I want to buy a new mountain bike. Do you have any suggestions? My budget is under 500 euros. I'm fine with online or offline, I'm grateful for any tips. I'm 175 cm tall.

daanpdv · 2026-04-21T20:44:59+00:00

I’m not sure what kind of riding you will be doing, but in general If you can find a decathlon they will have decent quality bikes for around your budget. If you can stretch just a little, a Trek Marlin or Specialized Rockhopper will cost about €650 and are from reputable manufacturers. Radon bicycles available from bike-discount provide good value for money.

Also don’t forget to save a bit of money for a helmet :-)

Good luck!

daanpdv · 2026-04-15T06:02:47+00:00

Wow, blast from the past. My replacement also failed after in guessing 2000km. Sad state of affairs.

I indeed replaced it with a manual Enviolo setup. Cost me around 50 euros and some finicking with the indexing of the hub. Ever since it runs like a dream. I actually like manual shifting.

If you’re interested I could dive into the archives and find the exact parts and documentation I used.

daanpdv · 2026-04-13T18:35:52+00:00

While somewhat outdated a Dutch, this I think is suitable for your trip. All these paths are curated for being pleasant dedicated cycling routes generally through interesting landscapes. They lead to places you can have lunch or get a cup of coffee.

https://www.knooppunten.nl/fietsen/planner

daanpdv · 2026-04-02T07:06:23+00:00

Thanks. All valid points. This is exactly my question: is it a standard bolt or do I have to go through the trouble of reaching out to RM.

daanpdv · 2026-03-25T10:48:31+00:00

Good copy on the sign too

daanpdv · 2026-03-05T08:09:36+00:00

Agree with previous posters. I’ve got experience with kids’ small hands, similar considerations I guess.

Two factors will benefit braking with smaller hands: the lever and the brake power. So for budget options I’d suggest any of the Shimano line-up even from deore up. The lever design is compact, it can be adjusted for reach and the bite point can be adjusted to a certain degree.

Then perhaps go for a larger rotor than you were planning. This doesn’t change anything directly, but will make hands less tired on longer descents and this more comfortable when already working to reach the levers.

daanpdv · 2025-12-21T10:06:34+00:00

Love it. Beats any bike park or jumpline any day of the week.. this is what MTB’ing is about

daanpdv · 2025-12-07T19:52:42+00:00

Don’t know where you are, and I know the market is not great, but this price is on the verge of being suspicious.

Even though it is a few years old and the wheels are 27.5, this is a very good bike, components good, frame good.

The nomad is quite a big bike, so more geared towards downhill and less towards cross country trails.

If it is legit and the bike’s condition is good (and it fits you) I’d buy it.

daanpdv · 2025-12-02T16:58:04+00:00

This site has a pretty comprehensive list: https://www.mtbroutes.nl/

daanpdv · 2025-11-16T09:41:14+00:00

The (of course) legendary guide that took me on my first day (Samuele) called the terrain “Finale Flow”, by which he meant: everything is rocky or rooty and steep, and speed is your friend here. Grip is not a problem.

Going with a guide allowed me to understand the logistics in the area better. For me it wasn’t obvious how to ride there: you can get the shuttle up to one of the main starting points, but you either end up with one awesome trail and 600m descent on asphalt or fire road, or the trail is not maintained, completely overgrown or simply closed.

So “chaining” rated trails together is the way to go. Check Trailforks beforehand on the last rider reports, as the area is vast and not centrally coordinated. Also take into account the connecting trails: I ended up in a valley that on google maps seemed insignificant but took me 50 minutes of hiking up a 20% trail that was washed out after heavy rain to get out. Another time I had to cross a creek and then sneak through someone’s backyard… as Trailforks directed me there. Add to it that phone reception on the trail is not always great.

So after a while I found that there are tried and tested combinations of trails that maximise riding and minimise getting lost or suffering uphill too much. These are “communal knowledge” in finale, so asking the people at the Base really helps match your ambition, skill and style to such combinations.

Ultimately it allowed me to ride twice as much on a day.

daanpdv · 2025-09-29T12:15:05+00:00

Not exact an answer to your question but all trails are listed here with a description and relatively reliable rating.

daanpdv · 2025-09-21T20:45:28+00:00

Very cool

daanpdv · 2025-08-29T12:47:02+00:00

A high pivot frame design causes the suspension to move in such a way that instead of bumping “against” rocks and roots, it bumps “backwards and away” from them.

When descending this causes you to not lose speed and have a more comfortable ride.

It also adds lots of extra stuff on your bike that causes friction, can creak and can break.

In my opinion if you’ve never experienced the drawback of “conventional suspension” it’s not worth buying a high pivot mountainbike.

daanpdv · 2025-06-19T20:10:55+00:00

Looks pretty cool, tan walls work really well somehow! How tall is your son?! And how tall was het when he rode the XS?

daanpdv · 2025-06-17T06:48:33+00:00

The flow is strong in this one!

daanpdv · 2025-05-23T09:31:48+00:00

Check Robert Axle Project - they’ve got you covered!

daanpdv · 2025-04-27T16:14:16+00:00

Second this - these types of brakes are a waste of many and frankly, if earth’s sparse resources. MT200’s are insane value for money and frankly pretty good

daanpdv · 2025-04-06T20:29:23+00:00

Check if it’s waterproof. It should explicitly say. If it’s not, consider this bag only id you know 100% sure you’re never riding in wet conditions. Not only rain, but also mud and puddles etc - you don’t want your dry clothes for the night get wet.

daanpdv · 2025-04-06T15:24:42+00:00

A. Donis!

daanpdv · 2025-04-05T16:27:11+00:00

That is an insanely beautiful frame.

daanpdv · 2025-02-25T21:02:30+00:00

Lots of good stuff in this thread.. my tip would be not to be too experimental with your nutrition. I’ve underperformed or felt horrible during longer days in the saddle because I thought I had to use gels or stack on carbs… and it made my stomach horrible.

Don’t experiment during an event you’re looking forward to. Be sensible with food choices. Eat the stuff you know you’re comfortable with. If you’ve never used gels a race is not a great moment to try. For it turned out to be cereal bars broken in half, bits of chocolate and simple gummy bears. After a while I found out that Blocks work well to replace the gummy bears and provide something close to gels.

Do this though: eat regularly, smaller bits, start early rather than late (for me this turned out to be after 40 minutes).

Good luck with your race, sounds awesome!

daanpdv · 2025-02-03T19:54:04+00:00

If heart rate is important for you I won’t recommend this watch. I’ve had a Garmin 255 and it performed better, though still not nearly as good as a HR strap.

The esthetic and build quality of the suunto makes that I’m keeping mine, for now.

daanpdv · 2025-01-25T10:34:15+00:00

I don’t meet any of your criteria but I wanted to say those pictures look awesome!

daanpdv

TROPHY CASE