Need some help choosing between a couple bikes
10-31-14, 12:31 PM
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Need some help choosing between a couple bikes
Hi Mountain Folks!
I've been an avid roadie for a few years now but I've been wanting to grab a mountain bike for a while to have some different fun on the bike and also to be able to ride in the many places my skinny tires won't go. A couple popped up on the local craigslist today that are the right size for me and mostly in my price range, but they're pretty different and I'd appreciate some educated opinions on which would be a better purchase. I'm 5'11" and about 145lbs, and I don't have any specific type of mountain biking I intend to do (not even really clear on the difference between them, XC and Enduro and all), but I will be going onto trails and mud and all so it can't be just a bike for tame cycling paths. I've been thinking a 29" would be cool and discs seem desirable, but I'm just guessing, last time I really rode mountain bikes was the mid-90s.
Both of the choices below are sorta similar I think, entry level bikes and mostly entry level components, both are disc brakes. But the Marin is a 26" wheel (but cheaper and with upgrades and spare tires) and the Hardrock is a 29". Prices are asking price on CL so I'll try for 10-20% off of that.
Choice 1: $350 2010 Marin Bobcat Trail (2010 Marin Bobcat Trail - BikePedia)
Per seller: "2010 marin bobcat trail.
Has new crankset, chain, and cassette.
Bike is 3x9 with x7 derailleur and shifters.
The front derailleur is whatever stock was.
Mavic crossroc rear wheel and tire. Maybe 5 months old.
Original rear wheel included, with wtb all terrain tires barely used.
180mm front rotor.
Should be ready to go for a long time."
Choice 2: $500 Specialized HardRock Disc 29er (2012 Specialized Hardrock Disc 29 - BikePedia)
As an alternative I could grab something like this brand new:
Diamondback Overdrive Expert 29er Mountain Bike - 2014 Performance Exclusive
Any thoughts or opinions are very welcome and appreciated!
I've been an avid roadie for a few years now but I've been wanting to grab a mountain bike for a while to have some different fun on the bike and also to be able to ride in the many places my skinny tires won't go. A couple popped up on the local craigslist today that are the right size for me and mostly in my price range, but they're pretty different and I'd appreciate some educated opinions on which would be a better purchase. I'm 5'11" and about 145lbs, and I don't have any specific type of mountain biking I intend to do (not even really clear on the difference between them, XC and Enduro and all), but I will be going onto trails and mud and all so it can't be just a bike for tame cycling paths. I've been thinking a 29" would be cool and discs seem desirable, but I'm just guessing, last time I really rode mountain bikes was the mid-90s.
Both of the choices below are sorta similar I think, entry level bikes and mostly entry level components, both are disc brakes. But the Marin is a 26" wheel (but cheaper and with upgrades and spare tires) and the Hardrock is a 29". Prices are asking price on CL so I'll try for 10-20% off of that.
Choice 1: $350 2010 Marin Bobcat Trail (2010 Marin Bobcat Trail - BikePedia)
Per seller: "2010 marin bobcat trail.
Has new crankset, chain, and cassette.
Bike is 3x9 with x7 derailleur and shifters.
The front derailleur is whatever stock was.
Mavic crossroc rear wheel and tire. Maybe 5 months old.
Original rear wheel included, with wtb all terrain tires barely used.
180mm front rotor.
Should be ready to go for a long time."
Choice 2: $500 Specialized HardRock Disc 29er (2012 Specialized Hardrock Disc 29 - BikePedia)
As an alternative I could grab something like this brand new:
Diamondback Overdrive Expert 29er Mountain Bike - 2014 Performance Exclusive
Any thoughts or opinions are very welcome and appreciated!
10-31-14, 02:38 PM
#2
Senior Member
The Specialized is way overpriced so I'd foreget it. That DB is basically the same as the Spec, new and cheaper (also too small). The Marin is also a bit over priced granted it has some upgrades but I'd still try to get $50-100 off. As a starter bike the wheel size really doesn't matter. Anything you buy now is going to be replaced in a year or so anyway if you get into mountain biking. Besides 27.5ers are the new hotness 
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