dminor 

FSR XC is an excellent bike; and 2008 is late-model enough to where upgrading is realistic. Frame has disc tabs and the hubs should be disc, so going to disc should be no problem, if you want to go the route. $700 is a bit too high but if you can get it for maybe 5-600, it will serve you well for a long time.

roadandmountain

Thank you sir.

I actually checked again and it's actually a 2009. It's got 4.8" of travel, instead of 4" so even better. I think I will offer $500 or $550 and negotiate from there, based upon condition and whether I actually like the bike or not based on a quick test ride.

Hardcore21

Specialized Camber 29 vs. Kona Precept (27.5) vs. Giant Trance 29 - all pretty much in my $2K price range. I've tested them all, they all feel good. I am not used to sitting a little farther back as my old rig has me closer up to the front but I suppose that is the geometry these days. The drop seat on the Trance may take a little getting used to.

THOUGHTS??

shamrock Lane

Hi all . I'm new to the site and this is my first post.
Im looking to get a hard tail to get around the local streets and mess about a bit on the dirt keeping up with my sons who have a bmx and an mtb.
Im on a tight budget so am looking to buy second hand. I'm also a newbie to this game.

locally I have tracked down 2011 Marin b17 that's hardly been used . I can get it for nZ$400.
also I have found a 2008 nail trail for nz$450. It has been lightly used and appears to have been well maintained.
So which would you go for? The older model Nail trail or slightly more modern B17
i know the nail was a more expensive and more vaunted bike in its day but has technology moved on enough to make the B17 a better bet?

I would need to change out the pedals on the nail trail (current pedals take cleats) whereas the B17 is ready to go.
Test rode the b17 today and it was pretty smooth. The nail trail is a 45 minute drive , worth checking out or save my gas and go with the B17? Am I barking up the wrong tree and should be looking for something else?
thanks in advance

jrb703

Should I get this?
TREK BIKE
Just for casual use, I won't be doing any hardcore mountain biking.

symbi0nt

Is this bike still relevant to hitting the single track? I'm in the market to purchase a good xc/commuter 29er, but still want something designated for trails... worth snagging this dawg??

2007 KONA DAWG

gingerkid87

Im not even sure if these bikes are mountain or hybrids but they say mountain in the ad. Im looking for something that can handle the dirt roads around my house. If anyone has some suggesting what would be good for that I would appreciate it.

GT KARAKORAM All Terra mountain bike

bikes and accessories

dminor 

First GT is waaaaay overpriced for that old of a bike. It's $50 yard sale material. Second GT is more in line and would make a fine bike for your needs.

Talman Phoenix

I don't know which brakes are the ones I need, I would like to know so i don't buy some generic POC and find that they were not worth the money. If they can be found cheap that is awesome... but I also could use some BRAKE EDUCATION. Thanks, ohh BTW, i have a fixie but the search thing led me here, so does it matter for road bikes?

hadaiwai

I just purchased a KHS xc 104 2010 a few days ago for $250 on CL. What should I buy to upgrade and change ?

RoadTire 

Let me update this for you: " You forgot to mention (or perhaps you didn't) the ubiquitous, and always fun question: should I replace my 29er with 27 and one-half?"

There.

GymLifter

Specialized Rockhopper with aluminum frame - Does anyone have any warnings, comments, recommendations, etc.? There's a used one for sale near me, and I'd like to research it, but I'm not finding anything. I don't know the year or model of one that's for sale, but any general comments you may have about Specialized aluminum frames no matter the vintage would be helpful. Thanks!

Zephyr11

I have Bodybuilding.com open in another tab, and did a double-take with your username. Like uhh...which site am I reading right now?

Rockhopper is a solid bike, and aluminum frames are fine. If you can post pictures, we might be able to figure out what year and model it is, and what a fair price is for it.

AbsurdChalk

With aluminum, you must check the entire frame for stress cracks. Rock hopper is mid level bike for specialized. If you post a link, we could help out some more.

GymLifter

My bad; should have included the URL....

Specialized Rockhopper Aluminum Mountain Bike Front Suspension 21"

GymLifter

I'm grinning over this one!

