first off, being new to the forum, i'm from south africa, 30 years old, used to ride in my teenage years, raced mtb's & rode street and spent my fair share of time riding trails and dirtjumping. I've been wanting to get back into the sport for several years, and now that I've relocated to within walking distance of a sweet bike park, and have access to some pretty awesome dirt jumps and trails.

The question is this, I have a choice between 2 bikes, first off is a stock dk cincinnati brand new, still in the box for about $190 (retails at $305) unwanted gift.
The second is a volume flatline frame '06, s&m ditch forks, odyssey revenge breaks, primo pro crank with ti spindle, odyssey pedals and grips, dirty harry brake lever, GT mohawk rims, s&m tyres and a spare GT bump frame thrown in all for $310.

The question is would you go for the bike with quality parts that you know have been ridden hard, or the the brand new lower spec bike at a bargain price?

(oh and don't worry about the prices being off, we get screwed on import duties in this part of the world)

For how you plan on using it, it seems like you have alot more to work with in the 2nd option. Starting with a stronger frame and drivetrain. I'm not sure the DK would hold up to the stresses of trails and park as well as the Volume. I could be wrong though.

The Volume sounds better but I could be wrong. At that price I'd get a better bike that is new.

Thanks for the responses,

@100psi: I was thinking the exact same thing myself, bent a good couple frames in my day.

@fuzzbox: i'll be having a look at the volume over the weekend to check the condition, but since you brought it up, what's a better bike at that price? am quite keen on the fitbike team trail model @ $470, but things are starting to get a little to pricey then