Bicycle Mechanics - Bought a Fisher Utopia for cheap

125 bucks bought me a blue Utopia with Deore Components, xt derailer, Mechanical Disc Brakes, but no back wheel. The guy that had the bike had the rear rotor, hardware for the rotor, and the tire but no wheel. Said his wife drove over the bike in the garage and since he rarely rode it anyways, he wanted it gone. His asking price was higher, but I mentioned that the bike looked pretty beat up he told me he would take 125 so I spilled the 20s before he changed his mind and I bolted.

Anyways, should I try and find the original hub / wheel and chain ring or should I look for a different wheel set, or just a different rear wheel? Also, any suggestions on gearing? This is my first mtn bike.

$125 could be a solid deal as long as the frame is still good.

Since the rear wheel is missing, I would be concerned about the rear dropouts -- they could be bent, which is a major pain. If it's steel, you can usually bend it back with a big adjustable wrench; if it's aluminum, it's trickier.

http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/ --> Derailleur, hanger str. (http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/rhanger.htm)

Rear drop outs look straight, caliper is still lined up perfect as is the derailer.

LBS wants 225 for a new rear wheel, any one have a used wheel that would work on this bike?

LBS wants 225 for a new rear wheel, any one have a used wheel that would work on this bike?

The best place to get a rear wheel is a garage/yard sale. Chances are it will be a 7 speed, but it will work and it should cost you around $20-50 since you'll be buying a whole bike. (You can't really find a rear wheel for under $100 at a bike shop since they're mostly new.)

If you have a Trek LBS near by, have them order part# 27937. It's the same rim, with an LX hub. Trek has 2 left and MSRP is $104.99. Part# 279376 is the same rim with a Deore hub and is $99.99 and there are a few left.

+1 If you want to do it cheap, get a donor bike at either a thrift store or garage sale. Donor bikes around here are commonly in the $10 to $15 range.

I would also check Craigs List. My most recent Craigs List buy ($100) included a nice road bike and four extra wheels. Bike alone was worth more than that, so the wheels were a throw in.

If you have a Trek LBS near by, have them order part# 27937. It's the same rim, with an LX hub. Trek has 2 left and MSRP is $104.99. Part# 279376 is the same rim with a Deore hub and is $99.99 and there are a few left.

Much better price then the LBS I went to, waiting on a call back from the Trek dealer and hopefully they can get me the casette as well. Thanks again!

Edit* That first part number isn't showing up, they found the 2nd one but ofcourse won't order it without a down payment and wont take a credit card over the phone. So no hurry :) Thanks much, this is a huge help.