Mountain Biking - Jamis Dragon Pro Demo

I can get a 2008 dragon pro demo for $1,250. The bike has some paint ships on the top tube and seat stays, but otherwise is in very good condition. I am told that it was a demo bike that was transported to different dealers for demo purposes. No dents and does not look like the chain has ever been lubed.

Reynolds 853 steel frame, stock XT / Easton build and Juicy 3 brakes. I think this is a good deal but I am realy high on steel bikes right now and would appreciate reality check. What do you think?

What fork does it have? Jensen has new 07 Dragon Comps for $850... (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI297T00-Jamis+Dragon+Comp+Bike+07.aspx )

The Comp's frame is 631, though...

$1,250 for a bike with Avid Juicy 3's? Pass.

What fork does it have? Jensen has new 07 Dragon Comps for $850... (http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/BI297T00-Jamis+Dragon+Comp+Bike+07.aspx )

The Comp's frame is 631, though...

the bike has a fox 32 100RL fork

Hmm...well, the Fox is obviously better than the one the Dragon Comp comes with...$1250 seems a bit high, though.

For a non demo bike it's a steal.

For a demo bike, I dunno. I don't know much about fox's warranty, but fork damage would be my big concern. The steel frame is probably fine, but if the fork has been abused, things could turn very expensive. Same is true to a lesser extent for the drivetrain. Expect to replace chain and cassette soon. Basically, you're buying a used bike, but with a shop's support. So how much is that shop support worth to you?

Fox warranty: 1 year on the fork for original owner. The one year is subjective to fox's warranty departments view on the particular peice. I've had to deal with people who bought the fork new from fox and 4 months later have an issue that should be warranty related but have fox refuse warranty because it's older than 1 year. This is why I will never buy another Fox product from here on out.

Thanks for the feedback. I will also point out that this bike lists for about 2,200 new. As far as the 'Demo" status i think that it has been ridden very little from judging from the pictures. The cassette and chain look like they have never been lubed. The paint chips may be from being hauled in a car from dealer to dealer. Here are pictures I should have sent from day one.

$1,250 for the bike with the christmas lights is a deal.

I think i will pass on the bike. I rode it yesterday and the shock does make a noise like it is bypassing air and there are more chiped areas than i thorught. As you pointed out 1250 is too much if the shock has problems.

Thanks for the feedback