Any Mountain Bikers on Here?

[OL0033]

In the market for a mountain bike!

Hey guys, I sat here and read all 19 pages of this thread last night and hopefully some of you guys can give me some insight. I'm in the market for a "beginner" MTB right now. I'm wanting a hardtail, 29er, prefer one w/ shocks lockout feature, trying to stay under $700 (college budget). I saw this one at a local bike shop (Jamis Durango 29 Sport - Tread Bike Shop) and although the brand isn't well known, it rode pretty well but would like to see what y'all think of it or other suggestions. I'm barely getting my foot into the door of "off-road biking" (no mountains in north texas) so i don't need nothing special. Just something that's a good bang for the buck and is reliable as I'll also be using it for school while also maintain a good resale value should I ever want to part with it. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[1engineer]

Hey guys, I sat here and read all 19 pages of this thread last night and hopefully some of you guys can give me some insight. I'm in the market for a "beginner" MTB right now. I'm wanting a hardtail, 29er, prefer one w/ shocks lockout feature, trying to stay under $700 (college budget). I saw this one at a local bike shop (Jamis Durango 29 Sport - Tread Bike Shop) and although the brand isn't well known, it rode pretty well but would like to see what y'all think of it or other suggestions. I'm barely getting my foot into the door of "off-road biking" (no mountains in north texas) so i don't need nothing special. Just something that's a good bang for the buck and is reliable as I'll also be using it for school while also maintain a good resale value should I ever want to part with it. Thanks in advance for any help!

Go to craigslist and buy a used one first for $300-$400 bucks like a Trek or Specialized. Ride it for awhile so you know what you want next. Used bikes are great to begin with.

 

[1blink]

I'm wanting a hardtail, 29er, prefer one w/ shocks lockout feature...

My good friend works in a bike shop in your area (Plano), and can likely set you up with a new or used bike.

What size frame are you looking for?

 

[Jimmy_D]

no mountains in north texas

When you get a mountain bike go ride the Big Cedar trail close to Joe Pool Lake in southwest Dallas. A complete lap will have around 3000' of climbing.

 

[OL0033]

Go to craigslist and buy a used one first for $300-$400 bucks like a Trek or Specialized. Ride it for awhile so you know what you want next. Used bikes are great to begin with.

I've been checking CL everyday, I've seen some nice ones but not finding what I want (29er, at least 100mm travel, disc brakes, hardtail, etc). Not a lot to choose from around here. Might just settle for a used 26.

My good friend works in a bike shop in your area (Plano), and can likely set you up with a new or used bike.

What size frame are you looking for?

Sweet, that isn't far from me at all. 18-19, I'm 5'11. Do you know the name of the shop?

When you get a mountain bike go ride the Big Cedar trail close to Joe Pool Lake in southwest Dallas. A complete lap will have around 3000' of climbing.

I've heard good things about that trail, definitely will be checking it out.

 

[GVL]

Here's my trusty DH sled - soooo much fun in the rough stuff. I just found this thread, great to see so many riders that are 4R guys as well. Ride on! :thumb:

 

[1blink]

Do you know the name of the shop?

They carry Giant, Cannondale, Specialized. At your height, a 19 is probably a better fit. He's at Plano Cycling and Fitness. Brendon. Tell him Micaiah sent you. If you'd rather call before you head in, PM me and I'll get you his cell number.

 

[1blink]

Since I'm here in the thread, here's mine: 2008 GT Force. BTW, screw GT, this will be my last from them.

 

[OL0033]

PM me and I'll get you his cell number.

PM sent. Thanks again for your help!

 

[OL0033]

Worth it or not?

Found this Trek Marlin GF collection. The guy is asking $450 and BBB has it valued at $362 in like new condition. Just wondering if BBB valuations are accurate and also a ballpark estimate of what I should be paying for the bike. The guy actually got slightly offended when I mentioned BBB. Thanks in advance for any help guys.

