Buying first MTB during the pandemic

[kmc]

First time poster, long time lurker, hoping you guys can help...

I'm looking to buy my first adult bike as a somewhat active 40-something year-old female. Mainly for for recreational riding but keen to add some trails every now and then (we also live near a MTB park). Budget is around $1K, give or take (that's just for the bike). But it seems that price point for a MTB is pretty tricky given the stock shortages due to the pandemic. Unlucky timing!

Having visited a couple of LBS (in Sydney south), the available stock in my size is limited to a Merida Big Nine 20 or Avanti Montari 2 (both a bit below $1K) or a Merida Big Nine 100 2x or Scott Aspect 950 (both around $1.1K). I'm not familiar with any of these brands. Apparently other stock is months away from coming. Online there is the Marin Bobcat Trail 3 or 4 but I'm nervous buying sight unseen.

Looking at the specs, the Merida Big Nine 100 seems like the best buy with its air fork and Shimano parts including brakes. The Scott has a coil fork and Tektro brakes. But then if I'm going with a "not ideal" option given there is such limited stock, do I bother with the extra spend or just go for the cheaper Merida Big Nine 20 at $830 with its mostly Shimano parts and same fork as the Scott?

So my questions for the collective brains-trust are:

1. Would you recommend any of these bikes?
2. Or would you wait until there is more stock in 6+ months (hopefully when the 2022 models arrive) and go for something like a Trek Marlin 7 or Giant Talon 1?

Given I'm such a newbie, I'm not even sure what to look for when trying a bike instore, so am not confident picking on that basis. How do I even know what is most comfortable or suitable? I'm keen to get something that'll last a few years - I'm not the type to rush out and upgrade.

If it makes any difference, I'm 180cm (6ft) tall with long arms and legs. One LBS said I was a medium (Scott, Avanti), the other was certain I was a large (Merida).

Any advice appreciated!

[bychosis]

Most important thing is a bike that fits right. It will pay to hop on and check it feels ok. I’m similar height, but relatively shorter legs for height and can ride medium or large depending on the actual model. I find XL a bit too large for bush riding but ok on the road where you don’t need to throw the bike around.

Second, an air fork is a good upgrade on an entry level bike. Other parts should be ok, or relatively cheap to upgrade if required. There generally isn’t much difference between parts until you go for 2 or more steps in grade.

[trailgumby]

If you're the kind of gal who holds onto their bike for awhile and is able to resist the temptation of upgradeitis, I'd suggest something more like this. For just a few hundred dollars more, you get a LOT more bike.

https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2022- ... ntain-bike

Deore is about minimum when it comes to MTB groupset. A clutch rear derailleur is a must-have for mountain bikes these days - they are very effective at stopping the chain from jumping off the front chainring on choppy trails, and they stop chain slap as well.

While 1x12 is not essential, I am finding 1x on the front has a number of advantages for me. While I prefer the closer gear spacing of 2x transmissions, the elimination of a sore left thumb (front shifter) on longer rides has been very welcome, and it means less clutter on the bars when you add things like a dropper post and suspension lockout levers.

I also like the fact this bike has a 120mm fork. I picked up a bitsa hardtail off a mate a year or so ago as a candidate for a single speeder conversion that came with a 120mm fork, and for my local terrain I really liked it.

This bike also has all the current axle and hub standards, so getting replacement parts if needed down the track will be less painful. The 30mm inside width rims are exactly on trend at the moment, and I will be upgrading all my bikes to this standard shortly, as it significantly improves traction and comfort.

While I know some of the guys at bicyclesonline, I am not a customer, but see a lot of their bikes on the trails near my house and hear no complaints. Their size guide puts you on a Large. Unfortunately they're currently out of stock but I'm sure they will have more for the 2022 year model soon.

If you do not wish to wait, this is in the same ballpark pricewise, and has a clutch rear derailleur, albeit wide-range 9-speed instead of 12-speed. https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2022- ... e-hardtail