Thread: Buying used?

Long story short: Riding again after a 15 year hiatus. Currently on a 1998 Spec. RH that gets job done for the time being.

Started looking around at new full squish bike for AM riding - and sticker shock took a bit to get over. Jesus, this makes skiing look like a CHEAP hobby.

The good news for me - is that I can't gear whore with money I don't have.

I started looking through CList and Pinbike trying to just get a grip on what the used gear scene is like - and feel like it's impossible to get started. When I bought my last bike it was: Specialized, Gary Fisher or Cannondale.

So basically my questions:

1. Are there a core line of MFG'ers / Models that you can't go wrong with assuming there not beat?
2. For less than $1000 can I expect to get a lightly used full suspension that's not out-dated or weighs a ton?
3. Is there a place to start other than just wading through a sea of mtbr.com reviews?

Somebody posted a Transition Preston right here that might be what you're after.

I've been doing the same thing as you. I think it's a waiting game. You need to figure out a few bikes you'd like to have, then wait for one to show up at a price you're interested in.

You are going to be super impressed with any bike from the last 6(?) years. I would definitely look at used bikes if I were you. If you have been out of it for 15 years, and you have a budget, see what is out there and then ask about any models. I have a 09 enduro as my main ride, but my 99 superlight is kept at my father's house in northern Idaho, and I still enjoy riding it for a week or two when I visit him. It does have a full suspension and braking upgrade from two years ago though. You might want to consider bikes in the $1500-2000 range used. You could pick up a really nice bike for that price, or an ok one for about a grand

There definitely is a 'core group' of manufacturers, 'core' meaning the large corp players. There's Specialized, Giant, Trek, etc that all make great bikes. Giant's are probably the most budget friendly of these. I bought my wife a 1 year old Giant Trance last year for 1300 that was in great shape.

Then there's the more mid-level / boutique companies. Santa Cruz, Intense, Turner, I'm sure I'm leaving out 80% of them... For under a grand you might be well served looking at brands like Diamond Back, GT, and Mongoose. They make good bikes but the brand name doesn't carry a lot of cache. On the second hand market their value seems to only be in the components that are on them, people seem to almost count the frame as free. You'll see them sell for a few hundred less than an equivalent Specialized, for example.

I'd search Pinkbike / Craiglist with your budget in mind, then come back to us (or search MTBR / Ride Monkey) for thread on the bike you're considering. There's a lot of good bikes out there, budget and condition will be bigger factors in your happiness than brand, IMO.

I'll be selling an 07 Iron Horse 6point very soon, probably will be asking ~850 for it. In great shape, upgraded XT brakes, newer drivetrain, no dents etc. It's a 6 inch travel All-Mountain bike that leans more on the freeride side of things, verses the x-country side. Not saying you should buy my bike, just showing you an example of what's out there. Good luck!

Definitely can get some good deals buying used, but you do have to know what you're looking at in order to gauge the condition. Craigslist can be a good source, but there's a ton of crap on there too.

Buying off a maggot in gear swap is probably your safest bet.

In my opinion, under 1k for a full suspension can be hit or miss. If you get a screaming deal, you'll be set. However, things that are actually worth less than $1,000 may be clapped out.

I'm potentially getting rid of my bike.
1 year old Stumpjumper Elite
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...011&spid=52824
~$3100 retail.
Probably 1,500 to a mag
Size large

You can get a full squish bike for under a grand.
Search craigslist and if you see something post it up in here to find out what mags think.
You're basically looking for a 26er with 4-6" travel front and back. It'll be on the heavy side and have mid range components. These mid range components will work vastly better than what you've been riding on.
As an example, I got back into biking last summer with a GT Force 2.0 for $700 on craigslist (cheaper because the frame had a big scratch in the paint). It's on the heavy side, but the only time I notice is when I load both it and a friends $4000 Turner on top of my car. I've been slowly dropping weight by upgrading wheels, lighter cassette, tubeless, ditching the front der. The only brand new thing I've put on it is a BBG bashguard.
Good luck.

Thanks guys, the good news is that I'm not in a huge rush, so waiting for a deal to come along is fine.

I'm still the limiting factor not my old hopper! But I can clearly see that the tech has moved to a huge new level.

I found good leads on pinkbike.com

You might be able to pick up something of your price range

i was going to say you might want to get it up to around 1500 for a decent ride. if thats your size XP's stumpy elite is a top pick and a great price. that'd be a perfect bike. giants are a great price pt. maybe a newer reign. i generally look for oem cranks and how much wear on them as a good indication how much ue the bikes had. i've had good luck on pinkbike. look at sellers history/age

I bought a Yeti 575 from Achtung that he listed in the fall, and still had in the spring. I did all my research, was patient, and Achtung forgot that I said I'd buy it in 6 months if available Overall, I ended up with what I wanted, for what I could afford, and trusted the guy I bought it from (over $1500).

