Mountain Biking - Trek 6000 Reviews anyone?

Noob here. :)

I've been doing some research lately and this forum has been a great resource. I don't know anything about mountain bikes and only scratched the surface within the past few weeks. I'm looking into purchasing an entry level mountain bike $200-400. I'm about 5'10" 150lbs since I know that has to do with the frame. At first I was going to purchase the dual suspension bikes sold at dept stores until I came across this forum. I'm hoping to get into light trails until I get more into it then into more challenging trails as I progress.

So heres my plan if anyone cares to share their thoughts on it. I plan to find a used bike to start off with so if I crash haha I won't be as concerned with a new one. Also, if I realize that I can't devote as much time into it I won't be kicking my ass for spending a $1000 on a bike thats sitting in the garage collecting dust.

Heres what I found...

Trek 6000
19.5" aluminum frame
21 speed
Rock Shox front suspension
quick release front and rear tires as well as seat post
Shimano derailleurs
$150

Good deal?

...forgot to add that I have a diamond back outlook in the backyard. is that bike any good? i know the changing gears on it sometimes dont go smoothly and it isn't as light as some bikes i've seen at the flea market and at REI.

if the Trek 6000 is fairly recent like 2000+ and in good working order i'd say its a very good deal. even with some minor repairs its a good deal. if its older though like 1995 to 2000 then still a good deal if it's in very good condition.
The Diamondback outlook might be a good starter bike if it only needs minor stuff. is it sitting covered in the back yard? or has it been enduring the full brunt of weather for many years? the shifting might be able to be fixed with some tinkering or a cheap trip to the LBS. If it fits you close enough and you can get it shifting how you want, it might be all you need to get out on the trails.

I have a 2006 Trek 6500. I think it's a good entry level bike. The fork is the spring type but it has a lock out. The components are Deore and work well. I upgraded the brakes from rim to disc with Avid BB'7s.

if the Trek 6000 is fairly recent like 2000+ and in good working order i'd say its a very good deal. even with some minor repairs its a good deal. if its older though like 1995 to 2000 then still a good deal if it's in very good condition.

I haven't received a reply from the guy yet :( Heres a photo of it.

http://a.im.craigslist.org/sU/bh/bprQ34VIIOt8SzEeboWOXV0yjpJU.jpg



The Diamondback outlook might be a good starter bike if it only needs minor stuff. is it sitting covered in the back yard? or has it been enduring the full brunt of weather for many years? the shifting might be able to be fixed with some tinkering or a cheap trip to the LBS. If it fits you close enough and you can get it shifting how you want, it might be all you need to get out on the trails.

It's been hanging on the side of our fence uncovered but under some roofing preventing it from getting rained on. I'll try to get some photos of it and maybe mess with the shifting to see if I can fix it.

By the way.. I saw a Trek 4300 w/ disc breaks in pretty new condition at the flea market the other day selling for $250. It didn't look like my size compared to the 15" schwinn next to it. Maybe I should of bought it and swapped the parts to a frame my size...

I have a 2006 Trek 6500. I think it's a good entry level bike. The fork is the spring type but it has a lock out. The components are Deore and work well. I upgraded the brakes from rim to disc with Avid BB'7s.

Thanks jonbth. To tell you the truth I wouldn't know if those components are any good or not since I'm a noob at this. I've heard of Shimano because I have a fishing reel and rod made by them and love it hehe..