To Buy or Not to buy

[Hammer]

Or to at least check out in person??

I want to get a mountain bike, though I can't really go all out and buy a NICE new one... Because 1. I probably won't ride it THAT often, I love road biking and 2. The money just isn't in the budget.

I've been looking for used bikes, but typically they're old and junked out. Or they're priced high enough to not make it worth buying used rather than an entry level bike from one of the LBSs.

Here's something that I found on craigslist:
http://sd.craigslist.org/bik/851407976.html

Just looking at it, the rear cassesette looks rusty, as does the chain.

I've been emailing the owner and here's what he says about it:

"The bike was well cared for. I check bearings, hubs, crank for any sign of wear and all is tight, so bike is mechanically sound. I’m 5’8” and I’m comfortable on it, but others may not be. It sure is a nice looker.

The dimensions are: stand-over = 30”, top tube = 21”, seat tube = 18”, wheel base = 41”. This is definitely for a person under 6 foot, and closer to 5 foot. The only “issue” with the bike is that the struts no longer travel up or down – it functions fine- just like a bike without struts."

I'm 5'8 or 5'9. Is $80 too much for a bike? My husband is a mechanic and could help me figure that part out. Buying a used bike, I wouldn't feel bad about stripping it down so that I can repaint it whatever color I wanted.

Can a suspension fork be repaired? I thought that if it just needs a new seal and new fluid, that'd be an affordable repair vs. a whole new fork which can cost a couple hundred dollars.

It seems like others on here have done rebuilds, worth it or no? It seems like a person could rack up a bill higher than just buying a bike, but it would be fun to piece something together over the winter... Or it might just end up being a project that doesn't get completed.

I read this page for a bit of encouragement:
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=26654

Thanks!!

[Biciclista]

$80 is not too much for a bike!

Look around, the prices of new bikes are going sky high. If your husband is mechanical and willing to help you; this bike is probably great for that price!

[Hammer]

I generally am fearful of getting the bike tuned and everything aligned. But, I have to remind myself that somehow hubby learned how to rip a tractor into pieces, all the way down to the driveshaft and to the basic components for repairs. Somehow he gets everything realigned and put back together into pristine working order. It baffles me, but he does it. I should think that we could tackle a bike.

I could do some small things and if he came behind me and helped me put stuff back together... He's got a tractor that he's restoring for someone and will likely work on that over the winter. It'd be cool to have something to putter with out in the garage with him too. We'll see. I did buy the Park Tools manual and looked a bit online, their instructions there seem pretty good.

So, if not this bike, maybe the next.

[SadieKate]

How tall are you" That bike is definitely not for someone 5'8" or 5'9". It's far too small. I'm 5'3 1/2" and ride a 21.5 TT.

What kind of riding are you expecting to do with it? If you are expecting to take it mountain biking for realsies (not tame crushed limestone paths), save your money and buy something with a better fork. That fork is toast. The parts would no longer be available and you'd need to buy a new one. By the time you spend the money to replace the fork and all the parts that are potentially rusted, worn out, etc., put your money in the bank and wait a few months. Look for end of the year deals or a better used bike.

You will pay far more to repair it and turn it into a "real" mtb than it is worth or will even return in performance.

So, the bottom line is how are you going to use the bike?

[SadieKate]

The only “issue” with the bike is that the struts no longer travel up or down – it functions fine- just like a bike without struts."The seller is either completely suspension ignorant or a liar. He says the bike is in good condition in the ad and then says the fork doesn't work any longer. And, you are right about rust on the cassette.

Also, bike geometry is suspension-specific. So that frame is specific to having a fork that travels up and down, not frozen into a rigid position. So it will not perform like a bike would that was designed for a rigid fork.

So pick ignorant or a liar, or both. Don't trust him.

I guess you should be happy that he's coughing up this info in a private email.

[Hammer]

Sadie KAte,

Thanks for your input. I don't think that he's intentionally witholding info. I suspect that he may not be completely aware. I'm glad that you were able to break down the measurements for me by comparison. I've been trying to read online regarding dimensions for mountain bikes vs. a roadbike and how to figure out what I should get. I'm still learning.

And I've been trying to price some parts online to get a better idea of what it'd cost. Performance seems to have some shimano cassettes, etc. for decent prices.

My goal for a mountain bike on the high end of the spectrum is to go to a few local state parks and ride their trails... I believe that a few riders I know go on the horse trails. So, I don't plan to get into anything too technical. I'm not sure if mountain bikes are allowed on hiking trails. There aren't signs banning bikes on the trails at the most local park... We live six miles from one, 20-30 miles from another and less than 60 from a few others.

Most of the riding that our club does is road riding. In the fall they bring out their mountain bikes. So, that's why I say I don't feel comfortable investing big bucks. Though I see end of season bikes and a few entry level Giants/Treks/Marins in the $400 area. That'd be more feasible, though it'll take a bit to save my quarters. :D

Thanks again for reading and offering advice!

There's a used bike shop in Omaha, NE. I'd like to get down there and see what they have. Their stuff should be in good working condition if they have mechanics there like they say they do. It's a Recycle a Bicycle shop. I'm going to be down there this weekend, though not during their business hours unfortunately. :( The city is a couple of hours away, we don't get there very often either.

[SadieKate]

Can you borrow or rent one if the $400 bikes and try it? Horses can chew up trails dramatically and make them harder to ride. You need a bit of first hand experience before spending your money.

And maybe someone in your club is looking to upgrade and might sell you their bike.