Hey all! I am trying to finish leadville before I turn 30 (hoping to race in 2027). I have a few young kids and my budget is limited. When I look at my options, I basically can decide between a budget FS or a hardtail.
Pros of a hardtail is it can be about 3-5lbs lighter without any upgrades and is less to maintain. Pros of a FS is it is a much better all around MTB and would be better for day to day riding. I’m a little wary buying used because they may not have maintained the suspension. So far I have narrowed down to the following options and would appreciate some advice or other suggestions.
I understand the hesitancy to avoid used but the used market is just insanely good right now. You can get 10x the bike for the same price as new lower end bikes. Something like the previous gen Epic Evo can be had for the same price as the Chisel FS. I just sold a current gen Blur TR with basically new components for $2k.
Most suspension service is pretty simple, this YT channel is super comprehensive and easy to follow. I highly recommend at least knowing how to do a lower leg service even if you buy new. It’ll keep your bike running better and out of the shop if you can take care of it yourself.
As a rule of thumb, would you have a suspension service and bleed done on any used bike? How can I tell if suspension is beat to hell? I honestly don’t even know what to look for so that’s what terrifies me the most
You always buy used bikes in like new to excellent condition. Lots of people buy bikes with the best of intentions that mostly end up sitting in garages. You don’t buy a bike that was heavily used.
Personally, yes. It’s a 20 minute job to do an air can or lower leg service and it starts me from a good baseline for the bike.
As long as the stanchions aren’t scratched and/or leaking oil, don’t worry too much. Worst case you ship it out to Fox or Rockshox for service but it’s rare you’ll end up buying an XC bike requiring that type of service. Suspension is expensive but it’s incredibly serviceable. As long as the frame is in good shape, send it.
Personally I’d go FS and then practice on it wherever and whenever you can. Much more versatile a bike, and for most people going to be as fast or faster at Leadville anyways.
If you’re an experienced MTB’er, sub-30, and in good bike shape for the race then a HT starts to become a better option as a dedicated Leadville and Gravel Bike, but still loses on all-around versatility.
I’d wait to find a deal on a high quality used FS. People are always selling bikes that have been kept up and are in great condition and you could be getting 50% off.
+1 on full suspension. Not required for Leadville course, but so much more versatile and just a lot more fun to ride/race (particularly long days like Leadville). Modern 120/120 XC bikes are great all-around MTB’s for trail riding.
From that list, I’d go with Chisel. But also agree with the prior suggestion on previous gen Epic Evo if you can find a deal on a lightly used one.
Bucking the trend, I say hardtail. Full suspension is a waste of money for MOST XC racing, ESPECIALLY for Leadville.
And just as a funny anecdote:
My full suspension bike broke on me so I had to miss my last race of the season Saturday. But I brought my running stuff to run while my girlfriend raced on her hardtail Epic. I caught her on course just in time to watch her ride down a gnarly rock section of trail, then immediately watched an Expert (I’m not sure if he still has his pro license) get off and run the same section of trail with his Epic World Cup.
If you are budget limited, don’t waste it on a rear suspension.
Sometimes I think about going back to a hardtail, I still have my Pivot Les frame hanging in the garage for such an occasion.
I also would say, don’t completely dismiss the hardtail. Its a fun bike to have, and very low maintenance if you plan on doing the work yourself, which can be quite helpful. If your riding with your kids, it can just be a nice bike to own, even if your putzing around the neighborhood or want to hop into a pump track or something.
That said, the chisel seems like it could be a great choice.
How good of shape is your back? It sounds silly, but could be a good decider. I am a longtime hardtail rider, and been pretty happy with the choice. That said, on years where my body strength isn’t quite as good, its beat me up a bit more in racing scenarios or long epic rides. Years where I’ve been chopping a lot more wood, or building outdoors, my body handles it a bit better, even if I’m in worse bike shape.
Nothing wrong with a hardtail, especially for Leadville, as long as your back is in good shape and can take a little more pounding. You should be able to get a good deal on a nice hardtail used. Even new, I saw some amazing deals on bikes like the BMC Twostroke.
I haven’t looked, but I suspect you could find some pretty good deals on a Trek Supercaliber as well, especially the Gen1 bike. It’s a great bike for Leadville and sort of splits the difference between a HT and a modern FS. A lot of folks who had Supercalibers and paid top dollar for them are now moving on to something new, so picking one up used could be a great way to go.