Zephyr11

You 'mirin that Rockhopper?

In all seriousness, that's an '04 Rockhopper, base level. Retailed for $440 in '04. Overpriced now. Solid bike that'll treat you well, but unless you can get the price down, I wouldn't pay that for it. And hopefully you're tall...that's a big bike.
2004 Specialized Rockhopper - BikePedia
2004 Specialized Rockhopper - New and Used Bike Value

GymLifter

Much appreciated! I was hoping to find exactly what you sent. Super helpful.

hadaiwai

What about my KHS xc104 that I recently got? =(

catonec 

so, its hard to say what you should change without knowing what it needs.

the best I can tell its an 07/08? 2008 KHS XC104 - BikePedia

It appears to be in immaculate shape but...

First off, I can only assume that you're not overflowing with extra cash, hence the craigslist purchase over new. the 07 has alivio components, these are very "upgradeable" but if they're working well now then I would hold off. Id look at the consumables first.

Depending on how hard its been ridden you may want to check the chain for stretching and replace if worn. If the chain is bad then you'll want to evaluate your cassette and replace that as well if worn.

Brake pads could be spent.

Tires?

cables and housings

check your rear shock for slop, forks too.

saddles are very personal, you may need something different if this one doesnt agree w/your butt.

If you dont ride clipless, you should.

So Id say you did pretty well on cl but if you want to spend more the opportunities are right there for ya.

Id suggest riding it as is for now, stash away a little cash, and as things fail replace them then.

Meek

Hi all. I need some advice. I'm looking to get a high end bike from yesteryear for well under $1000, hopefully $500 or so.
I'm finally breaking out of the cyldesdale size but will probably stay in the 190s. I'm going to be riding pretty flat single track.
I am thinking I'd like an xc bike as I may decide to race if I enjoy it, but don't want to get beat up. I switched to a carbon road bike and was amazed at how it removed the buzz. So perhaps a carbon bike.
I was looking at a 08 Fisher Superfly SS but read about cracking issues, but it was a great deal at 500$.
I can wrench pretty well on bikes, and don't mind upgrading parts. Last bike was a 2000 Litespeed Ocoee with full XTR. I shouldn't have sold it. Anyway please let me know of good, seemingly durable xc rigs from the last decade or so that I should look out for the match my criteria. Thanks.

beadviized

I am trying to start out mountain biking by purchasing my first bike. My decision is between Felt nine comp 2009 or trek magna 2013 or waiting. I am caught between these 2 bikes as well as a few others. The magna comes with a few accessories, such as saddle bag and computer. Both bikes seem to be hardly touched and claim to have been only ridden a handful of times. The felt is from BBB and Magna is from craigslist.

Thanks

mstateglfr 

That limits the possible pool to whats mentioned as options. Better would be to consider ALL brands/models and eliminate based on sizing, condition, etc.

Each used bike market is different and since the inventory is ever changing, it would be extremely limiting to only pursue specific models. To think one mentioned will become available in your area in your size in the condition you want for the price you want is very minimal.

RJR5

Hey All,
So I'm looking for a new mountain bike. I'll be riding single track, and some gravel trails,but would like something that's capable of handling jumps also. I'm a short guy standing at 5'3" I ride a trek FX in a 15" frame and that fits fine. I think I want the mountain bike to be smaller in size like 13.5" so I can ride it more aggressively. I found a lbs that has a new 2015 Trek x caliber 6 in a 13.5", and a 2014 Trek x caliber 7 in a 14.5" but my problem with them is that they have a curved upper tube that kind of looks womanly. The lbs says they are men's bikes does anyone have any experience with these models? Both are good deals.

mstateglfr 

I ride a 22" frame...thats as purple as it gets. Color and tube shape are things that if you cant get over, then go elsewhere for other options.
Where I ride, its so recreational that I have never thought anyone on the trails cares what I am riding.

You are 5'3 and wanting to ride 27.5"(or larger) bikes...there is going to be a geometry challenge or two for the designers to overcome for all that to work.