Poppy360

Hey all- This is my first post. I'm looking at purchasing my first MTB. I've been lurking for a couple weeks and have read numerous threads. I'm 5'9" 185lbs. The riding I've done so far has been primarily trail riding (using friends' bikes.) I've been looking at bikes in the $400-$800 range, but now have a friend that's selling a 2002 Giant Rincon (19") for $100. It was only used for one season. Would it be worth it to get this bike and use it for a season and then upgrade? Or should I just spend the money and buy new?

Any and all advice would be appreciated!

C Law

1. Make sure the 19'' bike would fit you. At 5'9'' it might be a bit big.

2. I think it would be worth getting the bike if you used it for a year without putting any other money into it. Save up some dough for a new bike, while spending some time riding this bike. See what you like to do and don't like to do while riding.

3. see if he will take $80

4. Do not upgrade it.

a2psyklnut

I agree, for $100, you'll be getting an entry level bike at a discount big box store price.

If you find out you really enjoy the sport, then invest the money on a decent bike.

jo5iah

Starting with a used bike is the way to go. Keep a mental catalog of things you'd like to change about it, so that when you're ready to drop money on a new (or newer used) bike, you'll have an idea of what you'd like different.

oamsfl

Couldn't agree more , I started out w/ a hardtail rockhopper,that bike worked great for me ,I rode (endo'd 1/2 a dozen times,cracked a helmet) learned alot & got seriously hooked on riding ,than upgraded to a specialized epic.
Use the entry level bike for your learning/find out if this is for me time.



"Oh yeah ride it like ya stole it!!!!!!!!!!!"

harov3

Hmmm, its a 2002, we're in 2005 and its only been used for one season? I sold my 2004 Rincon early this year and it was pooped after a year, fortunately I was able to sell it to a law student and part time journalist so I felt pretty good about myself . How big is your friend? does he beat ***** out it? Because a Rincons a decent entry bike but they wont take a sustained hammering. It could be good, but it could equally be crapped out. I think you need professional advice on this bike if you are not sure of your own judgement. Maybe you could ask him to take it to shop for a service and see what they recommend he do for it.

Poppy360

Well, I went and checked out the bike. It was in great shape. Tires pretty much still had the "nipples" on them. It has an aftermarket seat...waay more comfortable. Chain was slightly rusty and the derailleur needs to be adjusted, but other than that it was VERY clean.

The previous owner was about my height, but weighed about 30lbs less than me.

He threw in a bike rack for my jeep (holds 3 bikes) plus a lock and "under the seat" bag.

Great deal for $100. I think.

If I get 3 mos. out of it I'll be happy. At least then I'll have a better feel for what I'm looking for in a new bike.

Raiyn

Works for me

crashnburn

Racks can be $50-$100 themselves. You got a great deal, enjoy the new ride!

swifferman

My good god man, that's such a snag!

Congrats on getting a good deal. Now let's see if biking becomes your mistress.

harov3

Yep that is a good deal, congrats!

Stubacca

Great deal. Score on the rack. Now get out and ride it like you stole it (which you virtually did!)

alcahueteria

That's a helluva deal. I got a 2000 and road the crap out of it for 5 years doing anything and everything with it I could think of. I had no idea what I was doing. I can still hear the salesman echoing in my head, "do not jump this bike" he said that so many times it was annoying. He even said it when I called and asked about a flat tire..."You were jumping the bike weren't you" I'd only had the thing two days, so no I wasn't. But I did later and curbs and just all kinds of crap. It got stolen, those bastard bums. Have fun with it and ride the crap out of it.

troie

Im still riding my first mtb two years later

NSANEtotheMAX

Iron Horse has a lower end bike called the Sinister, full suspension, decent parts, I rode one at Dicks Sporting goods one day and It seemed like a great bike for the price

Raiyn

Could you be anymore off topic? Did you actually read the original post? Dick's is NOT a BIKE SHOP!