Mountain Biking - Soul Searching - need some advice.

Glad to find this board and just wanted to introduce myself. I've been a pretty avid biker for about 10 years now off and on and live in the Northern VA region. Hope I'm not asking too much with my first post but I figured I could get some good advice here. Back in the Summer of 1997 I purchased a Gary Fisher Joshua X0 full suspension bike. I paid around $1000 for it when it was all said and done as that what was my budget at the time. I have thoroughly enjoyed the bike over the years and gotten pretty comfortable with it.

Fast forward to about a month ago, I was able to locate a NOS (new old stock) 1998 Gary Fisher Joshua Z0 which is brand new (albeit 9 years old now). The bike when new was around $3000 and I can pick it up for $750 plus shipping - it does not include pedals. My question is, even though it appears a good deal, am I wasting money on old technology? As I don't have a vast knowledge of equipment and changes over the years I'm just wondering if I'm making a bad move by maybe being too nostalgiac. It has all XT gear for example, but would not have the newer luxuries such as disc brakes. Could someone please help me out on this one? Thanks in advance!

Personally I wouldn't spend my money on that bike. That suspension design is extremely outdated and inefficient by today's standards. There are a lot nicer used bikes out there in the same price range.

Oh yeah, welcome to BikeForums!

Thanks for the reply - any other input welcome. What else would you look at in that range?

That suspension design is extremely outdated and inefficient by today's standards.

+1.

what kind of are you into, and hardtail or Full suspension...and welcome to Bike Forums!!!

I guess I've gotten pretty comfortable with full suspension over the years but have an open mind...

if you can ride a GF Joshua and are comfortable with it and aren't going to be disappointed with your decision to have outdated suspension technology go for it, it is your money and cold be your bike, you have to be happy with it

If you like the fit of the Gary Fisher, maybe look at getting a used Trek Fuel or a GF Sugar. Specialized FSRs are bountiful, so maybe see if you like the fit of those. Also, it's worth it to head down to a bike shop and test ride some newer bikes to get a feel for what the current technology is like. That said, I wouldn't go for that Joshua. As others have said, it's not current enough to justify the price.

Well sir...welcome!!!

I hear you. I tested out some GF Joshua's back when I decided on my 1998 1/2 Cannondale Super V 900 Comp. I loved that bike. It was wonderful. I sold it in 2001 when I got married. I got back into MTB's 2 yrs ago this coming March by buying a Fisher hardtail. I have since built a Jamis Dakar XLT 5" travel dually and test ridden several newer style suspension bikes.

The results are truly astounding, sir. Bag the Joshua. They quit making it for a reason. The new technology is so much more efficient as well as plush. It's pretty dang impressive. I would never go back to my Super V.

That said...$750 won't buy you much in the way of a dual suspension ride. You can buy a used one on ebay or something that would be adequate. I've seen a great deal of Jamis Dakars in that price range.

The main thing nowdays is pedaling platform vs. smooth, plush travel. It's so weird...we used to think stiction was a bad thing, but now they incorporate a stiction type action into the damper to cancel out excessive pedal-bob. So now, you have a bike that accelerates like a hardtail but as soon as you hit a bump...it sucks it up like a good buttery dually should. They are very impressive.

Guys - thanks for all the advice and the warm welcome. I think you saved me $750. That was half the reason for my inquiry - If I am going to spend the money I'd rather have it go in the right direction. I also thought they were a little crazy to ask (initially) $850 for a 9 year old bike. I think it will be sitting there a while longer.....

If you like the fit of the Gary Fisher, maybe look at getting a used Trek Fuel or a GF Sugar. Specialized FSRs are bountiful, so maybe see if you like the fit of those. Also, it's worth it to head down to a bike shop and test ride some newer bikes to get a feel for what the current technology is like. That said, I wouldn't go for that Joshua. As others have said, it's not current enough to justify the price.

I tent to agree with this, my view is that if you like to buy it and have it a while, buy one thats bountiful, it will increase the odds you will find parts when it breaks.
I had old 1984 and there is things that ain't available

Guys - thanks for all the advice and the warm welcome. I think you saved me $750. That was half the reason for my inquiry - If I am going to spend the money I'd rather have it go in the right direction. I also thought they were a little crazy to ask (initially) $850 for a 9 year old bike. I think it will be sitting there a while longer.....

Welcome CAA. Great bunch of people here and I have learned lots. As a diehard hardtail rider, I rode a club members Fuel this past weekend...wow, the ride was kind to my mature bones!
Here are a few sites to visit for bike sales: www.rscycle.com, killer prices on Iron Horse and K2. Try www.sierratradingpost.com and you may find something you like, and they also offer 20% off coupons frequently. Another is www.pricepoint.com, www.jensonusa.com. Like others said, ride everything you can. Good luck and happy hunting!

I second the Jamis.
welcome to the forums, glad you are a member