joeyduck

After my two wheel foray the weekend before last I asked my wife if I could hunt for a cheap beater to start leisure riding.

She said yes! Needless to say I'm on the hunt for a bike to suit my needs.

All I'm looking for is a sub $125 1990's steel mountain bike. Something decent and solid, without suspension. I've got a few leads on Craigslist but I'm going to keep hunting until the perfect deal comes up.

Though I want one so bad right now. The weather is getting warm flowers and blossoms are out and it's a great season to ride. I'll of course stay on bike lanes and paths and keep off major roads and arterials.

I just wanted to share my excitement and progress. A year ago I was just ready for my sixth surgery and I'd been in the same bed for six weeks. I've come a long way.

CrankyOne

Very glad you're doing so much better. You're spirit through this whole thing has been quite uplifting.

bikemig 

Vintage MTBs make great commuters. I have two that I picked up on CL for $125 each (a 1993 Trek 950 and a 1988 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp). They're great bikes and I'd buy a 3d if the right bike pops up on CL.

Giant Doofus

That's terrific news!

corrado33

I think there's a story here that I don't get.

Unfortunately you're going to limited at $125. At the COOP we sell "decent" wal-mart bikes for $60-$70. 90s mountain bikes generally sell around the range you're looking for, but often the nice ones sell for more, up to $150.

Let us know how your leads go! Good luck!

joeyduck

I love them. I regret donating my mid 90's Schwinn when we were moving and I hadn't used it in ages since I'd gotten my LHT.

I'm going to look at an old Norco but I'm not sure I want to drop down to a 6 speed freewheel. It also looks like it is in rough shape.

joeyduck

There are quite a few options that pop up regularly from people cleaning up or not knowing what they have. I just am being a bit picky and I can afford to be.

Is this the story you're missing: https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/...r-hit-car.html

scoatw

I hope you find what you want.

alan s 

That's great news. Glad to see your recovery is going well, and your marriage is not suffering. Enjoy looking at the flowers, trees and wildlife rather than the tailpipe of a car for a while.

corrado33

In a big city, sure. Here in Bozeman, not so much unfortunately

joeyduck

You're right we get lots coming through here, but then we get a swell in prices of what people think they can get. Do it is a waiting game of patience.

This for example:

1998 STUMPJUMPER M2

MMACH 5

Awesome news!

Andy_K 

Yeah, I feel like the secret is out on those solid old mountain bikes. People are asking $200 and up for old RockHoppers around here. Of course, that doesn't mean anyone is buying them for that price.

Good to hear that you're getting back on your wheels!

joeyduck

Yeah there are several in the $200+ range, and in the $150 range and occasionally some ~$100.

The are a few near $100 now but either too small or I don't think it's worth the hour drive.

downwinded

Darth Lefty 

Oh good

tarwheel 

What size are you looking for, Joey? We probably will be selling my wife's old Giant Rincon mountain bike in the near future, as soon as we get her a hybrid. It's an old-style mtn bike with no shocks, front or rear. Burgundy red, with mounts for fenders and racks front and back. No rust or dents. I think that it's got a 7-speed triple. It would make a great bike for commuting, riding on greenways and trails. I'll have to take some measurements to determine the size because I'm not very versed on mtn bike sizing, but it's probably got a 56-57 cm top tube.

Wilfred Laurier

Yeah, Joey what size of bike (or how tall are you) - If I should want to waste some time today I might hop on over to Van Kijiji and see if anything jumps out at me.

RubeRad

At first I didn't notice who is the OP, I thought this would be just another 'help me find a bike' thread, but I bet you've got it well in hand. Regardless, if you do want feedback on any choices, you know we're eager to look at bikes and tell people what we think of them!

And remember that CL is like a never-ending stream of bikes. Pluck one out to try it for a while, if it doesn't work out, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to sell it on for no loss, maybe even a few bucks more after you put your elbow grease into it.

Be safe out there!

Leisesturm

Nice bike. Yes, its priced outrageously to give the seller somewhere to go. I doubt you could ever get it for less than $350. Waiting will get you a better price but not a better bike. The bikes that people get for $125 look like they cost $125, there are no exceptions. I got a really nice Schwinn tourer, fairly current (200?) by my guess. Exage 400 components, already commuterized (fenders, kickstand, rack) by the previous owner, from my local co-op. I paid $125, and later spent $50 to convert it to drop bars. I think the MTB bike is a waste if you are going to do all your riding on the street. I think 98% of SUV's are a waste for the same reason. Gearing will be too low, cranks too short, tires might be knobby (probably not on the used market, but possibly). I'd just as soon get a road bike from go. When you are paying only $125 for a bike every amount of money you have to spend to make it more practical detracts from the "bargain" aspect of the purchase. IMO.

joeyduck

I'm about 5'9"-5'10" So I figure about 18-20 inches or a large mountain bike. I ride about a 56cm road bike.

I do have to remember that it is an open market and not to get stuck on one and yeah I had thought about the resale fact without loosing any money.

I'm not going to buy a department store beater, but there are probably 10 listings right now from manufacturers (Trek, Specialized, Marin, Kona, Norco) of solid bikes from the mid 90's offering what I am looking for. I am more interested in a solid frame since I can swap parks at my hearts desire. I would also take a headset with god bearings.

As for my current riding, it will be gravel, mulch, dirt and some road. The low gearing is what I need right now since there is not going to be any mashing happening for a while yet.

So I could spend 3 times+ more for a typically priced newer 700c hybrid to 4 times more for a reasonable road bike but the market in that area is not as good as steel MTB bikes. But I already have a road bike I just don't feel comfortable riding yet. Had this accident not happened I would have already purchased a steel MTB. I had been looking for one in the days and weeks leading up to the accident anyway.

At some point I will take up the crash replacement offer from Surly and get a LHT or Disc Trucker. The Disc Trucker will involve a whole system upgrade (I did spy a set of mavic tn319 for $130 today, that is appealing) at not a cheap price and the LHT will still be pricey for the frame and other tidbits.

Darth Lefty 

Huh. I thought Surly's crash replacement program was "no." I mean, it's not really a warranty issue. Did they make you an offer?

bfuser284953024

Just read the post about your accident. It's wonderful to hear you're doing much better!

Does the offer from Surly have an expiration date? I'd be worried to let the offer sit and miss out.

BobbyG

How did I miss this thread? I wish I had advice for you, but I just wanted to let you know how much this post brightened my day. I look forward to when your posts are back to "just normal stuff."

ggpepper

Awesome news! Talk about good weather, come down to Austin and enjoy some warm. You can take my '90s Trek 830 back home with you. I hardly ever ride it.