For mountainbikers: Which is "The One Bike" ??

Question

When people talk about "The One Bike", we think that these people are asking for a bike that can do everything.I am looking for this "one bike".
However,my definition of "The One Bike" is this: it will be the one bike that I would ever be able to afford in this lifetime (as I will be spending all my savings - $2000 - on it), it should be able to last for the rest of my life,giving a lot of room to improve my riding skills,& be the one bike I will use everyday wherever I go (from daily city commutes to weekend trail rides-climbs + descents + stunts) .
That's why Im asking you what bike should I get? I'm 5'8", 70lbs, never raced nor competed (no spectacular bike skills either). I ride my "discount store" pogo-sprung bike to work and to trails everytime I get a free weekend. I love and enjoy riding! I'm at the end of my 20s & wanna be a better biker towards the prime years (fitter & more inlove with mountain biking).

To Tim W and everyone:

I'm sorry I meant 70kgs and not 70lbs.
Today I weighed in at 65kgs (sans clothing and shoes).
Thanks so much for all the answers so far. I think I'll be extending the duration of this question to get more answers. So far, a lot of you have been great help!

Answer 1

Hey titaniumgearsolid!

I understand where you're coming from. Something that one is realy passionate about deserves a lot of effort, resources and time in order for one to fully enjoy and benefit from it. In my personal opinion, the search for your " one bike" can be likened to the search for "the one love". I'm proud to say that I'm fortunate that I found my "one love", who is now my wife and mother of our 1yr. old baby.

Now why am I using this analogy? Well,for illustrating that looking for "the one" may involve research, planning, risk-taking and experimentation but much of the search will involve chance and choice. And when you find "the one", it doesn't mean that all's going to be perfect. You still have to work for it to be as good as it could be. It will need additional effort, resources, time AND FAITH.

When I fell inlove with my wife, she didn't fit the "specs" of the one I was looking for. But I was willing to spend time with her, experience the ups and downs with her, maintain a genuine friendship with her, grow with her and believe in her. She wasn't perfect. And she still isn't. She cannot do everything I want, can't go anywhere I want, or be whatever I want. But I'm absolutely sure she is "the one". Why? Because I've given my heart to her and have faith in her!

So go ahead. fall inlove with the one that let's you behold her beauty, the one that excites you, inspires you, pushes you to be better, pleases you, makes you enjoy an afternoon of just hanging out with each other. The one to have for the rest of your life! No one can tell you whether one or the other is "the one" for you. You will ultimately have to make the choice. And when you do, throw in a lot of commitment, coz for the one to be "the one" for you will take more than just specs, intended purpose, budget and compatibility standards. Have faith. Commit. Commitment is a sure sign of faith!

You will find "the one"!

Answer 2

I would reconsider your question. Probably the idea for 'the one bike' will differ on each person. I don't think there is a single bike than can work for all the spectrum of mountain biking. However, not everybody does the whole spectrum, either. So what each rider looking for a one bike should look at a bike that covers his/her range of the spectrum they're trying to do.

No bike will last forever, probably the most you can expect it to last is probably 5 to 8 years, depending on use.

Also, it depends on the riding you do. If you like to do long distance epic rides, but don't expect to do jumps or crazy stuff probably a solid four inch travel bike will likely be one of the best options, but if your riding also include going to ski resorts for descending, you would probably look at other bike.

I would keep your current bike as a beater (meaning for commutes and going around town), and use a bike for the trails.

However, I would look at the Santa Cruz Heckler, since that is a very versatile, excelent quality bike in which you can afford at the beggining, but the frame is upgrade worthy, meaning you can replace wheels or fork later on with no problem.

Answer 3

I wouldn't spend $2000 on a daily driver. For commuting and training purposes, there isn't enough difference between a $500 bike and a higher end machine to justify subjecting it to weather, road chemicals, and the wear and tear.

Rest of your life? Bikes don't last that long if you ride a lot. Eventually everything just flat wears out, even the frame. Aside from that, technology advances. You can get a much better machine for your money than you could even a few years ago. That trend will likely continue.

I would, and have spent that much and more on a racing bike. When the objective is winning, the extra $ for a few seconds of speed are worth it to me if it means the difference between "Podium" and "just a guy".

Answer 4

I would suggest a Santa Cruz Heckler. It is dual suspension and is built with the intentions of doing a little bit of everythinga and not alienating anyone. It's a decent dh along with being a climber and XC bike. But if you want to commute with it too and you're spending your life savings I would get three locks for it atleast.

I went out and bought the Heckler to commute to school/work, hit the single tracks and to climb any mountain and to back down it with a vengance! I use two U-Locks one to hook up to the rear wheel and one to connect to the frame (the two most expensive parts on the bike) and then I have a steel braided lock that goes through the rear wheel, frame and front wheel. Yeah it may be a little excessive but hey I had just spent every dime I had getting it and you know what I'm pretty sure no one is going to steal it with all of that protection on it!

Answer 5

I think it would be dumb for you to get a $2000 bike. You can get a wonderful bike with kick butt components that will rip up just about any trail for $600-$700. Go look at the Gary Fisher website.

http://www.fisherbikes.com/matchmaker

You are not an expert you don't need an expert downhill mountain bike. And if you do evolve towards being an expert, well then, you've got $1300 to get another kick butt bike in 3 or 4 years, and you'll probably be able to sell your former bike for a couple of bucks on craigslist.

Answer 6

I'd buy an $800-$1200 range, Giant, Mongoose, Specialized, or whatever hardtail mtn bike (with the disc brakes and the good front fork), and get another set of wheels and tires with lower geared cassette for road riding. Or possibly, a cyclocross bike, being a good all purpose bike if you replace the crank with one that suits your riding style.

Plan B, seems you don't want to do this, but at least consider the idea of getting one each, road and mtn bike- even if you only get one now and continue to save until you can get the other (with 2 grand you can get one of each now, but odds are that one or the other will be really poor quality)

I went through a similar dilemna a few years back, and now I'm SO glad I used a little patience (I went with plan B), because each of my bikes are good quality and designed to do what I use them for- in this day and age, bikes are specialized for types of riding, they aren't as versatile as they were when we were teens. But I suppose the bottom line is, regardless of geometry, gearing, and components, that road, or off-road, tires are going to wear out every year if you use them vice-versa style.

Good luck, hope you find what you need, and PLEASE- continue to enjoy your rides!

Answer 7

Double-suspension Cannondale, but I hope you have a lot of surplus money, not just for the bike but for a lock to go with it so it doesn't get jacked.

Answer 8

you might be asking too much.

my "one" bike -- the one i can't imagine my life without (almost), is my Spot. a rigid steel single speed. it's the "one" because it's the most fun i've had on a mountain bike and it's made me a much better rider. i don't think i'll ever get tired of "kermit".

good luck finding yours.

Answer 9

Go with a haro r5. im not sure what type of "stunts" your talking about, your not going to be able to do barspins and stuff because of how the brakes are but. I do have a r5 and its amazing. and costs about $1200, so you could put some upgrades into it also.

Answer 10

I'm sure you'll get lots of great answers but one thing really stuck out to me.

You're 5'8" and you weigh 70 pounds????