Interbike Mtbr

11 interesting options spotted at Interbike.


Let's face it, when buying a new bike price is always a factor. This is even more true for the beginner looking to upgrade from their "starter" bike. The hardcore enthusiast may complain about the never ending cycle of new technologies that seem to come out every other month, but one benefit is this innovation trickles down, meaning beginners get more bang for their buck.

The $1000 price point is key for bike shops, manufacturers, and buyers. Generally at this price you can expect to get an aluminum hardtail, though many manufacturers are using plus size tires to breathe new life into the category. That said, there are only two full suspension bikes listed below.

It's also important to remember that the used bike market can offer incredible value in the $1000 range as long as you know what to look. If you prefer to buy new, year end model closeouts are another avenue to explore. This period typically runs from September to February, so now is a great time to start shopping. Many bike shops will offer current year models at a significant discount to make room for incoming inventory.

Finally, know that this compilation is not meant to be an exhaustive end all/be all. So, if we missed one of your favorites, let us know in the comments below.

German brand Bulls Bikes starts things off with the most affordable bike here, the King Boa 27.5 with a price tag of $849.

Germany's Bulls Bikes provides the most affordable bike here, the King Boa 27.5 at $849.​

Bulls Bikes King Boa 27.5 ($849)

Bulls Bikes is a German brand that is going direct-to-consumer in the U.S. They have several models of bikes including mountain, road, cross, and e-bikes. For the bargain hunter, Bulls offers the King Boa, an alloy hardtail with 27.5" wheels, SR Suntour XCR 32 RL fork with 100mm of travel, Tektro disc brakes, and a Shimano SLX 3x10 drivetrain. While there are no standout components on this bike, the King Boa is the most affordable bike of the group.
  • Frame: 7005 double-butted aluminum
  • Fork: SR Suntour XCR 32 RL 100mm with remote lockout
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX 3x10
  • Brakes: Tektro Draco 2 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5″
  • Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.bullsbikesusa.com.

Haro provides an inexpensive way to sample what the Plus size craze is all about. Bonus points for the 1x10 drivetrain and WTB cockpit parts.

Haro provides an inexpensive way to sample what the plus size craze is all about. Bonus points for the 1x10 drivetrain and WTB cockpit.​

Haro Double Peak Comp Plus ($869)

Haro's new Double Peak Comp Plus provides an affordable way for the beginner to try out the plus size craze. Rolling on Kenda Havoc 27.5x2.8" tires, the increased traction will be a huge benefit for beginners. Throw in the Shimano 1x10 drivetrain and this bike will provide a solid building block for riders to grow their skills. The HL Vaxa fork is not as sexy as offerings from Fox, RockShox or X-Fusion, but costs have to be cut somewhere.
  • Frame: 6000 series aluminum
  • Fork: 2017 HL Vaxa 866 HLO 27.5 Plus fork 120mm travel, hydraulic lockout, Boost compatible
  • Drivetrain: FSA cranks, Sunrace 11-40T 10-speed cassette, Shimano Deore 1x10
  • Brakes: Tektro Auriga HD-M285 hydraulic brakes
  • Wheel size: 27.5″+
  • Sizing: 14.5", 16", 18", 20"
To learn more, visit www.harobikes.com.


KHS SixFifty 500+ ($869)

KHS has a lot of experience with 27.5" wheels and their SixFifty line is one of their mainstays. New for 2017 is the 500+ in both men's and women's models. The ladies version comes in purple and provides an XS size that is not available for men. This bike is designed for the intermediate rider who wants to roll on 2.8" tires. Bonus points for the inexpensive but functional included pedals.
  • Frame: 6061 double-butted alloy
  • Fork: SR Suntour fork
  • Drivetrain: SRAM X5 rear derailleur and shifters, 2x9
  • Brakes: Shimano BR-M315 hydraulic disc brakes
  • Wheel size: 27.5+
  • Colors: Men's - Black, Women's - Purple
  • Sizing: Men (S/15, M/17, L/19, XL/21) - Women (XS/13, S/15)
To learn more, visit www.khsbicycles.com.

New for 2017, the Fuji Outland 29 1.5 is a lot of mountain bike for the price. Highlights include the SR Suntour fork and Manitou rear shock.

