Best type of bike for medium distance rails to trails?
05-17-18, 11:08 AM
#26
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Yes that is certainly true.. i checked with them, they dont offer any sort of "warranty" on the bike though, anything breaks you have to call the manufacturer.. i always thought the other local shops covered this.. They dont include a yearly tuneup, their tune up cost is about $80 for everything including truing (vs my other shop at around $60 and closer).
The odds of anything breaking on a bike that will actually be warrantable is very slim.
05-17-18, 12:27 PM
#27
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It seems you have a handle on the style of bike. Most of what you've posted from Craigslist and other people's suggestion are the comfort hybrid style and is what I would recommend for what you're looking for. She would be pretty much sitting upright on that style as opposed to my hybrid which is closer to a lean over a bit "fitness" style hybrid.
Performance, Dick's, and Dunham's, a decent enough bike can be had pretty inexpensively. It seems to me that if you look at the components, they will either be Shimano with an actual model name (Tourney for example) or the tag will just say Shimano. Avoid if it states only Shimano. If it has a name, Tourney would be the bottom of the quality pile of decent equipment. It would work for you and when worn out, you could always go the next level or 2 higher as replacement. This is typically the Dick's and Dunham's kind of bikes like Diamondback. The stuff that just say "Shimano equiped", those are your Walmart and Target stuff and not worth looking at.
That's how I would go. I don't think Performance really has cheap Walmart style garbage, most of their stuff should be pretty decent. I won't ever shop at Dick's again for reasons that would be too political for the forum if you get what I mean. Their Diamondback bicycles are nice bikes though. I don't know what is available at Dunham's. It seems with anything else I've looked at with Dunham's, they seem to be a tad lower quality than what's at Dick's (with kayaks, camping stuff, and other stuff that are not bicycles.)
Performance, Dick's, and Dunham's, a decent enough bike can be had pretty inexpensively. It seems to me that if you look at the components, they will either be Shimano with an actual model name (Tourney for example) or the tag will just say Shimano. Avoid if it states only Shimano. If it has a name, Tourney would be the bottom of the quality pile of decent equipment. It would work for you and when worn out, you could always go the next level or 2 higher as replacement. This is typically the Dick's and Dunham's kind of bikes like Diamondback. The stuff that just say "Shimano equiped", those are your Walmart and Target stuff and not worth looking at.
That's how I would go. I don't think Performance really has cheap Walmart style garbage, most of their stuff should be pretty decent. I won't ever shop at Dick's again for reasons that would be too political for the forum if you get what I mean. Their Diamondback bicycles are nice bikes though. I don't know what is available at Dunham's. It seems with anything else I've looked at with Dunham's, they seem to be a tad lower quality than what's at Dick's (with kayaks, camping stuff, and other stuff that are not bicycles.)
05-17-18, 12:39 PM
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It seems you have a handle on the style of bike. Most of what you've posted from Craigslist and other people's suggestion are the comfort hybrid style and is what I would recommend for what you're looking for. She would be pretty much sitting upright on that style as opposed to my hybrid which is closer to a lean over a bit "fitness" style hybrid.
Performance, Dick's, and Dunham's, a decent enough bike can be had pretty inexpensively. It seems to me that if you look at the components, they will either be Shimano with an actual model name (Tourney for example) or the tag will just say Shimano. Avoid if it states only Shimano. If it has a name, Tourney would be the bottom of the quality pile of decent equipment. It would work for you and when worn out, you could always go the next level or 2 higher as replacement. This is typically the Dick's and Dunham's kind of bikes like Diamondback. The stuff that just say "Shimano equiped", those are your Walmart and Target stuff and not worth looking at.
That's how I would go. I don't think Performance really has cheap Walmart style garbage, most of their stuff should be pretty decent. I won't ever shop at Dick's again for reasons that would be too political for the forum if you get what I mean. Their Diamondback bicycles are nice bikes though. I don't know what is available at Dunham's. It seems with anything else I've looked at with Dunham's, they seem to be a tad lower quality than what's at Dick's (with kayaks, camping stuff, and other stuff that are not bicycles.)
