For sure. I haven't been mountain biking for that long so don't have much experience on different levels of gear, but have been skiing for quite a while. New and nice gear is such a noticeable upgrade, giving more stability, carving better, more control, etc. but you can still have tons of fun on cheaper used items if you're still learning. Obviously there are some things you shouldn't cheap out on such as backcountry gear and other things that you rely on for safety, maybe similar to helmets and protection for dh/freeride mtb. I always go by "ignorance is bliss" for expensive vs. cheap things and it hasn't disappointed until I try the better item.
Feb. 14, 2022, 4:08 p.m. - Zach
For sure. I haven't been mountain biking for that long so don't have much experience on different levels of gear, but have been skiing for quite a while. New and nice gear is such a noticeable upgrade, giving more stability, carving better, more control, etc. but you can still have tons of fun on cheaper used items if you're still learning. Obviously there are some things you shouldn't cheap out on such as backcountry gear and other things that you rely on for safety, maybe similar to helmets and protection for dh/freeride mtb. I always go by "ignorance is bliss" for expensive vs. cheap things and it hasn't disappointed until I try the better item.