I have a line on a Trek Marlin 2012 to buy. Needs new wheels, cassette, chain & shock. They are all a bit Rusty. Already has upgraded Avid 7 brakes. Good deal at $300? What shock would you recommend? I am a heavier rider at 250lb and 6'2" (long body/short legs). Mostly, city (lots of Potholes & curb jumping), cross country and some single track, but no aggressive downhill stuff. Obviously, want something good, but not super expensive. Also, a good STURDY but not too heavy wheel suggestion would be helpful. Note: plan on doing most of the upgrade work myself.

2013 Trek Marlin - New and Used Bike Value

I wish I knew about this site before I started buying used bikes!

I did not see a 2012 listed on the site... but according to the 2013 model I think you might be overpaying considering all the work that you need to put in...

2012 Trek Marlin (Gary Fisher Collection) - New and Used Bike Value

Thanks cobba! Yeah $300 is way too much then if you have to replace new wheels, cassette, chain, and shocks (I assume you mean fork).

Went ahead and bought it for $265. Bikepedia showed it in "fair condition" for about $198 to $205. Avid 7 brakes new go for about $125 (lowest price I saw) so I figured half of the price for depreciation and wear and I get $265. Actually the cassette derailleurs and the rings look OK. And the Avid 7 breaks seem to work well too. And he upgraded to fitbike00 platform pedals which seemed pretty nice. When I looked at MTB forum for reviews, I find that people love the frame, & think the biggest weaknesses and targets for upgrades are pedals, brakes, wheels and front fork. So it looks like it is wheels, chain and a replacement fork and all of the major weaknesses of this bike are taken care of. So now the question is, what do I get? Wheels - Don't really want to spend over $300, but they need to be sturdy. Fork - Also needs to be sturdy as I am a BIG guy at $233 lbs and 6'2". I need a good lockout as I frequently am riding on city streets where having the fork locked out is a big plus. Suggestions?

Hey natch, I would not replace anything until something breaks. I am a big dude too (6-2/278 lbs.) and I found that some components on bikes are better at hold our larger sized frames than you think. I am riding stock wheels on a 2008 Mongoose (26") and they hold up at Wissahickon Park in Philly just fine.

For the time being, take it to a LBS and have them give it good cleaning and tune up and then hit the Trails!