I've been educating myself on mtbs and scouring CL/FB/OfferUp for a good deal. Looking for a hardtail and trying to keep it under $300 and get a decent bike for my money - definitely a challenge - something that will last and that I can advance with.

The problem is I'm likely going to have to drive out of state to pick it up as there's not much for that price here (Las Vegas) and I'd like to make the 'right' decision or at least a well-informed one.

So far I've narrowed it down to the following, all seem to be well looked after:
Local:
Early 90s Trek 8000 (Answer Manitou Bulge FS shocks) - $320
2012 Cannondale Trail 6 26er (upgraded hydraulic brakes and Ti front skewer) - $300 - this seems to be priced a little high, but it's the only newer bike I've find in my price range.
'99 Specialized Hardrock FS - $50

Out of town:
'93 Trek 8000 (2 hr round trip - $100!!!
'95 GT Zaskar LE (3 hr round trip) - $225

I'm still looking, and it would be nice to have a newer 27.5 or 29er but in my price range I'd rather have a solid 20 year old bike with great components.

Thanks in advance and let me know if I should be looking out for anything else!

Just be aware that on some of those bikes you listed, you'll be getting a 15- to 20-year-old suspension fork. Those things don't often age well, and the availability of parts is sparse at best.

The Cannondale is probably your best bet, but that one is overpriced, IMO, and titanium skewers aren't much of an upgrade. Get it down to $250 - that bike was only $499 new.

If I were you, I'd be patient and see what else pops up as Xmas approaches. People will be selling their bikes to pay for their new 50" flatscreens.

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely keep looking.

If you are willing to travel out of state, check out KSL Classifieds in Salt Lake

my Wife is shopping for a car. I suggested to her to decide what she wants, then go shopping for the specific unit, dealer & deal. meaning is there any way you can decide now between 26, 27.5 & 29, THEN shop? can't help but think that will make your project more efficient

I wouldn't buy any of those due to geometry, tires and poor suspension. You want to get into something newer with 29" tires.

If i had to choose any of those Id pick the 99 specialized or try talking down the cannondale down to 150. of course it comes down to being able to ride the trails you wish to ride. if you plan on riding double black diamonds those wont cut it. if you are going to ride some green trails and get started build up some stamina and fitness those two will do ok. I started on a fuji full rigid steel bike and not having some amount of shock absorption on the fork got old. I now have a 29er with a basic coil fork I can get around on my local trails just fine and I am building up some fitness. the bigger question is where do you plan on riding?

Thanks, that's way better then CL.

I get exactly what you're talking about - unfortunately I have no idea. My best guess would be 27.5 or 29 but because of budget I'd rather have a solid 26er over a **** box just to have 29's, you know?

I do want that, do you want to buy it for me?

I think I am going to go with the '99 Specialized - just to hold me over and save up for something better. Then I can figure out the type of riding I lean towards and can do in my area and get something newer and nicer. Maybe I'll get lucky and prj71 will buy me something newer with 29" tires.

I'll be keeping an eye out for bikes like the Cujo, Mason, Sync'r et al on Pinkbike. They seem to be in the range of decent bikes I could afford used in the future. Also saw that Frame ends up selling a lot of their bikes 50%+ off.

Thanks again

50 bucks, can't go wrong, so long as you check it out thoroughly before buying. I got several years out of a used $50 bike on CL

FWIW, I had a similar budget and dilemma. I found a fairly late model 29er that had a taco'd front wheel and an expensive drivetrain upgrade. I was able to buy the bike cheaply, without the expensive derailleurs/shifters (owner took the off and sold separately), then found cheaper used versions on CL and got a bike up and running on budget.

Yep, and then I'll have a back up beater and something for a friend to jump on.

Nice - that's always an option and can always add upgraded parts while doing that.

but if you want a bigger wheel & a front suspension fork

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/...765108320.html

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/...740145184.html

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/...749909453.html

https://lasvegas.craigslist.org/bik/...736915323.html

I personally don't see the point of going for too old a bike especially a mountain bike which may be suffering from higher amounts of fatigue in its aluminium frame and could be close to failure. $300 sure should be enough to get a $500 decent entry level mountain bike that is a couple of years old unless prices in the US have very low depreciation compared to other countries. Early 90s mountain bikes was close to the beginning of the sport and while interesting for their history are often not good mountain bikes today.

Save your pennies and buy something that is more than $300

You can't say "$300" and "decent" in the same sentence. It just doesn't work that way for a quality bike.

Thanks man!

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to bump my budget up a bit but get the $50 bike while I save up (that's the plan so far anyway).

It's not a bad idea to start with a cheap bike just to test the water as you'll get an understanding of what you like and dislike to make a more informed choice for your next bike. I've spent relatively high money (for me) and not been that impressed with the bike when I owned it and spent very little on another and loved the bike. Many cyclists buy by brand and so a good brand goes for good money but I tend to buy bikes by components and so don't mind an unknown brand if its got the right parts.