How to Choose Mountain Bikes

Slay the singletrack: The Co-op Cycles DRT 2.1 mountain bike has plenty of gears for climbing plus big wheels, big rubber and a dropper seatpost so you can flow with confidence on technical trails.
Imported.
Best Use | Mountain Biking |
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Mountain Bike Style | Trail |
Frame | Co-op Cycles 6061 double-butted aluminum |
Bike Suspension | Front Suspension |
Fork | Suntour SR AIR-Boost |
Fork Travel | XS: 120 millimeters L: 140 millimeters |
Crankset | SRAM SX Eagle, 30ST |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM |
Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
Rear Cogs | SRAM Eagle, 12-speed, 11-50 T |
Number of Gears | 12 gear(s) |
Brake Type | Hydraulic Disc Brake |
Brakes | Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc |
Brake Levers | Tektro Auriga hydraulic |
Rims | WTB ST i35 TCS 2.0 (Tubeless Ready) |
Front Hub | Shimano |
Rear Hub | Shimano Alivio |
Wheel Size | 27.5+ inches |
Tires | WTB Ranger Comp 27.5 x 2.8 in. |
Tire Width | 2.8 inches |
Handlebar Shape | Riser Bar |
Handlebar | Co-op Cycles AL6061 double-butted riser bar |
Stem | Co-op Cycles, 6061 aluminum |
Seat Post | X Fusion Manic dropper W/remote; 125mm travel |
Saddle | WTB Volt Sport |
Pedals | Wellgo aluminum platform |
Headset | Internal headset |
Chain | SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed |
Weight | 33.79 pounds |
Bike Weight | Bike weight is based on median size, as sold, or the average of two median sizes. |
Gender | Unisex |
Dropper Post | Yes |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
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Height Range | 5' - 5' 3" | 5' 3" - 5' 6" | 5' 6" - 5' 9" | 5' 9" - 6' | 6' - 6' 3" |
Reach | 400 | 425 | 453 | 478 | 503 |
Stack | 590 | 590 | 594 | 617 | 636 |
Effective Top Tube | 569 | 594 | 623 | 655 | 685 |
Seat Tube Center-Top | 360 | 395 | 430 | 465 | 500 |
Standover Height | 703 | 714 | 728 | 753 | 778 |
Head Tube Angle (degrees) | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 |
Seat Tube Angle (degrees) | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
Wheelbase | 1,103 | 1,128 | 1,158 | 1,192 | 1,220 |
Chainstay | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 |
All measurements are stated in millimeters or degrees unless otherwise indicated.
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
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First, I purchased the DRT 1.2 and decided to upgrade to a dropper post on that bike. The specs for the 1.2 state 'dropper post ready.' After only a few days with the cycle, I wanted the dropper post. So I called REI and spoke to their fantastic shop staff, and they told me that to add a dropper to the 1.2, you would have to drill additional holes in the frame. After talking to the shop tech, it was recommended to return the 1.2 and upgrade to the 2.1, which comes with a dropper post and many other higher-end components. One of these was the Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc, which stopped above the Tektro brakes on the 1.2 When I got home from purchasing the bike from REI, I was excited to test it out. Then I noticed the brakes were the same lower-end model as the 1.2 This is highly disappointing, and REI can get away with this by saying that the product specs can change at any point. That's fine, but don't DOWNGRADE the quality if you change the specs. I am sure that most people would not have noticed this because it's an entry-level MTB, and only some are part-picker extreme like me and looks over every part before purchasing. I don't think they were intentionally dishonest, but the bottom line is that I was expecting something and got something less than advertised.
I was looking for a bike that I could start out on that had good features but I could also upgrade in the future. This bike checked all the boxes and has a great price compared to other bikes at the same level. The 27.5+ tires really grip the trail and I feel a lot more confident on them. I didn't think I'd use the dropper post that much but after a few runs, gotta say this might be my favorite feature! Also, make sure to have REI do the tubeless tire conversion when you purchase it, they only had me pay for the parts so it is well worth it.
