I'm new to mtb's and recently picked up a 1995 Trek 7000 SHX to ride around the neighborhood, bike paths and eventually some light dirt trails. Nothing extreme, just having some fun and getting in shape. I've already had the LBS tune up the Trek and it rides great. The bike itself is in great shape and has all the original components, besides the seat and tires. It's a 19.5" frame and I'm 5'10", but I'm pretty comfortable on it. The only thing I was thinking of changing is the stem, to a shorter length.

Now, I still have a "Want To Buy" ad on CL, in the case that a higher quality bike and/or possibly a smaller frame size comes along. In that case, I would sell the Trek and put the money into the 'new' bike. I've actually been getting quite a few replies, but nothing better than what I already have, until today (I think).

Today I got a reply for a 1998 Gary Fisher Mt. Tam 19". The seller said it rides great, been kept in garage it's whole life and gives it a 7+ on a scale of 1-10. From the picture he sent, it looks like the stem has been possibly swapped for a higher angle, but I think the rest is original. Can't tell if the chain is rusty or just dirty. He's offering it to me for $200, which is the max I'm willing to spend. I'll attach the photo below.

So now, I'm considering going to check it out and possibly buying it as an upgrade to my Trek. Would this be a smart move? I'm pretty sure I could sell my Trek and pay for the Gary Fisher without coming out of pocket. Would it be a "no brainer" in that situation?

The Trek was $1000 in '95 and the GF was $1800 in '98...roughly $1575 and $2650 today, calculating for inflation. Is it really THAT much better of a bike?

Sorry for the long post, but thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Post a picture of your current bike.

With bikes that old, the main thing is the condition. Components in good condition will be better than better components in bad condition. Given that your current bike has already been tuned up, I'd be surprised if the GF was actually better. You can pretty much assume the fork is totally shot, and you'd probably be better off with a rigid fork.

The GF might be a pound or two lighter, but without seeing both bikes in detail, it really hard to how the GF would be better.

Ok, thanks for the reply. I'll take some detailed shots of the Trek tomorrow afternoon. It's in really good condition, even the owner of the LBS mentioned that when I brought it in.

They had a few levels of tune-ups available and the owner/mechanic recommended the lowest tier, which was basically adjustment of brakes & gears and lube the chain. It needed new brake pads as well. The next tier up was double the price and would have included an off-bike wheel true, light drivetrain clean and check & adjust all bearings. This shop was recommended by another shop as well, saying they have the best MTB mechanic in town. Either way, it rides nice.

I forgot to mention that the Quadra 21 front shocks still work on the Trek, which are just elastomer. Any specific reason to assume that the GF's shocks would be shot?

Here's some pics of my current bike...

Anyone have an opinion on the two bikes? With an $1100 valuation difference in today's money, there has to be some differences.

I can't post links yet as I'm a new member, but the info is on bikepedia, which shows their components and specs.

The mt tam components are better than stx. With that said, 2 decade old components come down to current condition. Stx is still plenty good quality to consider keeping the trek.
Whichever fits best and has the best condition components is what I would go for.

Thanks, I'm gonna try and go check out the Mt. Tam this next week and see if it's as nice as the owner says. If it comes down to color, I do like the orange a bit better.

The standover on the Trek is 30.9" and the GF is 30.2" But, the effective top tube on the Trek is 23.4" whereas the GF is 24.7". Would those measurements, along with the GF's frame size being a 1/2" smaller, make a noticeable difference?

All the measurements could affect comfort, or it might not. Really cant know withouy trying the bike.
A stem swap can also offset a longer or shorter top tube.
The fork, along with other components, would be a big question for me since its a 20yo shock...is it in good condition.