Trek Marlin 29er Disc Brakes ( Gary Fisher Collection) Mountain Bike

2012 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) - New and Used Bike Value

 

[MONTYMTB]

Found this Trek Marlin GF collection. The guy is asking $450 and BBB has it valued at $362 in like new condition. Just wondering if BBB valuations are accurate and also a ballpark estimate of what I should be paying for the bike. The guy actually got slightly offended when I mentioned BBB. Thanks in advance for any help guys.

Trek Marlin 29er Disc Brakes ( Gary Fisher Collection) Mountain Bike

2012 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) - New and Used Bike Value

No clue about BBB accuracy, but I wouldn't pay over $350 for that bike. It has low end components, and it's probably very heavy. Not sure how much you ride/have ridden, but if you're just starting out it would be a good first MTB - at the right price. Go look at it, and if you like it pull out the cash and see if he takes it. All he can do is say no, and there are always plenty of decent used bikes for sale.

 

[Millerad1651]

Found this Trek Marlin GF collection. The guy is asking $450 and BBB has it valued at $362 in like new condition. Just wondering if BBB valuations are accurate and also a ballpark estimate of what I should be paying for the bike. The guy actually got slightly offended when I mentioned BBB. Thanks in advance for any help guys.

Trek Marlin 29er Disc Brakes ( Gary Fisher Collection) Mountain Bike

2012 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) - New and Used Bike Value

I use the BBB all the time, its pretty accurate. He is asking way too much for that one. Like said, the components are "lower" end for what he is asking (Suntour fork, X4, 8spd and mech brakes). I've seen that bike around here for $300 through the summer. Still a good bike, especially for a beginner, but I'd go $350 tops.

My current bike was listed on CL for $750, and I sent the guy the link for BBB showing excellent condition of $560...got it for $560.

That guy was probably pissed that someone called him on his BS.

 

[MONTYMTB]

Holy shit - this dude has balls of steel: Wilder Kaiser extreme on Vimeo
My palms starting sweating just watching it.

 

[OL0033]

All he can do is say no, and there are always plenty of decent used bikes for sale.

I use the BBB all the time, its pretty accurate. That guy was probably pissed that someone called him on his BS.

Thanks for the replies guys. Very much appreciated. The guy was a total dick about it. He didn't know how to JUST say no. Oh well.

Now I'm looking at these 2. I'm trying to see I can get a better deal on the Cannondale but I'll see what happens.

GT Avalanche 4.0 Mountain Bike (Men's)
2011 Cannondale Trail SL 2 29er MTB Large

 

[Millerad1651]

Thanks for the replies guys. Very much appreciated. The guy was a total dick about it. He didn't know how to JUST say no. Oh well.

Now I'm looking at these 2. I'm trying to see I can get a better deal on the Cannondale but I'll see what happens.

GT Avalanche 4.0 Mountain Bike (Men's)
2011 Cannondale Trail SL 2 29er MTB Large

Of the two, I'd definitely go with the Cannondale. Better fork, decent dérailleur and disc brakes. $600 would be a decent deal for that.

 

[OL0033]

Of the two, I'd definitely go with the Cannondale. Better fork, decent dérailleur and disc brakes. $600 would be a decent deal for that.

I figured the Cannondale would be the best of the two at the right price. Hopefully he's willing to negotiate. Thanks again for your input/help.

 

[AudiTech]

Cyclocross bike ride in the winter up Flagstaff. It's 6.7 miles with 2300 feet of elevation gain.

 

[AudiTech]

 

[AudiTech]

Here's a HUGE perk of living in Colorado, 70 Mile drive to ski in the morning.

Come down from the mountains and mountain bike in short sleeves in the afternoon.

 

[AudiTech]

I'll just keep blowing this thread up

I can see my house from on singletrack

Riding UP Keystone (on a 1x10 no less!)

Made it up to the top of the Gondola

taking a breather on chairlift/bench

Another ski in the mourning day

And a dirt ride in the afternoon

I help build as well...

The wife always comes with me