Mountain Biking - MTB noob: Is this bike worth it?

I was looking at this bike (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/bik/786256541.html) which seems to be in alright condition and is the right size (I think... I'm 6'3" 185 lbs). However, I don't know if I should even waste my time buying a MTB that is 15 years old: is the technology so outdated that it would make buying this pointless? I don't want to have to upgrade too many components, but I don't want it to fall apart/give me more trouble than its worth and ruin my experience. I wouldn't think twice if I was buying a road bike to convert into something simple like a fixie, but MTBs have lots of parts and tend to get treated harshly.

SO, should I just wait and save up the 1,500 i need for a new Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, or should I go with this bike at this price? Good value or not? Thanks a lot from a MTB noob in need.

PS: I'll probably be doing some moderate to heavy trailriding and singletrack, and I have an interest in doing more technical rides.

Given your stated size and riding intentions, you need to pass on the 15-y-o bike; it's overpriced for a utility bike, anyway, worth that only to a Big S fanatic.

Keep looking around; there's lots of sites where you can do better than $1500, as well. Don't limit yourself to Specialized.

i think thats a cool bike....id deff consider getting it..

BUT you have to take in mind what you want for it. 15 year old xt is like alivio today... :/

cool bike non the less

Are there any points I could hit to maybe get him to drop the price? I need to know what I am talking about to convince him, haha.

a tune up usually costs 50ish dollars...maybe you can be all like

well id have to have that done anyway to ride this...

OR that you can buy a pretty comparable NEW mountain bike(with warranty) for like 350ish...

ask him if he would consider a trade...and maybe you have something he would consider trading for.

I would pass on this bike if I were you. The rear derailleur is original and by this my guess would be that the rest of the parts are of the same age and likely worn out (or nearly so). The shock is a piece of crap compared to what you could get new today. In fact, the quality and function of today's parts/components will totally blow that old Stumpy out of the water.

Now, you're willing to spend $1500? Go for it. Even a $1000 hardtail will get you a bike that will totally amaze you. Do it.

^^^
agreed!

but...id be a cool bike to have laying around for just riding, commuting or even just letting a friend ride...imo...if he went down to 150...id snach that thang up

key point being that id be just a cool bike to have but still a slightly bad choice as a 'main' bike

Alright awesome! Thanks for the help, any other input welcome!

19" is almost too small for someone 6'3". It was a really nice bike back in the day, but it would never hold up to the more aggressive style of riding these days. The fork is a compete POS -- I'd rather have the OEM rigid fork on there, otherwise, $225 is a fair price. If you really want it, I'd offer the owner $150 cash and see if he bites.

^^^
agreed!

but...id be a cool bike to have laying around for just riding, commuting or even just letting a friend ride...imo...if he went down to 150...id snach that thang up

key point being that id be just a cool bike to have but still a slightly bad choice as a 'main' bike

Considerably more than than 'slightly', if'n we're talkin' MTB'ing. ;)

Not to hijack my own thread, but you guys seem nice enough. Like I said before, I was looking into getting a new Specialized Stumpjumper Comp (good components/frame for reasonable price) and I was wondering if any other comparable bikes (similar components/quality) came to mind. I want nice stuff that is going to last and work well, but $1500 really is a lot for me to spend.

So go for a $800-$1000 budget then. Lots of great stuff in that range. Specialized would serve you very well for that kind of money. So would many other brands. Do a little searching (look at the last 10-20 pages) on this forum and you'll find a gazillion threads on 'what bike should get for x$$$'.

Right, drop into a couple local bike shops and see what you can get comparable.
Giant and Treks are all over my area as well as Specialized and Cannondale.
Research, time and patience. Plus it's all fun in the hunt of your special rig.