Is this a good bike for a beginner?
 

I'm barely getting started biking and I love it. the bike I'm using now is a $180 supermarket bike which I desperately want to upgrade.

I don't want to spend a fortune, I was wondering if this used bike would be good for a beginner like me. Thanks

Frame: Easton ProGram3 Elan 7005 Aluminium (3 main tubes)
Forks: Rock Shox Quadra 21R
Shifter: SRAM Grip Shift 8 Speed Shifter SRT600 Shimano
Brakes: Shimano Stx RC w/ Avid 2.0 brake levers
Cranks: Sugino Css III gears
Rear cassette: 8 speed (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 21)
Derailleurs: Shimano DEORE LX
Saddle: Selle San Marco "Tecno Dynamica" M-215 Saddle Scocca Dynamica anti-vibration system
Crank arm: White Industries

That will be a good bike to get yourself into the sport.

Oldie but a goodie.

if it fits you, then yes, it's a great bike for a beginner.

130 ok?
 

sweet I'm buying it tomorrow. $130 is a good price right. since I dont know much i dont want to get stiffed

I probably wouldn't pay that for it.
Given the build with the Q21r and STXrc, I'd put it at approx 14 years old. Drive train could, but may not be shot. If it's in fantastic shape, I'd hover around the $100 arena. If the chain is stretched, cables shot, gears wallered out, and bearings in need of service...I'd go sub-$100.


It's definitely going to be better than any dept. store ride you're going to find, but I'd be careful.

thanks brother, I'm gonna go test it right now and do some serious negotiation :)

Chain checker is very cheap. Grab one and take a good look at the chainrings / cogs. Hold the frame firmly and wiggle the wheels laterally to check for loose bearings. Check the headset and crankset for similar "looseness". Make sure the wheels are straight and true. Check the spokes for similar tension. Grab the front brake and rock the bike fore and aft to check for loose fork bushings. Run through the gears and make sure it shifts well. Check the brake pads.

All of these little things if worn could add up to a deal killer.

oh man! horrible shape, just a waste of my time. the guy didnt even bother to tight up the tire nuts... lots of rust, needed new tires....

i offered 60 but he didnt go for it. oh well the search continues. Thanks for your help guys!

what about this baby for $190

This Mongoose 26" XR250 men's dual-suspension mountain bike is ready to take on the trails. The XR250 bike features a dual suspension ALUMINUM frame, ZOOM front suspension fork & A 270 REAR SHOX. Shimano Tounery rear derailleur, Shimano V-Brake rapid fire shift levers, Promax front DISC brake, and a rear alloy linear-pull brake. Aero Swift black anadized ALLOY WHEELS with paired spokes. Alloy 3 piece crank.
THIS BIKE SURE LOOKS GOOD IS SUPER CLEAN AND WELL TAKEN CARE OF AND IS LIKE NEW. NEW SADDLE, NEW PEDALS, NEW BRAKES AND THE BIG FAT 26 X 2.35 TIRES ARE ALMOST NEW.

That model Mongoose is a toy and not a real mountain bike. Keep looking!