trekker pete

There is one for sale locally. What are your opinions? Most of the reviews I have read are pretty good. It is an 18" frame. I am 6 ft, kind of short legged so I think it would fit. I am just getting into MTBing and a hard tail would likely suit me just fine for the type of riding an old dude (50) would do.

I do realize that mtbs have progressed by lightyears since this thing was new, but I should be able to use that point to get it for a very reasonable price. I so understand that being FS it is likely to need bushings/etc. I am not very experienced as a bike mechanic, but, I am very experienced with mechanical gadgets in general, so having to do that sort of thing doesn't scare me....much.

likebike23

I have a 1997 atx 970 that I bought new in 99. The bike handles great at speed, but bobs quite a bit while climbing. The bushings are not available anymore, luckily mine are still good. Check for slop really well. When the time comes to change mine, I'll see if I can find sealed bearings that fit.

trekker pete

I ended up buying the Giant. Rear suspension seems very tight. Front fork, RST 381 is toast. Less than an inch of travel. I opened up one side, pulled out the rod and squeezed the polymer tube to see how pliable it was.

Not very. it crumbled. I can get a rebuild kit for 53 bucks. I think my best bet though is to find a good used fork on CL or feebay. Any recommendations? Don't care about weight, just want something with decent travel and is bombproof. I do believe it is a 1 1/8 fork as bikepedia specs the headset at 1 1/8. Lockout would be nice as well, but, not necessary.