I want to start off with the fact that I just got into MTB starting this last June, so I am new to the sport and understanding bikes at a deep, technical level. In my short tenure, I have found this bike to deliver on all my needs at a great price. The build and ride of the bike has been outstanding. Tires are huge and grip really well on all terrains. We ride everything from single track to the streets of downtown Princeton with our family. This bike has done well on all terrain. REI’s “6-month/20 hours riding” included tune up with a bike purchase also helped tweak everything needed on a new bike and its initial use. I am a big fan of this bike and will keep it for a long time. I really love the weight of the bike, quick suspension lock and release, disc brakes, and dropper post. Also, the color was really cool - didn’t know what to really expect until I saw it in person. I loved it! I swapped out a few things to make it my own, and I enjoy riding it all the time! Thanks REI!
This is my first new bike in 15 years. Ive been riding a SS29er rigid since 2007. I am really impressed with this bike, the quality parts really make a difference in my riding. Highly recommend!!!
I purchased the bike about a month ago. I am new to riding trails, wanted something more entry level while still being able to use it for a while before upgrading. Overall very happy with the quality this bike offers, especially for the money. Pros: - The dropper post works excellently - The shifting is smooth and accurate - The plus sized tires are nice - The 140mm fork travel is more than other bikes I looked at - The look of the bike is really nice Cons: - The pedals do not offer much grip - The rebound adjustment doesn’t really do much
The Co-op DRT 2.1 had more features than the other bikes in this price range. I really like the dropper seat post and 1x12 gearing which didn't seem like a big deal but I have found that both are really great on more technical trails. It seems like the biggest tradeoff compared to the competition is the overall weight which at normal speeds I haven't felt but it does feel heavier turning at slow speeds. So far I really like this bike and I think it looks better in person than online.
Super awesome bike. Bought online site Un scene, and was a litter nervous but really liked the features over similar priced big name bikes. Super happy with it after picking it up at the store ! I was considering a Trek Roscoe or a similar Cannondale Cujo, Salsa Rangefinder , but neither of them have a beefy rear through axle 12 x 148. They all have a newer size that is still the quick release style axle with the thin inner axle. Anyway, love the bike , the frame is super beefy and solid, very thick aluminum, looks way more durable in person than online. ( and if I may say , more cool and beefy). Components are solid, name brands you find on other bikes. Shock is tuned to 140 mm travel , over what you’ll find at similar price points. Overall great value, glad I bought it , happy with purchase.
Have ridden the bike about 1000 miles on singletrack, and have a great understanding of the positives and negatives of the bike. Bike is pretty capable of handling PNW blacks. I did get tired of the fork pretty quick and replaced it with something nicer. The original XCR34 is way better than a coil fork, but has a worthless rebound adjustment that holds it back a little. Also, the WTB Ranger have little tread to begin with and wore out quickly - my rear tire needs to be replaced already. The brakes on the bike are meh. One of mine gave out so I replaced it with a Shimano SLX brake that has far more power than the tektros. Will likely swap out the remaining tektro brake and rotor shortly. Also, you need new grips and pedals. Otherwise, the bike is awesome. I was worried about the SX Eagle drivetrain, but have had zero problems with it so far. Way more durable than I expected, shifts fine and perfect gear range. Geometry of the bike is spot on, and the dropper post has proven to be extremely durable and needed no maintenance even after dozens of very muddy rides. All in all great first real bike that is capable of handling way more than I expected, and a few upgrades over time make it an even more capable aggressive hardtail.
Great, capable entry level hardtail! Had it for a few months and have been riding mostly intermediate xc and fairly technical singletrack. Frame: heavy, but geometry is spot on. Feels like a great mix of comfort and aggressiveness. Fork: okay. Could be better, but what you would expect for the price. The rebound adjustment is a joke, but the fork is smooth enough to work solidly. Sram SX drivetrain: I've had no problem with it, even though people have lamented the cheapness of the sx derailleur and shifter. Great performance for me, will likely replace with the gx shifter and derailleur when I break it. Range of gears is awesome, and the 50 tooth gear is very nice to have for very steep climbing sections. Brakes: have worked fine for me with adequate power, nothing else to say about em. Tires: I set them up tubeless, and they are fine. Not a ton of tread though so I expect to replace them within a year. Plus sized tires are finicky with pressure. Dropper: fantastic Replace the pedals and grips asap. Overall solid bike. Quite capable of handling pretty much most terrain adequately (except full on dh riding).
Looked into a few competitors in 27.5 and 29" models. Specialized, Trek, Salsa, and this thing trumps em. Geometry is great, parts are outstanding, snappy responsive bike. Would highly recommend and will be purchasing the 3.1 version for an upcoming race soon.