Performance, Dick's, and Dunham's, a decent enough bike can be had pretty inexpensively. It seems to me that if you look at the components, they will either be Shimano with an actual model name (Tourney for example) or the tag will just say Shimano. Avoid if it states only Shimano. If it has a name, Tourney would be the bottom of the quality pile of decent equipment. It would work for you and when worn out, you could always go the next level or 2 higher as replacement. This is typically the Dick's and Dunham's kind of bikes like Diamondback. The stuff that just say "Shimano equiped", those are your Walmart and Target stuff and not worth looking at.
That's how I would go. I don't think Performance really has cheap Walmart style garbage, most of their stuff should be pretty decent. I won't ever shop at Dick's again for reasons that would be too political for the forum if you get what I mean. Their Diamondback bicycles are nice bikes though. I don't know what is available at Dunham's. It seems with anything else I've looked at with Dunham's, they seem to be a tad lower quality than what's at Dick's (with kayaks, camping stuff, and other stuff that are not bicycles.)
Hopefully she is truly happy sitting upward more so (what she wants).. though i would think leaning forward would give you more power, so that makes me question if for myself ill want to move away from my more forward sitting bike to one of these in the future or not (though low back issues might be helped by a comfort, or worsened unsure.. either way, finding a mans 20-20.5" comfort frame seems a difficult task unless special ordered from a local source).
05-17-18, 02:40 PM
#29
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Free Giant Sedona
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...586837413.html
1996 NISHIKI MANITOBA - $130
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...582136034.html
90's Giant Sedona - $25 (Looks ~20")
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...587172262.html
Specialized RockHopper - $75
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...586128982.html
The free one is likely gone. I'd pick the rockhopper and install new shifter(s) if the $25 Giant is too big / gone.
Last edited by katsup; 05-17-18 at 02:56 PM. Reason: typo
05-18-18, 01:44 PM
#30
Fredly Fredster
There are 2 nice rail trails near my hometown. One is 57 miles the other is 36 miles. In my experience, the ultimate bike for rail trail riding is a gravel bike. My gravel has 105 components, 40c tires and it will absolutely fly on these types of trails. Hard tail 29er mountain bike with lockout fork would be the next best bike for rail trails.
05-22-18, 11:31 AM
#31
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Well the Diamondback serene came and the wife hated it (haha go figure), she wants the standard trail riding style after all, just better seat.. so now i'm searching again locally to find one used or new.
Local performance bikes shop says 27.5 and 29 inch wheels becoming more the norm, but based on this thread, unsure, is this really the case.. it was mentioned the larger wheel base could make pulling the instep harder.. despite this i've found a few 26's to consider, in the 18 inch frame that she wants.
Local performance bikes shop says 27.5 and 29 inch wheels becoming more the norm, but based on this thread, unsure, is this really the case.. it was mentioned the larger wheel base could make pulling the instep harder.. despite this i've found a few 26's to consider, in the 18 inch frame that she wants.
05-22-18, 12:11 PM
#32
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Give your 15yr old the Diamondback and let your wife keep her old bike and replace the saddle. However, if she likes red, the rockhopper I posted earlier looks to be still available.
26in wheels are not common on new bikes. Tires can still be found, especially in the preferred types that are used for rails to trails.
26in wheels are not common on new bikes. Tires can still be found, especially in the preferred types that are used for rails to trails.
05-22-18, 02:41 PM
#33
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Give your 15yr old the Diamondback and let your wife keep her old bike and replace the saddle. However, if she likes red, the rockhopper I posted earlier looks to be still available.
26in wheels are not common on new bikes. Tires can still be found, especially in the preferred types that are used for rails to trails.
26in wheels are not common on new bikes. Tires can still be found, especially in the preferred types that are used for rails to trails.
Selling locally so far seems to be an easier route.
I was thinking along those lines though, either letting her stick with the old schwinn with a new seat and giving him another one, or going with a new one for her/he on the old.
There are Schwinn sidewinders with minimal spec equipment (aluminum) sold via walmart i was considering (new) last resort for around $175 if not one of those local used ones, should be good enough for what we do, may not make it 28 years like the oldest but i'm not that concerned.
