ms9809

Hi

I am brand new to mountain biking and I have been looking for a bike to get me started. The price is a bit high for me at my local bike shops so I have started looking on craigslist for some good buys.

I came across this bike the other day, but I dont know enough about it to make a good decision. I am hoping someone can help me out.

It is a Trek 820 and it is being sold for $190. The reviews for this bike that I have read seem pretty good but I wanted to get some other opinions. Here is a link to the craigslist ad.


https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/bik/3684939532.html

I am going to see it tomorrow afternoon and maybe buy it.

what should I look for when I am checking it out? Thanks for any help!

jowilson

That is a very basic MTB. Short travel, rim brakes, 26" wheels. If your are looking into MTBing, I'd suggest getting a bike that is more fit for MTBing. Although the Trek site says it's for MTBing, they should know that customers really don't care much for what the site "says". What kind of trails are you planning on riding? That would help us find a better bike for you or let you know if this bike is OK.

Josh

ms9809

Hi Josh, thanks for the help

I am looking for a bike that I would be able to take on light trails as well as on the road. There are a few trails around my house that I would like to explore. I've been up and down a few of them while walking the dogs and they seem pretty basic. No big drops or steep hills etc.

cwa542

Should be good but when you go look at it make sure the rims arnt bent, the breaks works good and ride it and see if there's any sqeaking, make sure all the gear changes work, some people on craigslist like to rig up broken stuff where if will work real good for a few days but starts to break again

jowilson

You're welcome. . And with light trails and few hills, that bike will be more than adequate.

Josh

ms9809

Thats great news thanks. Does $190 sound about right for this bike or should I try to get them lower?

cwa542

I'd say that's a pretty good deal by the way the ad says how good he takes care of it

DMC707

sounds about right for that level of bike -- if its in good shape

roccobike

That's a 2002 Trek 820. I know, we had that EXACT same bike, right down to the paint color and frame size. It's a great all around bike and an adequate beginner bike. IMHO, priced too high, try to get it for less. However, it's very rugged. Both my sons rode ours on MTB trails. My youngest weighed in at around 250lbs, and rode that bike over logs without bunny hopping, just sort of smash into them. The bike never let us down. Later, I used it on MUPS and really liked the soft ride of the steel frame. It's a tad heavy at 33lbs. We sold ours only because we just didn't need it.
Truth is, I hated to part with it. I think that color scheme is one of the best looking bikes we've ever owned. BTW, you'll want to change the saddle.
When checking it out, pay close attention to the fork. If it's too soft, be careful. It may be worn out. It's an entry level spring fork and if it needs to be replaced, then that would be a total deal breaker.
EDIT: And the dude selling it is not truthful when they quote $420 as the original price. It sold for $280 new and currently sells for $380 new, never sold for $420.