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Does this look too good to be true?

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Old 03-08-12 | 08:17 AM
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Does this look too good to be true?

I found this trek hybrid on craigslist.

https://knoxville.craigslist.org/bik/2889044073.html

I'll be up in that area this weekend. What say ye?
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Old 03-08-12 | 08:20 AM
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Looks good to me. Check it out!
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Old 03-08-12 | 08:35 AM
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That's pretty much exactly what I want to do with a Trek 930 frame I have sitting in my living room. Looks legit, check it out!
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Old 03-08-12 | 08:55 AM
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That's a steal. Go buy it!
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Old 03-08-12 | 09:33 AM
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From: between Milwaukee and Sheboygan in Wisconsin

Bikes: 1995 Trek 520 is the current primary bike.

Used MTB's have poor resale value, the 950 was a decent level bike, rear rim looks like the rider preferred using the rear brake the most so check the rim for brake wear (I've seen some that needed replacing due to being worn nearly through), but overall it looks like it has had a lot of miles put on it which indicates it should be a good bike to ride. Plan on needing new tires and maybe fresh grease on the bearings. Offer $150 and see what the seller says, but offer it in person with cash in hand.
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Old 03-08-12 | 09:43 AM
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I would jump on it.
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Old 03-08-12 | 09:49 AM
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Bikes: Surly Cross-check & Moonlander, Pivot Mach 429, Ted Wojcik Sof-Trac, Ridley Orion. Santa Cruz Stigmata

20 years ago that was a really decent CrMo frame Mountain bike. LX is a bullet proof component group, and those thumb shifters (!!!) are the without question the best shifter Shimano has EVER made. My wifes 930 that I converted to a commuter for her is almost identical to that and it's got 20 more years in it. It's a worthy commuter and a decent price for sure. If it fits you buy it.
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Old 03-08-12 | 09:50 AM
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That is not a hybrid, that is a real mtb but may be as early as Mid 1990's vintage. I bought a similar bike at the time but with giant label on it. Mine needs a lot work due to my neglect of it. This one looks like it is in great shape. Be sure to take it around the block, check the hubs, headset, shifting etc. Those are not modern LX shifters, but if they work its worth it.

I'd bring 150 cash, but offer him 100 since it has the old shifters....
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Old 03-08-12 | 09:58 AM
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Thanks for all of the advice. I'm gonna check it out. I don't mind if it needs a little work if I can get it for ~$150. It'll be perfect for my commute and it already has a lot of the accessories that I might need.
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Old 03-08-12 | 10:01 AM
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Originally Posted by treebound
Used MTB's have poor resale value, the 950 was a decent level bike, rear rim looks like the rider preferred using the rear brake the most so check the rim for brake wear (I've seen some that needed replacing due to being worn nearly through), but overall it looks like it has had a lot of miles put on it which indicates it should be a good bike to ride. Plan on needing new tires and maybe fresh grease on the bearings. Offer $150 and see what the seller says, but offer it in person with cash in hand.
Those rims are trek's house brand at the time (Matrix) and they are anodized gray, the braking surface wears off the color, but that doesn't not neccesarily mean they are in need of replacement. My wifes 930 are the same way, worn looking but very lightly used (sigh...)

IMHO That bike is worth throwing a little money at once you get it. Besides the possible need for tires or brake pads and such consumables, those are loose bearing hubs so I'd get them repacked, and the those brake levers REALLY suck. Replace them with some Avids or something you like. It wont cost too much to really make that bike a solid everyday long runner.

Good luck.
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Old 03-08-12 | 10:18 AM
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A fossil!
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Old 03-08-12 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
A fossil!
I love fossils, as evidenced by my username.
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Old 03-08-12 | 10:57 AM
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I was referring to your username, not the bike.



I have a few jackets and a backpack with an embroidered archeopteryx on them.
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Old 03-08-12 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest
I was referring to your username, not the bike.



I have a few jackets and a backpack with an embroidered archeopteryx on them.
*internet high five
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Old 03-08-12 | 01:22 PM
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Looks good to me, I've been happy with something similar for years.
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Old 03-08-12 | 03:30 PM
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I picked up the same bike very cheaply a few years ago for the parts (the frame was loaded with rust.) The stock components were pretty nice and are still working on another bike I own. The thumb shifters aren't the "push-push" type that mine came with, and they're much more reliable.

Mine was an 89, and I believe the one in the ad is the same year. I wouldn't say it's too good to be true, but the price is ok a nice lugged True Temper frame with good components. I'd try to offer less also, I don't think it's going to move quick at the asking price.

Good luck!
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Old 03-08-12 | 03:45 PM
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Definitely not too good to be true. If anything, I'd say the asking price is a bit high. As others have suggested, $150 is closer to reality.

I've got an '89 Rockhopper that came with "Mountain LX" components. That bike looks like it's got the same stuff. "Mountain LX" is related to recent "Deore LX" components in about the same way that I'm related to my great-grandfather.

The 950 was a pretty good frame, a bit nicer than the frame on my Rockhopper, I'd guess. I paid $120 for my Rockhopper, but only because it was in perfect condition.

That's not a bad bike. If you're looking for an old rigid mountain bike, you probably won't do any better.
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Old 03-08-12 | 03:54 PM
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That would make a awesome touring bike with a tiny bit of work. Excellent bike with a good ride. Had one new, wished id kept it.
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Old 03-09-12 | 04:45 AM
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The bike looks very clean. If it fits, it's probably not a bad deal for $195. You can offer less. I don't know how much racks cost, but the cheap ones seem to cost quite a bit. And it comes with a pump. I'd go for it.
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Old 03-09-12 | 10:23 AM
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I agree about those being some of the best shifters Shimano ever made. That's a nice bike, well equipped, at not a steal price but a fair price. It wouldnt stick around in the Boston market at that price for too long, I dont think.

I googled the guy's phone number and it looks like he could be a flipper and that would explain the full market price. Make sure you ask him if he has repacked the bearings and all that good stuff. You could probably haggle him down a little if he hasnt.
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Old 03-09-12 | 11:52 AM
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You should let us know what happens if you get it, with pictures if possible.
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Old 03-12-12 | 07:50 AM
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Originally Posted by no motor?
You should let us know what happens if you get it, with pictures if possible.
The bike was sold the day before I could get it. Bummer
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Old 03-12-12 | 08:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Archae0pteryx
The bike was sold the day before I could get it. Bummer
Awe_Dammit!
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Old 03-12-12 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Archae0pteryx
The bike was sold the day before I could get it. Bummer
There's sort of a saying in the C&V section for people looking at craigslist posted bikes, have your keys in hand and be ready to go as soon as you see something you want posted. Those who delay end up still looking.

But, likewise, as soon as one sells another equally decent deal usually gets posted, so keep watching for those deals.
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