Stanger

Hey guys, I'm fairly new to mountain biking and looking to upgrade. I've been riding a ridgid 1999 GT Outpost on the local singletrack and love it. As much fun as it is, I see the limitations of the bike at times. I'm sure a nice hardtail would do the job well, but I've run across a couple FS's that look interesting.

More specifically, a 2007 Jamis Dakar XC Comp. I realize this isn't a top of the line(or anywhere near) FS bike, but what is your opinion of it? I'm 5'11, 160lbs. The GT is an 18"(vs. the 17" Jamis) frame and seems to fit well, but I also noticed that most ride a bit smaller frames with more seatpost. What do you guys think of this bike and the price?

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1741361796.html

bikingsoul

I am 5'9 and I ride a 17" frame and it is about right for me. Some people like a more stretched out frame for XC riding. Have you ridden the bike? How does it feel to you? You can't estimate a frame size by how much the seat tube is sticking out as some frames have a more sloping top tube. The bike looks to be in great shape though......

Stanger

Thanks. The bike is about 45 mins(one way) from here, so I haven't made the trip to check it out. I contacted the seller and he is 5'9, but I know sizing depends mostly on how much of that 5'9 is made up by inseam and how much is in the torso. Lets say I check it out and it's in good shape and it fits, do you think it's a good price, or just OK? It's OBO, so I would definitely negotiate some, but I don't really know how much negotiation is fair for both parties.

Stanger

Nevermind, it looks like it just disappeared!

I also contacted this guy. Looks like a much nicer bike(not sure if I can take advantage of all it has to offer), but it also a much higher price. Current owner is 5'11 175 lbs. Worth spending the extra for a noob like me?

https://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/1705528093.html

2runco

That's a nice looking bike, and it would be a good upgrade for you. The size should be about right for your height, to be confirmed by test riding.
Is it worth spending the "extra" money on you? When upgrading a bike, always!!
Looks like this listing has been up for some time. Either the owner has not received much interest, or he is not willing to budge on his price.
I would make a visit for a look and test ride. His asking price doesn't seem too bad. Less than half the original MSRP I believe, and he has a few upgrades. If I liked the bike, I would offer $800 and go from there.
Good luck.
I just upgraded from an older hardtail to a FS bike and am loving it.

Stanger

Thanks for the helpful reply. I had the same feeling as you, offer a little under $1g, take it for a test ride, and make a decision. Unfortunately when I emailed, I asked how firm he was on the price and he said there was no room for negotiation. That definitely discouraged me from it, but I can't help but be tempted by it!

bikingsoul

Do you know how much that bike cost new? That would be the first thing I would check into before plunking down that kind of money.......

2runco

I'm thinking the Fuel X7 retailed for over $2K, but look it up on Bikepedia. Don't know what it might actually have sold for. I would be direct and ask the owner what he paid for it, where he bought it, and if he has the sales receipt. He can probably provide all of this. And don't forget, he has some upgrades, bash plate, pedals, etc. Also, you might ask if he removed the large crank ring to install the bash plate, and if so, does he still have it.

2runco

And I almost forgot, if you like the bike, make an offer. All he can do is say no, and he may budge a little when presented with some cash.

Stanger

Thanks guys. Yeah, I checked original msrp and it was around $2100-$2200 IIRC. I'll keep all this in mind if/when I make the drive to check it out. I wish mtb was a little cheapa.