‘Budget’ 29er: Stumpjumper ST or Diamondback Release 29 2 ?

[STD]

For a $2k budget, which is the better bike?

Big dude, mellow XC trails, just want something to ride and not break the bank.

Thanks

[toast2266]

For $2k, you might end up with a better bike if you go used.

[iamTRuTH]

I agree with Toast.

When I was test riding I liked the Giants in that price range (I believe it was the Trance). I ended up spending a touch more and ended up with a used demo Transition.

[ASmileyFace]

If you're only trying to spend 2k I wouldn't go new on a big name brand. You're just paying for a name rather than quality parts.

I see your location says Durango, I'm going to shill for my friend here, but Velorution Cycles has a bunch of Salsa and Norco demos and brand new bikes on sale for around your budget.

[STD]

Thanks for the replies, but shopping for a used XL in my price range in my location is challenging. I’ve really narrowed it down to these 2 new options as my best options if I wanna get something to ride the rest of this fall.

[jono]

In that case, while the DB is not super updated, there is no excuse for buying from SpecialEd.

[radam]

If you're comparing the Release 29 2 to the most basic Stumpjumper ST, the Release is a much better build - it has a dropper and nicer suspension. If you're comparing to the 'Comp' ST, the builds are basically the same, without overanalyzing. The geometry on the Stumpy is a little more modern, but the release isn't totally outdated, just a bit conservative. I have a Diamondback fatbike and was happy with the purchase process and how the bike arrived and how it has held up. Only issue so far has been a trashed bottom bracket and Diamondback worked with FSA to get me a new one. With that said, if you like your shop and want that local support, the Stumpy seems pretty good.

[gravitylover]

Go to that Norco dealer mentioned above and take a good look at the Fluid FS, it starts under $2k with a reasonable build but more importantly it's a super fun ride.

[El Chupacabra]

Budget stretchable any? And does smmokan have any demo bikes for sale in your size?