kudude

I'm looking to get a mountain bike, and found this:

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/675739178.html

anyone ever heard about it? I was staying away from the enduro FSR because I'll be doing XC mostly and want something that climbs, but I can't find any info on this bike. Can anyone here help me?

Cyclist30907654

Looks like a scam.

EDIT: Did some more research, and found that it's real. So nevermind.

https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_har...ct_72859.shtml

kudude

thanks for doing the research. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. He says it has a manitou minute fork on it, but I'm wondering if it will be ok for a lot of XC and singletrack riding. People seem to think of it as a DH HT, but if it's not too heavy, I'm hoping I'll be able to climb on it.....

Cyclist30907654

Okay, so the last reincarnation of the bike is 2001, which means that the bike is AT LEAST 7 years old. Check for wear in the drivetrain, and of course, cracks in the metal. IIRC, the minute fork is one that has "infinitely adjustable travel", so for XC, you should be able to crank it down to 100mm and climb.

However, some of the forums indicated that the enduro is more of a beefy hardtail than a XC machine, so I wouldn't expect it to be very light.

Lastly, don't pay $500 for it.

kudude

$500 is too much? what would you pay? anything specific I should look for assuming it's in decent shape?

thanks again

cattrails

7 years old... I wouldn't pay more that $200-$250.

Reason # 1. You can buy a basic but decent brand new hardtail for a few hundred more,
Reason #2 if it's a Pro bike he may have been really rough on it over the years,
Reason #.3 because it's a hardtail (no rear shock)

Take a look at Specialized.com and look at the more basic models available for a comparison. Bikes have come a long way in the past five years and are made with better materials and components nowadays, another option before you plunk down that cash is to check your local bike shops for used bikes. More than likely you will at least get something tuned and tested.

cattrails

Check out the Hardrock, HRXC and Rockhopper at Specialized.com you might like what you see.

The components may be better on that used bike but they will have wear and tear. My friend bought a used "Pro" bike off a friend and ended up dumping $250+ into getting it into shape. That's after the $1000 she paid for it!

Don't mean to burst your excitement bubble, but a little research may save you a big waste of money. Make sure you test ride the bike too, if it's not a comfortable fit you'll have issues later. Try it on a little uphill if you can and go through ALL the gears (shifting) to see if they're smooth, jumpy or noisy. Lookout for rust on the chain.

Cyclist30907654

Reason #2. Nope. All that the pro designation means is the equipment level. Kinda like trim levels in a car. A higher trim level means more niceties. In this case, the enduro "pro" may higher than the endure "expert" or enduro "comp"

Reason #3. Hardtails are perfect for XC.

kudude

so I passed on the enduro, not really what I was looking for. Now I have two bikes that I've found, and instead of starting a new thread, I thought I'd ask here since the "oooh, this bike or this bike" threads get old

2006 Giant Trance 1 ..........or..................2004 Cannondale Jekyll 800

I own a giant road bike and like it fine. However, has anyone in the history of the world ever been excited about a giant? no? I didn't think so. Reba shock vs. Lefty here. The jekyll is nominally cheaper, but i could pick up the trance tomorrow. what would you guys do?

dminor 

Who told you that an Enduro FSR can't climb?

kudude

no one. i heard it "was heavy", but i don't want to get into incorrect preconceived notions about that now. I'm not buying an enduro, and never considered an FSR, it was just a comment.

so.........

trance of jekyll?

Cyclist30907654

dminor brings up a good point. the FSR design is considered extremely efficient. Bikes like the stumpjumper FSR WILL climb. Not that it matters since they are all out of your price range... unless you can find one used, at which point, you really should give them some serious consideration.

As far as the trance or jekyll goes, go out and test ride them.

kudude

The only FS bikes I've ever ridden on trails were stumpjumpers, one was an SWORKS with the "brain-fade" thingy. I could find one and make it work for my price range, but i'm not convinced that that is absolutely what I need to do.

thanks for the input, though

Cyclist30907654

Why not? If I could ride a FS instead of my hardtail I would jump at the opportunity.

kudude

I think you're missing it. I'm planning on buying a FS trance. If a stumpjumper FSR fell in my lap, I'd ride it, but all my Craigslist and ebay searching so far has not found one for a "steal".

kudude

.....and I bought it.

before:

note all the little things


and after 20 minutes:


seatpost is at the top. feels fine. There is a little rubbing/grinding coming from the rear. maybe a hub? i dunno, I'll mess around with it and try to find out.

Cyclist30907654

Nice looking bike. Ride hard!

Dannihilator

Very nice, now go ride it like it was built to do.