Mountain Biking - Helpful opinions on a particular bike (diamondback outlook)?

Hi,

I'm looking for a budget bike for college. There's Diamondback Outlook listed on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=98083&item=7159730957&rd=1

Can I ask for some opinions on the quality of the bike?

I also realize the seller has 0 feedback so far, but I'm not too worried because I'll see the bike in person before handing over any money. On that note, what should I look for when I'm inspecting the bike?

Thanks!

Transportation only? $30 is probably a fair deal, but that will probably quickly turn into about $100 or so. The parts are ancient, and any upgrade would cost more than the initial outlay. You want to check all the cables for rust, and make sure the brakes and shifters work properly. The tires should hold air and not have copious cracking. It would probably need the attention of a bike shop, which can run as little as $25 or so up to whatever they charge these days for a tune-up.

I would agree with Expatriate. All though it is being sold by a bike shop (one I would never recomend buying a compleat bike from) you should have your lbs check it out.

I like how they say in the add, "Ironically, this bike has never been off-road." It realy is not ment for that other then a light ride down an easy fire road. I would not use it for anything but transpo. or a cruise on the local paved bike path.

:beer:

The eBay listing says the frame is aluminum, but i'm pretty sure a low end diamondback frame from 1993 is going to be steel, probably some cheap straight gauge cro-mo.

Judging by the crank, that's a VERY low end bike. I wouldn't pay more than $50 for it.

It is steel, and it's not being sold by a bike shop.

It is steel, and it's not being sold by a bike shop.
True, he stated that all the parts were as issued from the shop. Not that he WAS the shop. The guy's clever I'll give him that

The eBay listing says the frame is aluminum, but i'm pretty sure a low end diamondback frame from 1993 is going to be steel, probably some cheap straight gauge cro-mo.

Judging by the crank, that's a VERY low end bike. I wouldn't pay more than $50 for it.

Hey, check out the cranks on this baby : http://images.canadiantire.ca/media/images/SportsRecreation/BicyclesAccessories/Bicycles/YouthBikes/0711216_450_CC_2d3bf.jpg
My friend's got one of these....

And to the original poster, if you paid $30 more, you could get a new bike from a store that would suit your commuting needs. I mean you'd have to pay shipping so the ebay bike would be like $60 anyway, right?

Canadian Tire = Wal-Mart of Canada = EVIL

Hey, check out the cranks on this baby


What cranks? :)

And to the original poster, if you paid $30 more, you could get a new bike from a store that would suit your commuting needs. I mean you'd have to pay shipping so the ebay bike would be like $60 anyway, right?

Did you read the auction or his post? It's pick up only, and he'll inspect it before he pays.

Thanks for all your help everyone!

Fortunately, I didn't win that auction.

I'm thinking a LBS would be best. Can anyone recommend a good, reputable one in Los Angeles?

On a budget? Hmmm. Supergo will probably take care of you. You'll probably have to spend a few hundred dollars, but you'll get a decent, modern bike. If nothing else, their bike sales staff is very knowledgable. They're across the street from Fred Segal too, so you can spit on Britney Spears and buy a bike. Right up the road on Lincoln is Helen's cycles, but I don't think they carry anything affordable. If you only want to spend about $200, go see Michael at Michael's Bicycles in Newbury Park. He'll make you a great deal, so it's worth the 45 minute drive.

Canadian Tire = Wal-Mart of Canada = EVIL
We have Wal-Mart in Canada :p CT carry bikes which are better than Wal-Mart/Zeller for sure :)