Mountain Biking - Do YOU think I should buy this bike or opt out?

Hi! A friend of mine is offering to sell his stock '98 Specialized FSR Extreme to me for $550. It's in near mint condition (less than 50 miles on it). Here are a few links on it:

EPinions Review (http://www.epinions.com/bike-Bicycles-All-72510-Specialized_Gound_Control_FSR_Extreme__1998/display_~full_specs)

MTBReview's User Reviews (http://www.mtbreview.com/reviews/Bike/product_18532.shtml)

The specs on it are:
Full XT gear system
Avid 2.0 V-brakes
Rock Shox Judy XL fork
Rock Shox Deluxe rear shock
Kermit the Frog green
and he's throwing in some kind of a computer

Is it worth it? My dad thinks I'm blowing my money on it, and said so in less elegant terms. He visited a LBS and they filled his mind with disc brake propaganda, so now he's even more staunchly opposed to this. Should I buy it now before he sells it to someone else, or should I wait for something spanking new? Also, how much would you say was a reasonable price for it if it were offered to you?

Your opinions/insults are appreciated! Thanks!

What type of riding do you plan on doing?

If it will be a xc/trail bike then it will work for you. If you plan on any freeriding or dh I would save my money and buy some thing better.

Also it is an older model so it is not a great deal. The fork is out dated and is not all that great. Same with the rear shock.

Slainte:beer:

A sweet ride but remember- a '98 mtn bike is about like a '98 computer.

That's an FSR Extreme. It retailed new for around $1500. So, if it's in good shape, then $550 isn't too bad! Not great, but it's definately a good frame.

A lot of people I know use this frame (the FSR, FSR Comp, FSR Extreme, FSR Elite FSR Pro) as trailbike frames and light FR/DH. It'a a very versatile bike. The suspension design is a 4-bar Horst link which is fully active and one of the best designs available (IMO).

O.K., I'm a bit partial, I had this exact frame, which I built into a custom trailbike. It was one of my favorite bikes of all time, and I regret ever selling it! Mine was full XT, with Race Face Turbine Cranks, Stem and Riser bar, Syncros seatpost and DT Hugi hubs!

I sold mine for $1200, but I had over $2,000 invested in it.

L8R

Here's a pic:

Not too bad of a bike...yes some of it is outdated, but it worked back them and it'll still work now. I thing mountain speed still makes a kit for the rear to get more travel. (may not make it anymore...but they did at one point. Try and offer him a little less, I mean if he's got it up on MTBR for 550(I've seen it) tell him you'll give him less cause then he doesn't have to disassmble the bike and pack it and try and get it to someone and not get screwd! I'd say 500 would be the highest I'd offer him for that.

Oh remember the rear end isn't running on all ball bearings so it wont be as smooth as some of the designs out there now. :p

I'd get it a new one will be twice that and if you know the guy you also know how he rides and how he maintains the bike. that is a very good thing!

XT, full suspension, a proven bike company, and a low milage bike - I think it sounds like a deal and a great bike to get serious on. With a bike like that, it will not be the bike holding you back, but the engine.:D