Mountain Biking - Trek 9800 Question

Let me start by saying that I did a thread search and read some reponses to a similar question I'm about to ask, but my situation is a little different, so here goes:

There is a 1999 Trek 9800 OCLV for sale locally, complete for $350 and apparently in mint condition. The seller is the original owner and claims to have stored the bike far longer than he has ridden the bike. Since it is a local sale, I would obviously give a thorough inspection before purchasing.

My background is that I'm an experienced rider of 15+ years and rarely dump my bikes (I ride hard, but not careless since a 5-time fractured collar bone). BUT, I am running about 220 lbs. nowadays and am concerned that a CF frame may not support me. Also, I currently ride a 1999 Trek 8000 which I love.

So, assuming the bike is in good condition,
1. should I be concerned with a CF mtn. bike given my weight? and
2. I've been toying with the idea of building a bike anyway. Would buying the bike and transferring parts to a new frame be worth it for $350. Assuming that the components are mostly XT and in good condition.

Thanks.

If you ride with finesse, frame durability shouldn't be a problem. I don't think Trek ever published a weight limit for the OCLV frames.

The bigger issue is that Trek never made the 9800 in 1999, as the OCLV hardtail line was called something else. Find out what year for sure the bike was made, as some of the early years were prone to breakage.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_hardtail/product_19798.shtml

ctually they did make it in 99' and give the fact that if CF is laid right it's stronger than steel, I don't think you'll have anything to worry about.

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_hardtail/product_19798.shtml

actually they did make it in 99' and give the fact that if CF is laid right it's stronger than steel, I don't think you'll have anything to worry about.

It's not in the 1999 catalog, and four of those reviews state flat out the frames are not 1999 models.

the 9800 was made in '00 or maybe '01. I wouldn't worry about the carbon failing. Trek had been doing carbon before then. Also if you do crack it trek has one of the best customer service departments ever and will treat you right.

Long Beach Island!! No way!

My mom grew up there so, we would go down every summer...Good times.

Love the area, just not great for mtn. biking, unless you like soft sandy trails. Great if you're a roadie though.