Mountain Biking - First Post. First Question.

Hi everybody. This is my first post and I have a quick question. I'm fairly new to mountain biking and I've been looking for a bike for a couple of months. I found a '98 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Comp being sold for $250. The bike is in overall good shape with mostly stock components. I know the stumpjumper is a good bike, but how good of a buy is this if the bike is 8 years old?

I found a '98 Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Comp being sold for $250. The bike is in overall good shape with mostly stock components. I know the stumpjumper is a good bike, but how good of a buy is this if the bike is 8 years old?
I think a lot of people will tell you not to buy an 8 year old bike for that kind of money, and spend a little more and buy a new Specialized Hardrock. Hardrocks seem to be one of the most popular bikes around these parts.

I wouldn't buy that bike for that price. If it were 125, then maybe. If I were you, I'd check out some bike websites, look for some bikes that would suit you.

I used to have that exact bike, but a different year. It was sweet! The only downside might be the fork. I raced mine for 2-3 years and rode the snot out of it. If there's no obvious damage to the frame/wheels and the fork looks okay, I'd see if the seller would take $200. Why would I buy it? It has the same geometry as the higher-end Specialized XC race bikes, and handles great. The frame is crazy stiff, and climbs well. For $250, and if things still work [shifters, brakes, etc.], it will work quite well with a 80mm or less fork, and it will be lighter than a Hardrock with better overall handling. Will the components last? Well, it is XT/XTR, so they should mostly work. The big question mark is the fork, but if it hasn't been abused, it should be fine. Good luck!

i wish my first bike were that cool. i started on a 40lb monster. i would definitely keep shopping just to see whats out there. however that specialized is probly a good entry bike although a little expensive. i got my khs new for around 400$.

I got the price down to $200 and I think the price was well worth it. This bike is light! I feel like the bike is in excellent condition and all the parts (all xt components) work perfectly. The fork is the only thing that I think isn't in the best condition, probably just the fact that it is old though. That's fine, seeing how I was already thinking of buying a new one anyway. Also, the bike only came with road tires, but that's ok as well because I was already looking at new wheelsets and tires. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my purchace, thanks for everybody's help when making my decision.