Recommendations for a budget FS MTB for a big guy

[BobC]

I know nothing about mountain bikes (and in Va Beach that is no big deal). However, my oldest son who is at WVU has discovered mountain biking in a big way. He wants a MTB. I figure a full suspension is the way to go. So I am looking for a good entry-level FS MTB for him.

One issue is that he is 6'5" & 240 lbs, so whatever I get him has to be on the beefier side.

What would you recommend that I look at on a tight budget?

[Jaybee]

Marin is quality value spec - their product managers spend money where it counts, like suspension. Get him on a rift zone (2018s are fine if you want to save cash) and see what he likes and doesn't like from there.

[Ken Robb]

Suzuki DR 650!

[Ken Robb]

Originally Posted by Jaybee

Marin is quality value spec - their product managers spend money where it counts, like suspension. Get him on a rift zone (2018s are fine if you want to save cash) and see what he likes and doesn't like from there.

I bought a Rift Zone in 2001 and never regretted it. They do seem to offer no-nonsense bang-for-the buck.

[fa63]

+1 for the Marin Rift Zone. Great bike for the money (my buddy's shop sells them; I test rode one and really enjoyed it).

Originally Posted by Jaybee

Marin is quality value spec - their product managers spend money where it counts, like suspension. Get him on a rift zone (2018s are fine if you want to save cash) and see what he likes and doesn't like from there.

[JAGI410]

Rift Zone is an excellent recommendation. If the budget is a tad bigger I'd go Salsa Horsethief. Both fit on the big side, so the XL will fit him well.

I've ridden both (and own a Horsethief) and I'm consistently impressed by the value for the money on these bikes.

[gomango]

Originally Posted by JAGI410

Rift Zone is an excellent recommendation. If the budget is a tad bigger I'd go Salsa Horsethief. Both fit on the big side, so the XL will fit him well.

I've ridden both (and own a Horsethief) and I'm consistently impressed by the value for the money on these bikes.

Great advice.

We just picked up a slightly used Horsethief for our youngest son and it's a heck of a bike for the dollars.

I'm amazed at the amount of used mtb's that are available locally on the used market. The one we picked up was half of the new cost and it looks like it was ridden about twice.

[p nut]

I would have him join an MTB club at the school. Members there may have some nice used MTB to hand down.

Giant makes nice bikes as well, at a good value. Something like a Trance on the used market would be good. This is where bringing a friend from the MTB club to look it over would be a big help.

[ultraman6970]

Probably will be a lot cheaper than a bicycle

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

Suzuki DR 650!

[45K10]

I know you mentioned FS but I wouldn't over look a hardtail especially a steel one.
Here is one in Roanoke with a pretty sweet spec and XL for $1800
https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2611896/