >> the longer top tubes, shorter stems and wider bars. Big wheels have amazing >> ability to roll over trail obstacles. With a little technique and proper >> setup these bikes are incredibly comfortable, safe and capable. These bikes >> also cost more than fully rigid mountain bikes, ATBs, hillibikes >> (sometimes), whatever you want to call them. They have suspension forks, >> dropper posts and possibly hydraulic brakes that need to be serviced and >> maintained (i.e. complicated) >> >> A Surly Karate Monkey or Krampus both fit the bill and could potentially >> be had for under $1400. A Sklar or Crust is pretty unlikely. Kona Honzo or >> a Marin are also good bang for the buck. Here's a list of budget hardtails >> The >> Radavist <https://theradavist.com/2024-hardtails-under-and-around-2000/> >> published recently. Any used model would be fine. I wouldn't be too worried >> about the brand, so long as it's a legitimate bike company and checks the >> boxes above. A mid tier Shimano or Sram group (or at least >> shifter/derailleur) wold be ideal. The new Microshift 1x drivetrains are >> cool too. >> >> All that said, it may be worth honing in on what your brother means to do >> with the bike. I hate to say it but "trails and bikepacking" is pretty >> broad by today's standards, especially in AZ and the Four Corners region. >> Does he plan on riding rocky, steep, technical trails that require you to >> lift a front wheel or roll down obstacles? There can be lots of that in AZ. >> But if he has no intention of ever doing that, a fully rigid bike with >> biggish tires may fit the bill just fine! >> >> Laying it all on the line, >> John in Minnesota >> >> >> >> -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "RBW Owners Bunch" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com. > > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2772bcbc-ca73-48eb-a6ec-297b6b4c922cn%40googlegroups.com > > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/2772bcbc-ca73-48eb-a6ec-297b6b4c922cn%40googlegroups.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/33ee950e-747b-478d-93ab-8bb4cafc644en%40googlegroups.com.