Fucking love that bike.

What Size Poop? I have a brand new 2010 Specialzed Pitch Comp in the shop you can have cheap. It is black and white, here is a link to the pro, the comp pic is missing for some reason. With this you get a warranty too.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...010&spid=47726

I'm 5'11 and rarely under 180. Think I should be on a large?



Sent from my PC36100 using TGR Forums

Originally Posted by Poop~Ghost

I'm 5'11 and rarely under 180. Think I should be on a large?

I would say, I am 6'2" and been on xl's since mbt's were invented. Large will be like a 19"

If you want 6" travel, through axle front, jumpable, don't care about lock-out this would be a fun bike for lift access DH, moderate length climbs and not to costly. There are a ton of better bikes that can do more, but $2800 and up new... Full price on these were like $1650. Read up on them and PM me if you think you want it.

Aloha!

I found this random review just now-

http://factoryjackson.com/2010/11/28...zed-pitch-pro/

Originally Posted by XtrPickels

In my opinion, under 1k for a full suspension can be hit or miss. If you get a screaming deal, you'll be set. However, things that are actually worth less than $1,000 may be clapped out.

I'm potentially getting rid of my bike.
1 year old Stumpjumper Elite
http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...011&spid=52824


~$3100 retail.
Probably 1,500 to a mag
Size large

Damn, that is a deal. My buddy has that bike...it is NICE.

Got a large Cdale Moto that is barely used, maybe 200 miles. Its more of a FR/AM style ride but I would sell with a few upgrades(tubeless, bash guard, flats and joplin seat dropper) at $1600 and split the shipping with ya.

basically it is this, http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/B...%204&Type=bike

Sent a PM to xtraPickles and cramp'ed.

scottyb - I think it's just a bit over my price range for now... but I'm going to try to sell some gear and get some more funds ready for the ride.

Right now bike prices are a bit high, if you can wait till fall or better yet winter prices will be 30-40% lower. I sold my 07 Giant Reign X1 for $950 a few months ago. It was minty as I'm an old cogger who can't ride. I could have gotten a few hundred more for it now.

Ditto on the Diamondback, GT, Ironhorses. I've seen some good deals on some Felts and BMCs as of late as well as some Specialized Pitchs.

I also have a bike for sale. Just let me know if you want to ride it. 2009 Giant Reign 2.

6" of travel and leads more toward the all mountain side vs. XC but is a rad bike for the DH. I compare it to skinning on S7's with Dukes. It is heavy but I have ridden it on 50 mile days so it is not that heavy.

Plus side is has a brand new Marzocchi fork and rear derailure.

Probably looking for $1200 for it.

I've got a 2008 L Transition Preston FR that I'm probably going to sell soon. In all honestly it'll probably need a new fork in the nearish future, but I'd let it go for $600 if you're interested. I'm in Denver so you're welcome to take it for a spin.

Another bike Jong, figured I wouldn't start a 2nd thread asking the same question.

Similar circumstances too PG I guess. Haven't biked in years, and back then it was pumping a GT around the BMX track. Anyways, had a chance to borrow a friends Reign the other day & so I'm fucked 'cause I had fun. $1500 is pretty much the top end I can go, looking for an all all'o'rounder full suspension, not too much in the local classifieds, plan in checking out a few shops to see what they've hit kicking around. Stopped in one place & they had an 09 Reign X for $1400. My understanding is its a slacker, heavier duty Reign more or less. Anything else I should be considering?


Sent from the skintrack.

Originally Posted by Poop~Ghost

scottyb - I think it's just a bit over my price range for now... but I'm going to try to sell some gear and get some more funds ready for the ride.

What cha got for trading? If I do not sell it will get parted out for much of the new build. Maybe you'd be interested in the frame/shock?

Check your local shops as well. Ours goes through their demos every year and overhauls them (new cables, chains, etc. plus full tune) and blows them out for 50-60% off prior year's MSRP.

Barring that, hop on that Pitch Comp for cheap, have fun on it for a few years don't don't listen to the internet bike overanalyzers. Hell if it's an XL and you pass I'd be all over it.

Just to wrap up my end - I pulled the trigger on XtraPickles Stunty FSR Elite, which has been blowing my mind in every way and he hooked me up w/ the bike for $1350 including 5-6 spare tires because he's going 29'er.

Tnx for all the input - after getting on the stunty I was completely in love with the way it fit my body. Now I'm working on the legs and lungs aspect.

Damn, that's a good deal! You're stoked, have fun!