In terms of used I have found these (the one you mentioned is ok, though not the ideal styling on the handle bars, though yeah i could swap those if need be)
Giant Boulder 18 frame
*GT Hard tail (i think 18 frame, 24 speed) might be the best one althought might only be 16.5, but asking 160 edit: he says its an 18 edit2: probably 130 price not 160
2001 Diamond Response 7005, it might only be a 17" based on their measurement they did (they want $130 which i think is about double the worth)
Trek Mountain Track (they want 130) might be a tad small at 17"
I see for a bit more money Performance Bike has a Fuji for around $320 new with good reviews though its a 27.5 or a 26" GT Palomar for $199 (i think the issue here is this is considered XL, probably too tall).. and amazon Diamondback Recoil 29ers run about $439
I guess given the choice between a Walmart Schwinn for $175 or a performance bike, maybe the new GT is the better bet if not going used.
Last edited by markm75; 05-22-18 at 03:01 PM.
05-22-18, 06:28 PM
#34
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Is it the bar ends you don't like on the rockhopper? Those are removed with a bolt.
The Schwinn Sidewinder is a BSO and should be avoided for the reasons stated previously.
The Giant and GT both come with a suspension fork. These may need some maintenance and could cost a lot. Proceed with caution.
Both the 2001 Diamondback and Mountaintrack 800 are decent. These are in the same class as the rockhopper I posted, but not as high on the model line. The rockhopper is older though.
The Fuji and Palomar are decent, but cheap suspension. The Palomar is hi-ten steel which will make it heavy.
The full suspension recoil is not needed for rails to trails. It will not be good suspension at this price.
Show your wife these options, let her pick. She may like one color over another.
The Schwinn Sidewinder is a BSO and should be avoided for the reasons stated previously.
The Giant and GT both come with a suspension fork. These may need some maintenance and could cost a lot. Proceed with caution.
Both the 2001 Diamondback and Mountaintrack 800 are decent. These are in the same class as the rockhopper I posted, but not as high on the model line. The rockhopper is older though.
The Fuji and Palomar are decent, but cheap suspension. The Palomar is hi-ten steel which will make it heavy.
The full suspension recoil is not needed for rails to trails. It will not be good suspension at this price.
Show your wife these options, let her pick. She may like one color over another.
05-22-18, 07:05 PM
#35
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Is it the bar ends you don't like on the rockhopper? Those are removed with a bolt.
The Schwinn Sidewinder is a BSO and should be avoided for the reasons stated previously.
The Giant and GT both come with a suspension fork. These may need some maintenance and could cost a lot. Proceed with caution.
Both the 2001 Diamondback and Mountaintrack 800 are decent. These are in the same class as the rockhopper I posted, but not as high on the model line. The rockhopper is older though.
The Fuji and Palomar are decent, but cheap suspension. The Palomar is hi-ten steel which will make it heavy.
The full suspension recoil is not needed for rails to trails. It will not be good suspension at this price.
Show your wife these options, let her pick. She may like one color over another.
The Schwinn Sidewinder is a BSO and should be avoided for the reasons stated previously.
The Giant and GT both come with a suspension fork. These may need some maintenance and could cost a lot. Proceed with caution.
Both the 2001 Diamondback and Mountaintrack 800 are decent. These are in the same class as the rockhopper I posted, but not as high on the model line. The rockhopper is older though.
The Fuji and Palomar are decent, but cheap suspension. The Palomar is hi-ten steel which will make it heavy.
The full suspension recoil is not needed for rails to trails. It will not be good suspension at this price.
Show your wife these options, let her pick. She may like one color over another.
Earlier you had the same bike i had on my list this one:
1996 NISHIKI MANITOBA - $130
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/bi...582136034.html
Spoke to the seller, i was concerned of rusing on the back sprocket but its just old oil.. $130 for a 1996, steep or about right in this case? (newer nishiki's worse off than these older though?)
On the previous rockhopper.. i dunno.. it looks like it needs some work (rusty chain etc), i know minor fixes but hoping to just plug and chug if possible.. and she likes the more curved back bars or upward bars, not so much straight and yes i could swap that out easy if so.
The diamond 2001 response did seem like the winner at first.. till they sent me a photo showing the measurement of the frame height which might be closer to 17, despite the back wheel appearing in line with the main frame bar (so i thought 18 at first).. so i sorta dropped it for now. Pic here.. (they are pretty far from us so I was thinking it might be a waste of time)
We were supposed to check out the GT tomorrow, could always go for the 1996 I guess.
In the end, it doesnt need to be fancy just rigid enough and solid, i'm not that picky in reality here. But if shes the long term rider, i'd hope for 5+ years, otherwise ill give it to my 15 year old and be done.
