Hi all,

Complete novice to the mtb scene and I'm trying to decide if I want to dive further in to the sport. For now, I'd like a bike to just get me in to the sport (perhaps ride with friends who just ride down trails as a casual hobby), nothing too serious, but nothing complete trash. I don't want to spend much money. Between these 2 bikes, which is the better buy? There are not many specifics. I don't know what year the Trek is. It's reported in "decent" condition. The Huffy is reported to be used, but looks like new and rides well. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I'm also looking at a SPALDING DYNASPORT for $60. Reported excellent condition, but based on the pictures, it looks fairly used.

The Trek 850 was far and away the best of the bikes you've listed, but they're all ~20 years old and likely to be crusty. Are you looking for a project or something to ride away today?

I have a 96 Trek 850 that is quite good actually. All stock except that I've put road tires on it and SPD-SL pedals. I just gave it a once-over a few months ago, disassembled, cleaned and re-greased the hubs, new brake pads, new chain and a complete cleaning of the drive train and the bike rides very nicely, shifts well, runs quiet. Only problems I've had - one broken spoke and the bottom bracket started loosening up in the frame. Pulled it out, cleaned all the threads and reinstalled it, working as good as new.

I woul cross any department store bikes off my list and focus on bikes like the trek you mentioned and other name brand bike shop bikes.

as well, having a ballpark idea of what size you need is a huge help when evaluating a used bike.

for 50 bucks, i would expect the Trek to need a few things, but when sorted out, would still be a capable trail bike for years. A good size rock or root can take a Huffy out of service and owner's quickly find out they arent worth the cost to repair them

This is a no brainer decision; buy the Trek and fix it up.

I rode a cheap Huffy for twenty years before I bought a higher end bike. I never had a serious issue or one that couldn't be fixed for a reasonable price, and $100 is a fair price. But they are cheap bikes, heavy, don't always work smoothly and if something serious does go wrong, as was said before, not worth repairing.

I would go for the Trek.