Turtle68

I have the budget of a starving artist. I am looking on the used market here in the Charlotte area. Most bikes on Craig's List are the crappy department store bikes, but there are always a few old-school rigids. I'd prefer to have at least a shock fork.

Some questions:

• On some thread somewhere somebody said "don't buy a bike named after a car or animal." What years did Mongoose make decent bikes?
• Did Schwinn ever make quality mountain bikes?
• I currently have an early 2000s GT Agressor converted to commuter use with skinny wheels, tires, and rack. Is it economically viable to convert it back to trail use? i.e. wheels, tires, and fork?

roccobike

Q1. According to Wikipedia, Mongoose was bought out in 2001. I thought it happened earlier than that.
Q2. Yes, Schwinn made some good MTBs until they went belly up around 1994. After that it's a mixed bag. Schwinn was still marketing some decent MTBs through Performance (and might still be). The problem is, do you know which models were LBS quality and which were not? IMHO, it's too risky.
Q3. Changing the tires and wheels, if you buy used, should not be a big deal. Changing the fork IS a big deal.
When shopping on CL, be sure to check out the fork thoroughly, the weak link and most expensive part to replace in a used bike is the fork.

fishergreen

It is probably not economical considering the price of decent forks, even if they are used. Cheap suspension forks will not likely give you any advantage over your rigid fork.

NormanF

Your best is eBay - dealer quality vintage steel bikes can be had for a starving artist budget. Get a rigid MTB. You can always upgrade to a shock fork later. Look for a double butted cromoly frame - late mid 80s to mid 90s steel bikes are a good value. Trek, Gary Fisher, Schwinn and Diamondback made some good MTBs. Keep your current bike as a commuter and buy a new one for hitting the trails and just all around town fun.

Good luck.

Turtle68

Found this Specialized on Craig's List. Trying to contact the seller, but no response yet.

SPECIALIZED expedition mtb

SCPaul

I live in Fort Mill. You could try calling Dick's Bicycle Repair in Pineville. He sometimes has mountain bikes on consignment or for sale.

I bought an old Raleigh (rigid 26") from him to ride the bike path and try trail riding. Now I ride at Riverwalk quite a bit. I bought a new bike but still ride both there.

Turtle68

I went down to Dick's Bicycle Repair Shop. He didn't have anything used in stock that I was interested in. I also went to DSG, they had the usual entry level Diamondbacks ($300 - $500). Since I am wanting something dirt-cheap, that really isn't an option. If I can't find anything interesting and cheap, I'll up my budget. Tomorrow I am going to go look at an old Schwinn Mesa GSX. A avid cyclist is selling a few bikes and he says he doesn't buy "cheap bikes". Fingers crossed. I think this Schwinn was made before the Pacific buyout.

NormanF

You don't say what your height is. The Schwinn Mesa GSX is made with 7005 alloy tubing. Its a good beginner bike. But you can do far better on eBay with your budget.

Turtle68

Whoops. Sorry I am 6' 0". 34" inseam

NormanF

Then you'll need a 19" or 20" bike.

Turtle68

I saw some interesting bikes on eBay last night. Many say "local pickup only" or shipping costs simply kill the deal.