Last edited by markm75; 05-22-18 at 07:08 PM.
05-22-18, 08:26 PM
#36
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I haven't had any experience with old suspension as I avoid it. From what I have read here, the seals go bad and the shock often needs a rebuild, but there are no parts available. I'd factor in the cost of a replacement rigid fork if buying one. Newer rigid bikes are often called hybrids now.
In my market, the Nishiki would be fair market value, I'd be happier around $100 as the components are not high end. Most used bikes I have purchased need some work. Even a year old bike I bought had front dérailleur issues.
What does your wife say about these bikes?
In my market, the Nishiki would be fair market value, I'd be happier around $100 as the components are not high end. Most used bikes I have purchased need some work. Even a year old bike I bought had front dérailleur issues.
What does your wife say about these bikes?
05-22-18, 08:45 PM
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I'm female, about 5'4 and 110 lbs. I have a Trek hybrid that I love for roads. However, when I started taking it on rail trails it was a rough ride. My tires are quite narrow, closer to a road bike tire. With that being said, I have found I absolutely love being in the woods and off roading. I tried many bikes from fat bikes to plus size 27.5's and so on. I fell in love with a Scott hardtail 29er. It's just a preference thing, really in my opinion (after trying so many bikes). I swore I would only stick with Trek, but they couldn't order the bike I was eyeing (the Roscoe 8). It's out of stock. I tried a Cannondale Cujo in plus size tires and then my 29er back to back. Definitely preferred the Scott! My bike has the lockout option on the fork, and hydraulic disc brakes. I really like the stopping power.
Anyhow, just figured I'd share.
Best of luck with your search!
Anyhow, just figured I'd share.
Best of luck with your search!
05-23-18, 08:38 AM
#38
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I haven't had any experience with old suspension as I avoid it. From what I have read here, the seals go bad and the shock often needs a rebuild, but there are no parts available. I'd factor in the cost of a replacement rigid fork if buying one. Newer rigid bikes are often called hybrids now.
In my market, the Nishiki would be fair market value, I'd be happier around $100 as the components are not high end. Most used bikes I have purchased need some work. Even a year old bike I bought had front dérailleur issues.
What does your wife say about these bikes?
In my market, the Nishiki would be fair market value, I'd be happier around $100 as the components are not high end. Most used bikes I have purchased need some work. Even a year old bike I bought had front dérailleur issues.
What does your wife say about these bikes?
I dont think i linked it, but there was this Giant Boulder they have listed at $150.. looks to be solid, but it has shocks as well.. actually the stem might not be that different from the GT though. I like the Giant brands i've seen roll past us, downside to this one is less room for a secondary water bottle. She likes the look the best on this one.
On the suspension, i'm seeing that some of these can be locked to make them rigid.. not sure if any of my current choices have that ability or not.
I'm female, about 5'4 and 110 lbs. I have a Trek hybrid that I love for roads. However, when I started taking it on rail trails it was a rough ride. My tires are quite narrow, closer to a road bike tire. With that being said, I have found I absolutely love being in the woods and off roading. I tried many bikes from fat bikes to plus size 27.5's and so on. I fell in love with a Scott hardtail 29er. It's just a preference thing, really in my opinion (after trying so many bikes). I swore I would only stick with Trek, but they couldn't order the bike I was eyeing (the Roscoe 8). It's out of stock. I tried a Cannondale Cujo in plus size tires and then my 29er back to back. Definitely preferred the Scott! My bike has the lockout option on the fork, and hydraulic disc brakes. I really like the stopping power.
Anyhow, just figured I'd share.
Best of luck with your search!
Anyhow, just figured I'd share.
Best of luck with your search!
Last edited by markm75; 05-23-18 at 09:41 AM.
05-23-18, 10:38 AM
#39
Senior Member
Well she likes the GT I think.. I dont think she likes the angle of the handle bars at least in the picture, more of a "flat stem".. i'd imagine i could change the stem though to the Quill, is that the right name, more vertical.. unsure if stems are generally universal or if you need to find the specific size per model to swap them out, but its hard to say until she sits on it and adjusts it.. worst case i think ill give it to my 15 year old.. he has this type of stem right now.. leave her as is, change the seat (a whole other pain to search for pun intended).
