Been road cycling for a few years and I'm looking to pick up my first mountain bike. When riding with friends I've ridden a Specialized Camber 29er and a Bikes Direct Haymaker 1500.

I am 5'11", 165 pounds, about a 32" inseam
I have found four bikes I like and that fit my budget. Help me pick one!

1. Brand new 2012 Giant Talon 29er one. Hardtail, new, size Large-- $650
2. Used 2008 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR. FS, 26" wheels, size Medium-- $600
3. Used Radon QLT 7.0. German bike, FS, 26" wheels, size 18"-- $650
4. Used Scott Spark Comp 29er. FS, size medium -- $650

Nice bike, new, possibly too big for you if you are 5"11"? have you tried it for size?

Very old bike, no warranty, would need to budget for fork, rear shock and bearing replacement at minimum, in addition to purchase price, probably a lot more.

No info on age, same with Specalized for service

No info on age, same with Specalized for service

From riding a Camber to any of these will feel like a downgrade, you need to look at fit as a key factor, but all the 2nd hand bikes you have linked to are full suspension, and could have major expense in bearing and shock service needed in addition to the purchase price, and you need to budget for that.

From the list The Giant Talon would be best, as you will have no service / warranty issue, if it fits you, although you haven't given much info about the age of the last 2, or the general spec of any of them, as this could change things,

buy new. not saving cash by buying used so why pay for someone elses headaches?

Just because someone is selling a bike, doesn't inherently mean that there is something wrong with it. Give me a full suspension over a hardtail any time -- especially when the bikes are at the same price point.

That said, obviously a FS bike requires more maintenance and maybe is not ideal for someone that is just getting into the sport.

The Specialized might not be(I don't think it is) a Stumpjumper. The 08 Stumpys came with Fox forks/shocks. Also, the "XC" on the toptube would suggest the FSR XC model -- the 2009 model came with a RS Tora fork and X-fusion rear shock.

The Scott is a 2012 model, so that would be at the top of my list. You shouldn't have to worry about suspension service right away with that one, but keep in mind, forks/shocks do require somewhat frequent maintenance if you want to prolong the parts life. I typically service my shocks once a year(or 1-1/2) and service my forks 2x a year.

I don't know much about Radon, but it does look to have the best component spec of the options.

Remember, if it's not a good fit, then it doesn't matter how good the deal is.

And, you might not necessarily need bearing replacement on the Specialized. If you do like that bike, pull the rear shock and cycle the rear triangle. If it moves smoothly, no worries. Also check for side to side play between the front/rear triangle -- slop in the rear end could mean bearing replacement. The Tora fork is easy to service, if you're feeling a little adventurous.

Sorry, for any lacking info. I posted that from my phone.

1. No, I have not sat on this bike for fit. I was concerned about the sizing too.

2. The specialized says "only ridden twice" according to the seller, it is a brand new bike, his buddy bought it and rode it once, then sold it to him and he road it once. garage kept otherwise. (he says)

3. I like this bike, and the specs look nice, of course the seller says it is in perfect condition. I had a hard time finding info on it. I guess because it is a German bike.

4. This Scott was my favorite choice too. It was pawned at a nearby pawn shop over a year ago. The guy paid on it for a year, then disappeared so they have moved it into inventory. Being that it is a 2012 and has been in storage at the pawn shop for a year, im GUESSING this is probably a pretty new bike.

As long as you've got your hands on the bike, take it for a little test ride around the block/over some curbs, and it looks practically new, I wouldn't worry too much about "hidden maintenance" problems. Those are some nice bikes you're looking at.

3 speed were you referring to any of those bikes in particular? Or just speaking in general?

Not sure why everyone has issues with maintenance problems. Learn to do the work your self. Part of the find is turning wrenches. Same for motorcycles or trucks or hot rods. You can save a ton of money as we'll.

It's not the maintenance that is an issue, rather, buying a bike which will/could need a lot of it, when you could get similar for the same money that will need none. Full suspension, if ridden will need maintenance, the more linkages, the more needed, if buying used, you don't know how much / well it has been maintained before, it may become a money pit, at the same time, it may not.

I would not be afraid of a used bike. There really isn't much too them - as long as the fork and shock hold air and aren't leaking oil, there isn't much to be afraid of. Pivot bearings are cheap and easy to replace.

If you know what you are looking at, buying a used bike can be a great value way of getting one, but you have no warranty, and you have to know what you are buying, with eyes open.

If you live in an area which has a winter, you will go through cassettes, chainring, BB's, chains regular, i.e. every 6 months or so, even summer riding will wear parts, every other year, you can add shifters, wheels wear out / get damaged, brakes need bleeding & pad and gear cable need replacing, and frames break.

For Forks & shocks, these need regular cleaning / service, stanchion / shaft wear can kill them, bearing can be replaced, with stainless steel ones for longevity, but this all comes at a cost.

I was speaking in general. I know a good bit about bikes, but I haven't ridden any of the ones you're looking at so I wouldn't be able to advise you there.

I just looked into them a bit and the two that I would look at are the Radon or the Scott. Upon looking into those two bikes more, I personally would go with the Radon if it were in great mechanical condition. I'd prefer the 26" wheels and I'd feel like the Radon would be a little tougher and perform better than the Scott. Radon is full XT with a nicer fork than the Scott, right? The Scott is rockin a lesser fork, still decent but slightly inferior derailers, a "blah" octalink crankset, Alivio shifters, are those generic Shimano brakes?, etc. It's just generally a step or more below everything on the Radon. If the Radon isn't in great condition, though, that could change things.

EDIT: Nevermind, I just found the bike you're looking at. It's not full XT, but I think I'd still pick the Radon if it were me. See which one fits best and think about what wheel-size you want and the type of riding you want to do. Oh, and I'd offer $500 just to see what the seller comes back with.

To me the big decision is whether or not you want 29" tires. If it makes no difference, and if that Specialized is truly a Stumpjumper, not an XC, then I have to point out that the bike WAY underpriced. Dual sis Stumpys regularly sell for over 1K and in the only ridden twice condition stated, if true, it's worth around twice what it's listed for. If it's just the FSR XC model, the $600 price tag is still a good price, but not a great price.
Actually, if it's not a Stumpjumper, I'd pass and opt for the Giant Talon 29er. You can check out the Scott, but my experiences with pawn shops is that they are not clued in depreciation and usually want more than the bike is worth, but you're in a different location and that may not be true where you are.

I ended up going with the Scott. Picked it up for $650. It's a 2012. Took it by my LBS and had them check it out. Needed about $30 in tuning/adjustments and its ready to rock and roll! Too bad it's been a cold monsoon here all weekend!

Nice! That was one you couldn't have gone wrong with. You're gonna be like a kid on Christmas when you finally get it out on the trails. Have fun!

Good pick!

Thanks! I hope to ride tomorrow!

before scrolling down i was going to suggest the scott. That's a really good price for a 1-2 year old spark

Thx!

I'm still riding my 08 Spark 20! It rocks. Rear lockout shock has been the only problem. Congrats on joining the Scott family.