Decision between two used bikes
07-22-13, 06:15 AM
#1
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Decision between two used bikes
With school costs and a wedding looming, money is tight. Also, with a whole stable of other bikes and mopeds, space is tight and perhaps patience from the fiancee is tight. However, I'd like to start hitting up some of central Pennsylvania's beautiful trails and so I'm trying to decide between one of these two bikes (making the decision, like, today I guess). I do not plan on riding anything too wild and I don't mind doing my own wrenching so please keep that in mind.
Bike #1 : Diamondback Apex SE
Bike #2 : GT Avalanche 3.0
Assume both operate well and are around the same price. Any advice would be much appreciated on which might be a little more robust or less likely to fail.
Bike #1 : Diamondback Apex SE
Bike #2 : GT Avalanche 3.0
Assume both operate well and are around the same price. Any advice would be much appreciated on which might be a little more robust or less likely to fail.
07-22-13, 06:22 AM
#2
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First thing I would say is the 2 bikes are different sizes. The diamondback is fairly large framed and the GT small. The bike that is sized for your height would be the best choice. Hopefully the Diamondback is sized for you because it was a higher end model and the GT's components appear fairly low end. Good luck deciding.
07-22-13, 06:25 AM
#3
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Thanks for the quick advice. I'm 5'8 which is sort of that in-between size for some frames (my current bikes range across all sizes S-L--not including whatever the heck size a Raleigh Marathon Mixte comes in). The Diamondback also has some funky stem extender which I'd be getting rid of so I figured I could make it work.
07-22-13, 09:31 AM
#4
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The Diamondback appears to have cantilever brakes, doesn't it?
07-22-13, 09:55 AM
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GT. It's no older than a 2002; and GT frames are bulletproof.
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07-22-13, 10:30 AM
#7
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Yes, I was leaning more towards the GT. Back before I knew anything about bikes, I had some older GT mountain bike that I LOVED before it got stolen (life lesson: everything gets stolen in Philadelphia). I just figured I'd ask. For $70, I can thrash around on it this season and then, based on how much I enjoy myself, figure out a suitable upgrade next year. Thanks for the help.
07-22-13, 12:46 PM
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07-22-13, 08:20 PM
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IMHO, I'd try out the GT. I'd buy a MTB that's small rather than one that might be too large. As has been said, those triple triange GT frames are well known for being strong.
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07-29-13, 06:49 PM
#10
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Well, I got the GT. The guy dropped it off at a family member's house and I picked it up today. It's a little beat up but surprisingly lightweight (for the price/age) and everything is fairly functional. Some slop in the derailleurs but that's to be expected. Surprisingly good brakes. Great fit on the frame... Not bad for $70. Plan on taking it around some trails near Raystown Lake this weekend.
07-29-13, 10:19 PM
#12
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Does the other person in the wedding ride?
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07-30-13, 10:25 AM
#13
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Not enough! We ride most places in our town, her on a weirdo Schwinn Sierra (picked for the lovely green color, of course) and me on one of my many commuters. She does want to do some of the rails-to-trails around here with me finally, so that's a start. She does also enjoy the woods and the outdoors so I'm hoping I can lightly introduce her to basic trails this weekend during our camping trip and get her hooked. Then again, I haven't done much trail riding since I was a teen so I'll have to lightly reintroduce myself lol.
07-30-13, 10:26 AM
#14
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She also really liked riding my moped so, ever slowly, she is realizing that two (slow) wheels are better than four.
07-30-13, 10:46 AM
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Rails to Trails is a great place to ride together and build up some skills. Either bike would handle those trails. Good luck and let us know what decision you made.
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I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
I think its disgusting and terrible how people treat Lance Armstrong, especially after winning 7 Tour de France Titles while on drugs!
I can't even find my bike when I'm on drugs. -Willie N.
07-30-13, 11:40 AM
#16
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As for the rails-to-trails, I take my Diamondback Insight RS on those. That bike has seen a lot of miles in the last few years and held up remarkably well.
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