I dont think i linked it, but there was this Giant Boulder they have listed at $150.. looks to be solid, but it has shocks as well.. actually the stem might not be that different from the GT though. I like the Giant brands i've seen roll past us, downside to this one is less room for a secondary water bottle. She likes the look the best on this one.
On the suspension, i'm seeing that some of these can be locked to make them rigid.. not sure if any of my current choices have that ability or not.
I dont think i linked it, but there was this Giant Boulder they have listed at $150.. looks to be solid, but it has shocks as well.. actually the stem might not be that different from the GT though. I like the Giant brands i've seen roll past us, downside to this one is less room for a secondary water bottle. She likes the look the best on this one.
On the suspension, i'm seeing that some of these can be locked to make them rigid.. not sure if any of my current choices have that ability or not.
Lockout forks are fine, but it does add weight, especially if the fork is always locked out. Most people around here prefer 35-50mm width tires and rigid forks for gravel rides.
Last edited by katsup; 05-23-18 at 10:44 AM.
05-23-18, 10:56 AM
#40
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The Giant Boulder is a newer bike (2007 I think) than the GT and from what I can see about the GT (very little), the Giant looks to be a better buy at that price. The GT uses the older quill stem while the giant uses a threadless stem. If your wife likes this one best, make sure you have her ride it before buying something else.
Lockout forks are fine, but it does add weight, especially if the fork is always locked out. Most people around here prefer 35-50mm width tires and rigid forks for gravel rides.
Lockout forks are fine, but it does add weight, especially if the fork is always locked out. Most people around here prefer 35-50mm width tires and rigid forks for gravel rides.
On the stems on each, are they both replaceable do you think.. i think the giant looks more "vertical" which is a bonus.. yeah ill have her/my son take a lap to be sure.
05-23-18, 11:00 AM
#41
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Interesting, yeah i couldnt find much info on the Giant Boulder, other than it might be a Giant Boulder SE and its from around 2009 based on the owners details.. its def 21 speed, the GT is 24.. i know speeds above 8 dont matter much, but when the wife hears "24" it sounds better haha.. more choices i guess.. I dont know that either have a lockout suspension or if either owner knows.. so it boils down to $130 for the GT $150 for the Giant.. The giant forces you into that c clamp for the bike rack.. not a huge deal breaker but kinda a bummer.. she still leaning on the GT at least worst case for my 15 year old..
On the stems on each, are they both replaceable do you think.. i think the giant looks more "vertical" which is a bonus.. yeah ill have her/my son take a lap to be sure.
On the stems on each, are they both replaceable do you think.. i think the giant looks more "vertical" which is a bonus.. yeah ill have her/my son take a lap to be sure.
Both stems are replaceable. The GT probably uses a 1 1/8" quill stem with a 25.4 clamp, but be sure to check before buying a new stem. Most of the time the size is engraved on the bottom of the quill.
05-23-18, 11:27 AM
#42
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Wife and I have trek's hybrids I guess. They are excellent for rails to trails. Put a rack and a trunk on them and you are all set..
05-23-18, 11:48 AM
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Thanks for the info.. Is this trek hybrid a completely rigid frame or one with shocks (i've seen some hybrids that have shocks). Is that Scott 29er completely rigid.. curious.. i have a plan for within 3 years to go to a 27.5 or 29er for both me and my wife (new or used but one of the good brands mentioned here).. this is just a short gap fix to get my 11 almost 12 year old onto a bigger frame ultimately.. so more food for thought. I know many said that going to a bigger wheel shouldnt help things on a trail, but i cant help but wonder why it doesnt, having the extra size wheel, i would have thought meant more forward ahead momentum/power to finish a route on trail quicker, just due to the distance covered in one spin, but maybe not.. thats another topic i guess.
I felt that the 29er bike rolled faster with more momentum then the other bikes. Probably all just preference and opinion. I do go on YouTube and watch the guys who compare the 27.5 with 29ers. Fun videos to watch if you get bored!
05-23-18, 12:00 PM
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29" is a name for taking standard 700c road wheels and adding FATTER tires.
Your wife is relatively tall, so she probably should be fine with either 26" wheels or 700c (28"/29").
Tire choice will depend a bit on the road surface. If paved, then pretty much anything will be fine. If fine gravel (limestone), then you still can use a variety of tires.
Go fatter if you have course gravel.
