Weekly New Rider Thread for June 14, 2017

Hey everyone, this is about to be a long post (sorry). I'm looking to buy my first real MTB. I have been renting and riding easy/intermediate trails with some trails having a bit of climbing and then others have more flow. I went to a LBS with Giant and Felt inventory. I tested out Felt Surplus70 and Giant Talon. I wanted to try a Fathom 2 but the shop didn't have my frame size.

My thoughts on my test rides:

Felt Surplus70 (Small frame) - super comfortable and the bike geometry seemed perfect for me but it is a 27.5+ tire. The guy at the shop said it is super fun to ride but not as fast/light as the Talon or Fathom 2. Price cut to $1,000 http://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/mountain/Trail-Hardtail-27-5-/Surplus-70.aspx

Talon (Medium frame)- lighter bike and obviously a bit different due to tire size. I'm between sizes for this bike and a small wasn't available to try. It was also recommended to go up to the Fathom for the drop seat, better fork, and lighter frame. I did like the price point at $710 and they said they would be able to fit the bike by swapping out the stems and lowering the seat a little more.

I spent quite a bit of time going over the different dimensions of both bikes while at the shop. It seems like a Fathom 2 in a Small frame would fit about the same as the Surplus 70. The problem is I would have to wait for the 2018 Fathom 2 to be available in July (possibly later) to try the bike. https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/fathom-2

What I'm wondering is how much of a difference there is in value between the Surplus 70, Talon, and Fathom 2 (if I wait)? LBS said Giant is a better value for the components on the bike compared to the Surplus 70. It's just I had a great time on the Surplus 70 and I don't want to miss out on the lower price point. Also for dropping $1k on a bike, I want one that fits like a glove. Thoughts? What would you do/recommend?

/r/MTB Thread