Advice - Buying a used Mountain Bike
Discussion
Hi. I'm contemplating buying a used mountain bike on the basis that I should get a better bike than buying new providing i buy wisely, ( seemingly pick up a little used bike for half the new cost )? i'd be grateful of any advice on the sort of make/models to look out for and any key features that are a must. Below are my criteria,
- Don't want to spend more than £250, ( eBay throws up plenty that are 2011 onwards that were £500 + new )
- Looking for something reasonably recent and in good condition
- Will just be used to get fit in local forests etc ( nothing too hardcore! )
- I'm 6ft tall - what frame size?
- Does wheel size vary - anything preferences?
- I presume hard tail but what front shocks are desireable on used bikes of this value?
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ed
- Don't want to spend more than £250, ( eBay throws up plenty that are 2011 onwards that were £500 + new )
- Looking for something reasonably recent and in good condition
- Will just be used to get fit in local forests etc ( nothing too hardcore! )
- I'm 6ft tall - what frame size?
- Does wheel size vary - anything preferences?
- I presume hard tail but what front shocks are desireable on used bikes of this value?
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Ed
I'd avoid ebay personally, put a wanted ad on singletrackworld, it has loads of north east users and you are bound to get something good, most of them are reputable sellers and scammers get outed very quickly so you shouldnt have any issues. You get more for your money and its quite likely that the bike will have been maintained well because the majority are enthusiasts.
Ebay can be fine, just read between the lines. I've ended up buying 2 mtbs on there recently.
First was a nearly 20 year old steel Saracen, next was a much more modern alloy Trek 8000 - both in really nice condition with mostly XT and less than £150 each. Tbh I prefer the old Saracen, it just feels weightier and nicer somehow (although the forks are pathetic).
Personally I wouldn't buy an alloy bike without seeing it, best to check the frame over for cracks (although it would be unlucky).
I'm the same height - I find 19" perfect.
First was a nearly 20 year old steel Saracen, next was a much more modern alloy Trek 8000 - both in really nice condition with mostly XT and less than £150 each. Tbh I prefer the old Saracen, it just feels weightier and nicer somehow (although the forks are pathetic).
Personally I wouldn't buy an alloy bike without seeing it, best to check the frame over for cracks (although it would be unlucky).
I'm the same height - I find 19" perfect.
Good advice above. Here is an attempt to answer the 3 questions you had:
- Frame size - This is a difficult one, as ideally you need to sit on (even better ride) the bike before you buy it. I guess as a starter a Large will be suitable. Why not see if you can sit on an equivalent (ie same brand/model) in a shop before you bid?
- Mountain bikes have generally been 26" wheels until the last few years when 29" wheels were introduced. I dont think many 29" ones will be available at you price range yet so I'd go for 26".
- I'd personally try to get air forks (as opposed to coil). Rockshox Tora should be fairly common at that price range. Air forks are more adjustable than coil.
- Frame size - This is a difficult one, as ideally you need to sit on (even better ride) the bike before you buy it. I guess as a starter a Large will be suitable. Why not see if you can sit on an equivalent (ie same brand/model) in a shop before you bid?
- Mountain bikes have generally been 26" wheels until the last few years when 29" wheels were introduced. I dont think many 29" ones will be available at you price range yet so I'd go for 26".
- I'd personally try to get air forks (as opposed to coil). Rockshox Tora should be fairly common at that price range. Air forks are more adjustable than coil.
There are plenty of good secondhand bikes to be had and you will get a far better bike for your budget - ignore the naysayers!
Other points, in order:
- I'm 6ft tall - what frame size?
TBH you could fit a M or L. If you have a long body and shorter limbs, then the M, otherwise L, IMHO.
- Does wheel size vary - anything preferences?
At your budget, you'll likely be sticking to 26" as others have said.
- I presume hard tail but what front shocks are desireable on used bikes of this value?
Definitely a hardtail because a.) budget and b.) you don't want/need the extra complication of a rear shock for general riding. As for forks, the best budget ones are generally the cheaper (usually coil sprung, rather than air) Rock Shox. The Suntour SRs aren't too bad though for a starter bike.
Other places to look is on the Pinkbike forum, or aksing local bike shops if they have any part-ex or ex-rental bikes (some often do get them) for sale or on the way.
Bear in mind that you may need to spend a few quid - perhaps a change of pedals or saddle to suit your preference, or the odd part needs replacing - once you get the bike to get it 'right' for you, but over a year or two, a lot of this is stuff you might spend on a new bike anyway, so don't be too concerned.
Other points, in order:
- I'm 6ft tall - what frame size?
TBH you could fit a M or L. If you have a long body and shorter limbs, then the M, otherwise L, IMHO.
- Does wheel size vary - anything preferences?
At your budget, you'll likely be sticking to 26" as others have said.
- I presume hard tail but what front shocks are desireable on used bikes of this value?
Definitely a hardtail because a.) budget and b.) you don't want/need the extra complication of a rear shock for general riding. As for forks, the best budget ones are generally the cheaper (usually coil sprung, rather than air) Rock Shox. The Suntour SRs aren't too bad though for a starter bike.
Other places to look is on the Pinkbike forum, or aksing local bike shops if they have any part-ex or ex-rental bikes (some often do get them) for sale or on the way.
Bear in mind that you may need to spend a few quid - perhaps a change of pedals or saddle to suit your preference, or the odd part needs replacing - once you get the bike to get it 'right' for you, but over a year or two, a lot of this is stuff you might spend on a new bike anyway, so don't be too concerned.
I bought a Cannondale SL3 from these guys: www.paulscycles.com/
It was a 2011 model and was originally £750 but I paid £500, so a little over budget but you end up with a brand new bike for secondhand money. Service was great, it arrived 2 days after placing the order and it's a fantastic bike!
It was a 2011 model and was originally £750 but I paid £500, so a little over budget but you end up with a brand new bike for secondhand money. Service was great, it arrived 2 days after placing the order and it's a fantastic bike!
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