Buying First Proper MTB

[Dougley]

Hey everyone
I've been looking at getting my first proper all mountain style bike soon after progressing further than a $1500 hardtail can take you. I don't need it right away so wait times aren't all that important really. Budget of $6000AUD, maybe willing to go a little over if a really good deal came about. I need to ride to the top, no shuttles where I am so about 1/2 climbing, 1/2 descending. I've been looking at the Canyon Spectral range (factoring in $200 for shipping to Aus) and they seem to have pretty good value for money. Also been looking second hand. If anyone has any advice or suggestions then that would be much appreciated, just not sure where to start really, so many bikes out there!
Thanks in advance

[brumby33]

Hey everyone
I've been looking at getting my first proper all mountain style bike soon after progressing further than a $1500 hardtail can take you. I don't need it right away so wait times aren't all that important really. Budget of $6000AUD, maybe willing to go a little over if a really good deal came about. I need to ride to the top, no shuttles where I am so about 1/2 climbing, 1/2 descending. I've been looking at the Canyon Spectral range (factoring in $200 for shipping to Aus) and they seem to have pretty good value for money. Also been looking second hand. If anyone has any advice or suggestions then that would be much appreciated, just not sure where to start really, so many bikes out there!
Thanks in advance

Not 100% sure but check with Customs about importing from USA or UK as I'm sure the Free Trade agreement is in place now and a bike like that should be duty free but you will be up for 10% GST on arrival so a 6K Bike might cost you an addition $600 GST. Not saying that will happen but it's possible.
Noel McFarlane the creator of Vivente bikes will begin building his Touring bike in Tasmania from the end of this year and one of the reasons are getting parts direct to him but if he builds them in Australia rather than Taiwan, from AU selling them internationally like the US and UK, he can do so with no duty charged at the other end, but from Taiwan it's 15%.

Goes for Importing as well.

cheers

brumby33

[RonK]

If you buy a Canyon online (I have) the pricing is Australian including GST and there are no further taxes or charges.

Canyon bikes are excellent quality and value - and their delivery dates are reliable.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Canyon.

[brumby33]

If you buy a Canyon online (I have) the pricing is Australian including GST and there are no further taxes or charges.

Canyon bikes are excellent quality and value - and their delivery dates are reliable.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Canyon.

Ok RonK, thanks for that correction, i wasn't aware about them quoting in AU dollars and incl. GST.

[bychosis]

If anyone has any advice or suggestions then that would be much appreciated, just not sure where to start really, so many bikes out there!
Thanks in advance

You are right. There are so many bikes to choose from. Your budget is pretty healthy, so you can basically choose what you want. Figuring out what you want is the hard part. I’d spend a bit of time to go visit some shops and sit on a few bikes. Perhaps check out some race days if possible and see what others are riding.

I can’t recommend anything unfortunately, but when I purchased my last ‘trail’ bike I did a lot of research online. Reviews etc. I ended up with a trek Remedy and have been happy with it. Would I have been happier with another bike? No idea.

[Dougley]

Yeah, its a bit of a minefield out there. I think I'm just looking to get as much bike as possible for the money, I guess that's what everyone does anyway. I guess it comes down to what I actually need out of a bike, and not get carried away.
And for the Canyon shipping, I think it just includes the $30 for the box and $199 for shipping, could be wrong.

[RonK]

And for the Canyon shipping, I think it just includes the $30 for the box and $199 for shipping, could be wrong.

Yes, that is correct.

Your initial choice of the Spectral is a good one.
The CF 7 in either 27.5 or 29 is right on the money.

[Dougley]

The CF7 sure does, that green looks nice as well.
Just been looking at the CF8 CLLCTV for comparisons sake. It definatley looks more intended to be a little more downhill orientated. So for the money you'd get (apart from the mullet setup and coil shock)
-Full SLX --> XT derailleur/shifter w/rest SLX
-Fox 36 Rhythm --> Performance elite (which from what I can see is the same as the factory minus the kashima coating)
-SLX Brakes --> XT brakes
-DT Swiss M1900 --> EX511 350 wheels
(plus an Assegai instead of DHR II upfront, not a dealbreaker)
Would these be a good enough upgrade to drop an extra $750 in any ones opinion? Not gonna be spending this kind of money on a bike for a while now so don't know if it'll be worth it? The mullet configuration doesn't really faze me, I've ridden friends bikes set up at 27, 29 and mullet before and have liked them all for different reasons so could get used to any.

[RonK]

The CF7 sure does, that green looks nice as well.
Just been looking at the CF8 CLLCTV for comparisons sake. It definatley looks more intended to be a little more downhill orientated. So for the money you'd get (apart from the mullet setup and coil shock)
-Full SLX --> XT derailleur/shifter w/rest SLX
-Fox 36 Rhythm --> Performance elite (which from what I can see is the same as the factory minus the kashima coating)
-SLX Brakes --> XT brakes
-DT Swiss M1900 --> EX511 350 wheels
(plus an Assegai instead of DHR II upfront, not a dealbreaker)
Would these be a good enough upgrade to drop an extra $750 in any ones opinion? Not gonna be spending this kind of money on a bike for a while now so don't know if it'll be worth it? The mullet configuration doesn't really faze me, I've ridden friends bikes set up at 27, 29 and mullet before and have liked them all for different reasons so could get used to any.

It's a very good spec for the money.
It depends on how full-on your riding will be, but I would probably opt for a little more cross-country than trail, so would choose the Lux CF 7.

[Dougley]

Just saw the cclctv has been dropped $300 as a once off cos its a demo I think, size. Not sure if I should go for it. Not gonna get this again probably so don't want to miss it but also very sudden descision to make

[Dougley]

https://www.canyon.com/en-au/outlet-bik ... 29750.html

[Mububban]

Hey everyone
I've been looking at getting my first proper all mountain style bike soon after progressing further than a $1500 hardtail can take you. I don't need it right away so wait times aren't all that important really. Budget of $6000AUD, maybe willing to go a little over if a really good deal came about. I need to ride to the top, no shuttles where I am so about 1/2 climbing, 1/2 descending. I've been looking at the Canyon Spectral range (factoring in $200 for shipping to Aus) and they seem to have pretty good value for money. Also been looking second hand. If anyone has any advice or suggestions then that would be much appreciated, just not sure where to start really, so many bikes out there!
Thanks in advance

How hardcore are you planning to get? Blues and blacks? Big jumps and drops?

Personally, I'm a roadie who wanted to try MTB, loved it, and bought a 150mm dual sus with 27.5 wheels. I'm overbiked for my skill and usage. Turns out I suck at jumping, so I'd have been better with a ~130mm 29er which can still easily handle gnarly blue trails, but is better suited to longer trail days, gravel rides, and climbs better, and is a bit lighter.

Just something to consider based on your own circumstances, riding skills and planned use.