A Worthy Backup

Q: Any recommendations on where I can find a worthy backup full-suspension bike for a killer deal? Around $2000–$3500? I’m 56 years old, live in Massachusetts, and mainly enjoy climbing and riding light technical trails with some roots and rocks, but nothing too gnarly. I recently bought a 120mm-travel Trek for about $5500, but I’m not looking to spend that much on a backup bike.
Bob Arsenault
Massachusetts

A: It sounds like you probably bought a Trek Top Fuel 9 Gen 4, which is an excellent bike for your style of East Coast riding. If you’re not going after super-technical and steep descents and want to prioritize climbing performance, 120–130mm of suspension should be more than enough. We don’t blame you for wanting a backup bike (most of us here at MBA have multiple bikes with similar suspension travel), and luckily for you, there are tons of killer deals out there right now.

Our first recommendation would be the YT’s Izzo 29 Core 2 CF. Currently priced at $2649 ($650 in savings), it’s hard to find a better bang for your buck. The Izzo frame is built around 29-inch wheels with 130mm of rear travel and a 140mm fork, making it perfect for your style of riding. The Izzo has a RockShox Pike Select+ fork and Deluxe Select+ shock, Shimano SLX drivetrain and brakes, rolling on a set of Crankbrothers wheels and Maxxis tires. Check out our long term review of a higher end build here to get an idea of what this bike rides like.

Another recommendation we would make is the Canyon Neuron 6, which is on sale for $2199 (usually $2799). Like the Top Fuel and Trance, it’s built around 29-inch wheels, but the Neuron has 130mm of rear travel and a 140mm fork. It uses Canyon’s Triple Phase Suspension design that they claim delivers stellar small-bump sensitivity, mid-stroke stability and a progressive ramp-up to avoid bottoming out. The Neuron 6 is built around a Fox Float DPS Performance shock and 34 Rhythm fork, SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, SRAM DB8 brakes, and a DT Swiss AM LN 370 wheelset, emphasizing value and durability. The geometry is also similar to the other two bikes, with a 66-degree head tube angle and a 76-degree seat tube angle.

Norco’s Fluid FS A3 also packs tons of value into an excellent aluminum frame for just $1,999. It comes with Shimano’s Excellent Cues 10 speed drivetrain,  RockShox Recon RL 140mm travel fork, Tektro brakes and Maxxis tires. It’s just your favorite dropper post away from being an excellent all around trail bike. Check out our review of the higher end version here. 

The best thing to do is to get online and shop around at different websites and brands to find something that fits what you’re looking for. Check your local shops for sales too. There are still tons of deals going on, so chances are you’ll be able to find a bike that’s a worthy backup at a great price.