For ordinary riding as you've described, I'd probably use a hybrid. There are some really high quality newer hybrids that would be worth considering. Carbon fiber? Oops, that may not fit your budget. But, there are some nice budget friendly used hybrids available if you keep your eyes open.
05-23-18, 12:08 PM
#45
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Giant Sedona disc...a really fun bike to ride!
05-23-18, 09:10 PM
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05-23-18, 09:17 PM
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Well.. i ended up buying two bikes tonight.. unfortunately.. first mishap on buying used in general i've ever ran into.. not so happy.
I bought the GT from the guy on letitgo.. first thing i noticed was the rust spots on the frame, rust on some of the rest of the parts on the bike too, chain was rusted, i thought chain no big deal i can just oil it.. handlebar grips were sticky and old, figured no big deal can replace for $7.. decided to take it, he wanted 130 (down from 165).. then he saw the hesitation, so he said 100.. as i figured it would be fine for my 15 year old for 2-3 more years..
Get to the trail thinking we can test it.. the rear tire was completely flat and the right brake basically broke in some way.. A pure used lemon.. so now i either find a way to fix it and sell it or just keep it on hand i figured..
In my angst i decided to go get the Giant Boulder SE 2009 bike.. 150 firm.. it was indeed every penny's worth once we got it, tested it.. solid, not a scratch, not one ounce of rust, perfect condition.. this should have been the only one got tonight.
I know its typically it is what it is with sales like LetitGo, but i messaged the seller and mentioned the tire went flat/brakes broke instantly, unhappy etc, doubt he will say bring it back/refund but i figured it was worth a mention.. part of the risk.
Worst case i might make 3/4 back if i'm lucky, but given the realistic condition even after 2 fixes or more, im not sure we will see.
Needless to say the wife loves the Giant and she has claimed it and it seems i may not even need the cross bar c clamp for the rack for it, it manages to fit on the rack fine, so my son will have the old Schwinn Maximizer from 1990 which is in very good condition 28 years later since i was 16
I bought the GT from the guy on letitgo.. first thing i noticed was the rust spots on the frame, rust on some of the rest of the parts on the bike too, chain was rusted, i thought chain no big deal i can just oil it.. handlebar grips were sticky and old, figured no big deal can replace for $7.. decided to take it, he wanted 130 (down from 165).. then he saw the hesitation, so he said 100.. as i figured it would be fine for my 15 year old for 2-3 more years..
Get to the trail thinking we can test it.. the rear tire was completely flat and the right brake basically broke in some way.. A pure used lemon.. so now i either find a way to fix it and sell it or just keep it on hand i figured..
In my angst i decided to go get the Giant Boulder SE 2009 bike.. 150 firm.. it was indeed every penny's worth once we got it, tested it.. solid, not a scratch, not one ounce of rust, perfect condition.. this should have been the only one got tonight.
I know its typically it is what it is with sales like LetitGo, but i messaged the seller and mentioned the tire went flat/brakes broke instantly, unhappy etc, doubt he will say bring it back/refund but i figured it was worth a mention.. part of the risk.
Worst case i might make 3/4 back if i'm lucky, but given the realistic condition even after 2 fixes or more, im not sure we will see.
Needless to say the wife loves the Giant and she has claimed it and it seems i may not even need the cross bar c clamp for the rack for it, it manages to fit on the rack fine, so my son will have the old Schwinn Maximizer from 1990 which is in very good condition 28 years later since i was 16
05-23-18, 10:39 PM
#48
Senior Member
Congrats on the Giant, too bad on the GT. Personally I'd patch the tube in the GT and learn how to fix the brakes. Steal the rack for the Giant and try to sell it to get your $100 back. If anything, it will teach you bike mechanics in case something goes wrong one of the your other bikes.
Don't you also have a Diamondback Serene to deal with?
Don't you also have a Diamondback Serene to deal with?
05-24-18, 02:55 AM
#49
Senior Member
Last edited by Patriot1; 05-24-18 at 02:59 AM.
05-24-18, 06:12 AM
#50
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Do you all ride on trails or pavement.. handles well i take it.. had you gone from a smaller diameter say 26 before getting the 28, did it seem a lot (better) or different.. I think something like this for myself on 28's being 6'6 might be a better fit for me down the road. What sort of cell phone holder is that for your phone.. its different than the one i have, the standard type with rubber grips that go around the phone, curious.