autodidact

Hi guys, I've been into biking as a hobby for about a year now. I was mostly riding road bikes but I recently sold off my road bike to get money for other matters. I've recently moved to a new place and there is a lot more potential for trail riding and off-road rides so I've opted to check out used mountain bikes on Craigslist. I'm not planning on doing any extreme trails just yet but there are a few rail trails and single tracks around here that I've found and it'll likely get used for commuting as well.

I've found 2 that are in my price range but knowing very little about mountain bikes I was wondering if you more knowledgeable members could help me out.

My two choices are:

2003 Diamondback Topanga...
2003 Diamondback Topanga - BikePedia

and

2004 Trek 4100
2004 Trek 4100 - BikePedia



It seems the DB has better components but the frame is a bit large (my recommended frame is 17" the DB is 18") and is only about $25 more than the Trek which has okay components too but is on the opposite side of the frame spectrum at 16". The guy at my LBS said that in regards to mountain bikes it's better to have a frame thats a little too big rather than too small, is that true?


What do you guys think? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as I'm trying to make a decision by Sunday. Thanks in advance!

jimc101

Fit is key, but if you can fit a 17" frame, 1 inch either way is workable, alot of brands either have(in the 26" world) 17" or 18", not both, and either would class as a medium.

For the 2 bikes, the DiamondBack is a much better spec, but your looking at 10 year old bikes, if ridden hard off road (given their were lowish end, would be surprised if they were), and not maintained, either could be in very poor condition, so make sure you inspect them well before making a choice.

Canker

The other guy pretty well covered it but I'll add don't pay much for either. The DB is a mtn bike through and through while the trek leans a bit hybridish.

Johnny Mullet

I would go with the Diamondback, but depends on condition.

eicca

Treks are better quality, in my experience. Can't go wrong.

roccobike

The advice given by the sales guy at your LBS is incorrect. It's actually the opposite. On a MTB, its better to be one size too small than one size too big. Don't know why an LBS guy didn't know that unless they are selling the DB. But for these two bikes, if you're in the middle, either one will work.