hello reader,

I am Indian but born and brought up in Jeddah,KSA. I love cycling and recently had an idea to take it to the extreme level. I want you guys to help me find a cheap and best MTB, a go anywhere / do antyhing sort of bike. I have been looking around but nothing have impressed me as yet. Found someone who bargained at $1100 for a Trek fuel ex 9 bike.
jus wanted to know if its worth.
some info of the bike:

Frame & Fork
Frame Construction TIG-welded
Frame Tubing Material Alpha Red Aluminum
Fork Brand & Model Fox 32 F-series Fit RLC, 120mm travel
Fork Material Alloy, single crown crown
Rear Shock Fox Float RP23, 120mm travel

Components
Component Group Mountain Mix
Brakeset Avid Elixer R Disc brakes, Avid Elixer R Hydraulic levers
Shift Levers SRAM X.9 Trigger
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore XT
Rear Derailleur SRAM X.0
Crankset Shimano Deore XT, 44/32/22 teeth
Pedals Not applicable
Bottom Bracket Unspecified
BB Shell Width Unspecified
Rear Cogs 9-speed, 11 - 32 teeth
Chain Unspecified
Seatpost Bontrager Race Lite, 31.6mm diameter
Saddle Bontrager Race Lite
Handlebar Bontrager Race Lite
Handlebar Extensions Not included
Handlebar Stem Bontrager Race Lite
Headset 1 1/8" - 1 1/2" FSA No. 57E

Wheels
Hubs Bontrager Rhythm Elite Disc
Rims Bontrager Rhythm Elite Disc, tubeless ready
Tires 26 x 2.20" Bontrager XDX

am confused ,please give me some reviews and suggestions and if u feel it isnt worth kindly suggest me something else.

Also I would like to know if there's someother MTB enthusiast around living in jeddah.
We could get together and nojy group rides aroud the city and also some extreme kinda sport if one knows the places.

waiting for your reply.

Thanks for reading.

How old is this Trek Fuel X9?

- Slim

2010, doest it make any difference?

Thats a fantastic deal! The 2012 Ex9's are running over $3,000 with only small differences. I have a 2011 Ex8, the suspension is super plush and and it holds corners really well.

Keep in mind if you're just starting out, it won't really matter what bike you have because you won't be able to 'go anywhere, do anything'.

Well you see, T1311508...

I have this philosophy, that if it's an aluminum frame, someone could have ridden the heck out of it, bringing it closer to its fatigue life's end. Aluminum has a short fatigue life when compared to other materials. When it comes to steel, for example, you can use a steel-framed bicycle for decades, and as long as you keep the frame dry, it will continue to render you service indefinitely. The only enemy steel has is corrosion. That's not the case with aluminum. With aluminum, everytime you ride it or use it, it gets just a little bit closer to its end date. So, yes! To that extent, it does make a difference!

That's why I would always be slightly skeptical about purchasing aluminum as a used bicycle. However, OTOH, plenty of people have purchased used aluminum bicycles and have had excellent results. I was just personally curious, is all...

- Slim

PS.

BTW- If that bike's frame is in good condition, the bike has not been abused in any manner, and has been ridden in a normal fashion, that's an excellent deal, and I would personally jump on it!

I have a 1998 Aluminum frame that I beat the shizzle out of. It's still going.

+1 ed

The whole fatigue life thing is grossly overstated, generally by retro grouches.

I dunno what MTBs usually go for in Jeddah, but that would be a pretty sweet deal around here!


As to King Carbon's tangent:

I'm not scared of my 1999 aluminum Trek.

I might be kinda scared of some 1988 glued aluminum Trek action, but that's a whole different story.

I think you found a very smart deal, the bike should be a fantastic "DO ALLER" If you don't want it Craigcraigcraig should take a bus to your neighborhood and pick it up.

THANKS ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY COMMENTS AND HELP.
You know the thing which is scaring me is that I am in touch with the salesman only thru email, and that too with hotmail domain; I fear being cheated..... see a $3500 bike in $1200.... And even after repeatedly asking for the original pic of the bike he keeps on sending me the pic which is ON THE TREK WEBSITE...
Just want to save myself from scams....
I asked the company's name and address, this what i got from him, can anyone of you plz do me a favour of checking out if it really exist.

COMPANY NAME : BIKE AYR LTD
REGISTERED NO: SC349414
ADDRESS: 7 ROYAL CRESCENT
ZIP CODE: G3 7SL
CITY: GLASGOW
STATE: GLASGOW
COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM


Thanks for reading and bearing with me
will be waiting for your wonderful replies...

Sounds kinda like a scam...google turns nothing up on that company

If it's a legitimate deal they will send pictures. Trust your gut.