u/LakerDoc

I’m looking for advice on what direction to go for my first real mountain bike.

Current bike: Specialized Sirrus X 3.0. I like it overall, but on dirt paths/light trails it feels harsh and shaky over small bumps, roots, and uneven ground. I’m mainly looking for more comfort, stability, and confidence.

My riding style: late 30s, conservative/risk-averse, mostly riding mild local trails, fire roads, dirt paths, and trails with my 11-year-old son. This may become more of a shared hobby for us over time, so I’d like something we can grow into a bit. But realistically, I don’t see myself doing anything crazy like big jumps, drops, bike parks, or aggressive downhill. I care more about comfort, predictable handling, reliable brakes, and low-hassle ownership than max performance.

Bikes I’m considering:

REI Co-op DRT 1.3 — around $1,279 on sale. Seems comfortable and low-hassle with REI support, 120mm air fork, 2.6" tires, Deore 1x12, hydraulic brakes, thru-axles, and dropper.

Giant Fathom 29 1 — around the same price after build fee. Seems like stronger trail spec with 130mm air fork, dropper, 4-piston brakes, aggressive tires, and better name-brand resale. But REI has great return policy and support.

Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29 — around $1,000. More conservative/name-brand option with air fork, Deore 1x12, hydraulic brakes, lighter weight, but no dropper and older parts maybe?

Ozark Trail Ridge Pro M.2 — $598 if I can find one. Crazy value on paper with air fork, hydraulic brakes, thru-axles, Maxxis tires, and dropper

Used hardtail in the $400–500 range — also considering used bikes, preferably with a 1x drivetrain. Most options I’m seeing in this price range seem to have coil forks and no dropper. I’m not sure if I actually need an air fork or dropper for my use case, but I’d rather spend a few hundred more now if it gets me something more comfortable, reliable, and worth growing into.

Given my actual use case, would you buy a nicer new hardtail like the DRT 1.3 or Giant Fathom, go simpler with the Rockhopper, go best bang for buck for a Ozark if it comes back in stock? Or save money with a used $400–500 hardtail? Is the air fork/dropper/thru-axle stuff meaningful for a cautious mild-trail rider, or is all of this overkill?

Thanks!

I’m considering purchasing a Co-op DRT 1.3. Called my local REI store in SoCal, rep said that you have 30 days to return bikes if it’s been used? If not used then 90 days for non-members or 1 year for members. That doesn’t sound right, but I wanted to confirm here.

Also anyone know return policy for purchasing used bikes from REI? Or what about from the resupply store?

Lastly if anyone owns a DRT 1.3, would love to get feedback!

Thanks!

Toronto and Detroit winning tonight, game 1 of 2nd round will start Tuesday.

Win tonight, then you have 4 days in between the next game against OKC. LFG!!

Lose tonight, game 1 still starts Tuesday. Take care of business tonight.

Theoretically that’s 33 days since Luka’s injury (4 weeks and 5 days). Pretty close to the average time (~35 days) for NBA players to come back from grade 2 hamstring strain.