New for 2017, the Fuji Outland 29 1.5 is a lot of mountain bike for the price. Highlights include the SR Suntour fork and Manitou rear shock.​

Fuji Outland 29 1.5 ($949)

That Fuji has produced a full suspension bike for under $1000 is amazing. The Outland 29 1.5 has 120mm of rear travel and rolls on 29" wheels. It is targeted at the beginner XC/trail rider and uses a simple, but effective single pivot design. Although it doesn't come with a dropper post, it does have routing options for a dropper. The A2-SL double-butted frame should withstand most of the abuse that its rider can dish out. SR Suntour fork and Manitou rear shock are solid values at this price. The mechanical disc brakes and 3x8 drivetrain aren't cutting edge, but can be upgraded down the road.

  • Frame: A2-SL double butted alloy, 120mm rear travel
  • Fork: SR Suntour SF15-XCR-LO-R-29 w/ hydraulic lockout, tapered alloy steerer, 15mm thru axle, 120mm travel
  • Rear Shock: Manitou Radium Comp
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Altus/Acera 3x8
  • Brakes: Tektro M280 mechanical disc
  • Wheel size: 29″
  • Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.fujibikes.com.


Norco Charger 7.2 27.5 / Charger 9.2 29 ($949)

For the sub-$1000 buyer, Norco has two versions of their Charger. Both retail for $949 and you can choose between 27.5 and 29er wheels. Both are cross country oriented bikes with aluminum frames, RockShox Recon Silver fork, SRAM 1x10 drivetrain, and Shimano disc brakes. Bonus points for the included Wellgo alloy pedals. If you're a beginner with an itch towards trying a XC race, the Norco Charger is a solid choice.
  • Frame: double-butted alloy
  • Fork: Rock Shox Recon Silver Solo Air RL fork, 100mm
  • Drivetrain: SRAM GX 1x10
  • Brakes: Shimano Acera M425 hydraulic disc brakes
  • Wheel size: 29 or 27.5
  • Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.norco.com.

Marin offers their alloy hardtail in two wheels sizes, but give it a more trail-oriented geometry and purpose.

Marin offers their alloy hardtail in two wheels sizes, but give it a more trail-oriented geometry and purpose.​

Marin Bobcat Trail 5 29 / Bobcat Trail 5 27.5 ($989)

Like Norco, Marin offers their budget bike in both 27.5 or 29er wheel sizes. The Bobcat Trail 5 was redesigned for 2017 with a bit more of a trail rider focus than XC racer. This means that the geometry features a low bottom bracket, slack head angle, and longer reach. The Marin also feature better brakes than the Norco. And if you are looking for a plus hardtail option, check out the Pine Mountain.
  • Frame: 6061 double-butted aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox Recon Silver 100mm (80mm on size S)
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 1x10
  • Brakes: Shimano M365 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5 or 29
  • Sizing: 29 (M, L, XL, XXL), 27.5 (XS, S, M)
To learn more, visit www.marinbikes.com.

Motobecane continues to impress with components spec that are usually found in much more expensive bikes.

Motobecane continues to impress with component spec that are usually found in much more expensive bikes.​

Motobecane Fantom29 Elite ($999)

"Give the rider more for their money", is the Bikesdirect mantra and it holds true for this Motobecane model. SLX and XT component spec is not often found in this price point and the SRAM Guide brakes is an ever rarer commodity. It doesn't stop there as Ritchey, WTB, FSA, KMC finish off the package well. It's also good to know that Mtbr has tried a few Motobecane mtb and road bikes and the frames and builds are worthy as well.
  • Frame: Kinesis aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox Recon Silver 100mm (80mm on size S)
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX and XT 3x10
  • Brakes: SRAM Guide R hydraulic discs
  • Wheel size: 29
  • Sizing: 29 (13, 15.5, 17.5, 19, 21)
To learn more, visit Motobecane Fantom Elite.

Continue to page 2 for more of the best mountain bikes for around $1000 »

BMC is a Swedish brand with a long history of bike racing. The SportElite SE offers new riders a chance to sample their ride quality on this alloy hardtail.

