My bare minimum is probably Gucci-Level for some and peasant-level for others. If I had to build a bike on a tight budget, I'd go for a hardtail with nice components before a low-level and poorly spec'ed full-suspension...without the slightest hesitation.
Non-negociable high-end items for me:
\- Good brakes with adjustments, like the SRAM RSC-level. Only a reach adjust is not enough for me.
\- Good fork with high-end damper and (ideally) LSC and HSC adjustments, like a RockShox Ultimate-level.
\- Good high engagement hubs.
Places where I don't mind saving money
\- Aluminum rims and handlebars
\- GX-level transmission is fine.
\- Reasonably good tires I can find on sale. I really like Maxxis tires, but I refuse to pay full retail for their best models. There are many cheaper alternatives that are perfectly fine.
One thing I feel is worth mentioning is that I could significantly lower my bare minimum if I intended to only ride the bike for a season or two. However, I typically keep my bikes for 6-10 years. This can be quite a long time with a fork or brake levers that are not set the way you want.
Note that this reflects my current situation. I enjoyed lower-specs bikes in the past and I would not stop riding if I had to ride a lower-end model for financial reasons... but technology is an aspect I really like about bikes and I appreciate riding the good stuff.
Feb. 14, 2022, 7:05 a.m. - FlipSide
My bare minimum is probably Gucci-Level for some and peasant-level for others. If I had to build a bike on a tight budget, I'd go for a hardtail with nice components before a low-level and poorly spec'ed full-suspension...without the slightest hesitation. Non-negociable high-end items for me: \- Good brakes with adjustments, like the SRAM RSC-level. Only a reach adjust is not enough for me. \- Good fork with high-end damper and (ideally) LSC and HSC adjustments, like a RockShox Ultimate-level. \- Good high engagement hubs. Places where I don't mind saving money \- Aluminum rims and handlebars \- GX-level transmission is fine. \- Reasonably good tires I can find on sale. I really like Maxxis tires, but I refuse to pay full retail for their best models. There are many cheaper alternatives that are perfectly fine. One thing I feel is worth mentioning is that I could significantly lower my bare minimum if I intended to only ride the bike for a season or two. However, I typically keep my bikes for 6-10 years. This can be quite a long time with a fork or brake levers that are not set the way you want. Note that this reflects my current situation. I enjoyed lower-specs bikes in the past and I would not stop riding if I had to ride a lower-end model for financial reasons... but technology is an aspect I really like about bikes and I appreciate riding the good stuff.