used mountain bike 1-4 years-old, what NOT to get at bike swap
04-02-14, 11:41 AM
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used mountain bike 1-4 years-old, what NOT to get at bike swap
Greetings,
Going to try and sell my Jamis Coda Sport and purchase a used mountain bike at an upcoming bike swap later this month.
Looking for mid-level model, $900-$1400 when new, with front-suspension only.
Since I've never had a bike with suspension or disc brakes before, I've been reading up on current bike models as well as specific components, namely the fork and brakes.
However, I don't have the knowledge from prior years.
Are there any particular bike models or components, particularly fork and brakes, that I should avoid from the past few years?
Thanks!
-B
Going to try and sell my Jamis Coda Sport and purchase a used mountain bike at an upcoming bike swap later this month.
Looking for mid-level model, $900-$1400 when new, with front-suspension only.
Since I've never had a bike with suspension or disc brakes before, I've been reading up on current bike models as well as specific components, namely the fork and brakes.
However, I don't have the knowledge from prior years.
Are there any particular bike models or components, particularly fork and brakes, that I should avoid from the past few years?
Thanks!
-B
04-02-14, 11:55 AM
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Most MTB's from the last few years should be fairly sorted in terms of parts working, especially for your budget,
For components to avoid, would avoid all Avid brakes (models prior to 2013), they either work perfectly, or you will be forever servicing them, Shimano brakes prior to the current range (M595,675785 etc), as the performance difference between older Shimano brakes, and new ones, it makes no sense to get older ones.
For forks, if Fox, check the stanchions, if worn, walk away, as a new CSU is needed. if not, Fox would be preferred over Rock Shox, as servicing although more frequently required should be easier / cheaper. Magura & DT Swiss are probably out of your price range, RST below it, you may see Marzocchi or Manitou, both are good (from the last few years), but check you can get spares/service locally
For components to avoid, would avoid all Avid brakes (models prior to 2013), they either work perfectly, or you will be forever servicing them, Shimano brakes prior to the current range (M595,675785 etc), as the performance difference between older Shimano brakes, and new ones, it makes no sense to get older ones.
For forks, if Fox, check the stanchions, if worn, walk away, as a new CSU is needed. if not, Fox would be preferred over Rock Shox, as servicing although more frequently required should be easier / cheaper. Magura & DT Swiss are probably out of your price range, RST below it, you may see Marzocchi or Manitou, both are good (from the last few years), but check you can get spares/service locally
04-02-14, 04:21 PM
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Check out this site.
BikePedia
Pick out some favorite brand names (I like Norco, Scott, Orbea) but all the house names like Giant, Spec., Trek and on and on have solid offerings in that price range.
BikePedia
Pick out some favorite brand names (I like Norco, Scott, Orbea) but all the house names like Giant, Spec., Trek and on and on have solid offerings in that price range.
__________________
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.
04-03-14, 12:35 AM
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I wouldn't turn down a bike just because it has Avid brakes on it but yes Shimano are better. My old Avid Juicy 5s worked really well but you did have to bleed them once or twice and year and it was a PITA, replaced with Shimano SLX finally. Shimano on the other hand seem to work great all the time and when you do bleed them it is dirt simple to do. Have a set of old as hell Shimanos on another bike that are still awesome.
04-03-14, 07:06 AM
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Great, thanks for the advice folks. Event is at the end of the month, I'll be getting a cheat sheet ready and will be at the opening for the best selection.
04-05-14, 03:22 AM
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Maybe for hydraulic brakes, but the very common Avid BB7 mechanical brakes are both reliable and common, so you'll probably come across some.
Most MTB's from the last few years should be fairly sorted in terms of parts working, especially for your budget,
For components to avoid, would avoid all Avid brakes (models prior to 2013), they either work perfectly, or you will be forever servicing them, Shimano brakes prior to the current range (M595,675785 etc), as the performance difference between older Shimano brakes, and new ones, it makes no sense to get older ones.
For forks, if Fox, check the stanchions, if worn, walk away, as a new CSU is needed. if not, Fox would be preferred over Rock Shox, as servicing although more frequently required should be easier / cheaper. Magura & DT Swiss are probably out of your price range, RST below it, you may see Marzocchi or Manitou, both are good (from the last few years), but check you can get spares/service locally
For components to avoid, would avoid all Avid brakes (models prior to 2013), they either work perfectly, or you will be forever servicing them, Shimano brakes prior to the current range (M595,675785 etc), as the performance difference between older Shimano brakes, and new ones, it makes no sense to get older ones.
For forks, if Fox, check the stanchions, if worn, walk away, as a new CSU is needed. if not, Fox would be preferred over Rock Shox, as servicing although more frequently required should be easier / cheaper. Magura & DT Swiss are probably out of your price range, RST below it, you may see Marzocchi or Manitou, both are good (from the last few years), but check you can get spares/service locally
04-05-14, 04:52 AM
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Given the Op's quoted budget, mechanical disc (BB7's) brakes shouldn't be considered, as hydraulic should be standard for the money the Op is looking at.
04-28-14, 07:51 AM
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Thanks for the advice folks. Went to my first tent sale Sunday. It was insane! Lined-up on a rainy day before opening, and the checkout line wrapped around the whole parking lot! My commuter bike sold (I think) so I have cash with the shop, but didn't spot anything for myself. There's another tent sale coming up this Saturday. If I strikeout there, I may start thinking new/leftover models.
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