The BMC SportElite SE offers new riders a chance to sample Swiss ride quality on this alloy hardtail.​

BMC SportElite SE ($999)

Swiss bike maker BMC is long known for quality race frames and the Sportelite offers the beginner an affordable but raceable option. The alloy frame features low seatstays and a buttress at the top tube seat tube junction for efficiency and stiffness. BMC also feels that the 27.5 wheel size is a bit more user friendly for beginner riders than 29.
  • Frame: Al-13 butted, hydroformed aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox 30 Silver Solo Air, 100mm (80mm on size S)
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/SLX 2x10
  • Brakes: Shimano M365 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5
  • Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.bmc-switzerland.com.

The Breezer Storm Expert hopes to appeal to the hardtail rider who can appreciate the Joe Breeze designed geometry and ride quality.

The Breezer Storm Expert hardtail is a Joe Breeze designed bike.​

Breezer Storm Expert ($1079)

The Breezer Storm Expert offers a lot of value and is available with either 27.5 or 29er wheels. The 3x10 drivetrain might seem a bit long in the tooth compared to the more modern 1x10 and 2x10 on some other bikes, but Breezer feels that their Joe Breeze designed geometry, Breeze-in dropouts, Apex disc mounts, and ride quality will appeal to bargain hunters. Bonus points for the included Wellgo alloy pedals.
  • Frame: custom butted, hydroformed aluminum
  • Fork: RockShox XC 30 100mm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/XT 3x10
  • Brakes: Shimano M396 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5 or 29
  • Sizing: XS/15", S/17", M/18.5", L/19.5, XL/21"
To learn more, visit www.breezerbikes.com.

Released last year, the Verb series from GT remains a legit option for the beginner on a severe budget but looking for full suspension.

Released last year, the Verb series from GT remains a solid option for the beginner on a budget who is looking for full suspension.​

GT Verb Comp ($1080)

We covered the launch of GT's Verb series last year and are not surprised to see it back again this year. When it comes to full suspension bikes around $1000 from a major brand, the two bikes featured in this article are about it. Sure, some sacrifices had to be made from a component standpoint, but getting a dual suspension for a grand is a great deal.
  • Frame: 6061 aluminum, 120mm rear travel
  • Fork: All Terra CH-595, 120mm
  • Rear Shock: All Terra A0-42 Air Shock
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Alivio/Deore 2x9
  • Brakes: Tektro hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5
  • Sizing: XS, S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.gtbicycles.com.

Not your typical alloy hardtail, the MX series from Orbea uses a more relaxed geometry to emphasize that it is ready to rally.

Not your typical alloy hardtail, the MX series from Orbea uses a more relaxed, rally-ready geometry.​

Orbea MX MAX ($1099)

Spain's Orbea has established a new U.S. presence so expect to see more of their bikes at your local bike shop in the near future. The MX Max has a 73 degree seat tube angle and 70-degree head angle. Orbea also uses mixed wheel sizes depending on your frame size. The frame is made from Orbea's Hexatubing alloy and includes internal cable routing options. The MX Max is available in 27.5 for sizes S, M and L, and 29 for sizes M, L and XL.
  • Frame: Hexatubing aluminum
  • Fork: Rock Shox 30 Silver TK Air Remote, 100mm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano SLX 2x11
  • Brakes: Shimano M365 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5/29
  • Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.orbea.com.


Scott Scale 970 ($1099)

Scott's Scale 970 is an alloy 29er hardtail that is truly race ready. It provides an upgrade worthy frame but that doesn't mean there are big sacrifices in spec. The Suntour XCR fork provides 100mm of cushion, while the Shimano M396 hydraulic disc brakes are a step up (or two) from many of the other offerings featured here. Only the 3x10 drivetrain indicates the cost cutting measures. Bonus points for the internal cable routing options and quality finish.
  • Frame: custom butted alloy
  • Fork: Suntour XCR RL-R coil spring, 100mm
  • Drivetrain: Shimano Deore 3x10
  • Brakes: Shimano M396 hydraulic
  • Wheel size: 27.5 or 29
  • Sizing: S, M, L, XL
To learn more, visit www.scott-sports.com.

This article is part of Mtbr's coverage of the 2016 Interbike trade show in Las Vegas. For more from Interbike CLICK HERE.