Buying older bikes second hand...

[justanother5tar]

Before passing my driving test i used to ride BMX/DJ almost everyday.

Passed my test, didn't ride much/at all anymore so sold on.

Naturally I've started putting on a pound or 2, even more so since i stopped smoking which has led to me eating more too, FML. I started looking at getting a new XC hardtail bike, something like a Cube or a Ghost, up to around 1000-1200ish to ride locally and on trails.

Recently had a look on Pinkbike and I've found a few 2008-9ish Specialised BigHits and IronHorse Sundays up for 750-1200, with some very nice spec. DH looks much, much more interesting to me than XC so I'm much more likely to go down this route, but id still also be looking at riding on road too.


All my previous bikes I've bought new/built myself, so if you could all point out some general things to check when viewing, and anything that could be easily overlooked id be very appreciative. Looking to buy in a couple of months hopefully, dependant on saving.

Also, can anyone recommend an on-road tyre/wheel combo? Probably 26".

Thanks.

[nammynake]

Not sure I follow. You want to ride downhill but plan to ride the bike on roads to get there? A proper downhill bike will be awful to ride on roads for any distance, and fitting thinner road tyres will make it useless off road.

If you want an all-round bike to ride on roads and off-road then I'd suggest a hardtail. This will be much better on road and still more than capable of riding proper trails unless you're thinking black runs?

If you want to ride road and off-road, then a better solution would be a cheap road bike (less than £300) and a dedicated downhill or 'All Mountain' bike.

[justanother5tar]

nammynake said:

Not sure I follow. You want to ride downhill but plan to ride the bike on roads to get there? A proper downhill bike will be awful to ride on roads for any distance, and fitting thinner road tyres will make it useless off road.

No, will be ridden on off road tracks and maybe the road occasionally locally. Roof rack for the hills. I know it'll be awful, my BMX and DJ were, I'll only be using it for a couple of miles as and when I get the time to locally, so I'd just put knobbly tyres on when needed.

nammynake said:

If you want an all-round bike to ride on roads and off-road then I'd suggest a hardtail. This will be much better on road and still more than capable of riding proper trails unless you're thinking black runs?

It'd be pretty rough stuff when I go further out, so I want a big travel bike.

nammynake said:

If you want to ride road and off-road, then a better solution would be a cheap road bike (less than £300) and a dedicated downhill or 'All Mountain' bike.

Couple of reasons I don't want to go down that road,
1- there's not that much storage in my kitchen for loads of bikes. I've no other storage.
2- I've got no interest whatsoever in road riding, it bores the st out of me, its just more of a necessary evil to shift some weight tbh. Plus road bikes are extremely unfortable IMO, no give in the tyres for even slight bumps, uncomfortable seats, handlebars too narrow and no suspension anywhere for when I smash through potholes. (Snapped the frame of my dad's old carbon road bike)

[anonymous-user]

Dont forget to factor in fork/shock servicing to the asking price unless its clearly stated that its been done recently by a reputable dealer and they have the receipts to prove it as lots of big travel bikes are sold with forks/shocks that could do with a service. Then dont forget that you have to budget for the power ranger costume, ff helmet and neck brace...!

[duff]

You won't need a proper downhill bike for almost any UK trail, I'd stay clear of older downhill bikes as they often knackered and have a very narrow scale of use.

Why not go for an all mountain bike? Vitus, Canyon etc offer very good vfm and you can ride these everywhere from the alps, welsh trail centres etc to XC rides and short road trips.

[SteveSteveson]

justanother5tar said:

nammynake said:

If you want an all-round bike to ride on roads and off-road then I'd suggest a hardtail. This will be much better on road and still more than capable of riding proper trails unless you're thinking black runs?

It'd be pretty rough stuff when I go further out, so I want a big travel bike.

I think you may be underestimating just how much abuse most bikes can put up with and how compromised DH bikes are. DH bikes are not made for peddling at all and they can put up with massive drops. They are a very specialized machine built for one job and one job only. If your thinking of dropping 10-15 foot and using a lift to get back up, then go for it, but the very fact that you are asking what bike makes me think your not. It's the kind of thing where if you need one you know what you want.

DH bikes and TT bikes represent the two extremes of the sport, and no one should be buying either as their only bike. They are both extremely specialized machines with one job only. You would be much better going for something more middle ground. If you want the look and the comfort go for a full suspension XC bike. Much more suited to actual riding rather than gravity powered. Get something with suspension lockout and whilst it won't be as fast as a true road bike it will be ok on the road. A DH bike will be miserable.

Whilst it is ultimately your choice and your money I would strongly recommend not going for something so extreme.

[anonymous-user]

What SS said, there is a reason there are always DH bikes like the Ironhorse Sunday, Giant Glory etc etc for sale and thats because people buy them thinking they will ride loads of DH courses, end up only riding XC or trail centre black runs, realise they have bought the wrong bike then sell it on..

[richardxjr]

I'd say something like a Giant Trance would be the best compromise for the budget.

[justanother5tar]

I feel like a toddler that's just been told off.

I think I'll take the advice and look for an all mountain bike.

ETA; found a few Nukeproof Megas that look good and a couple of Commencal Metas, seem to be regarded as a good 'do anything' bikes.

Edited by justanother5tar on Friday 15th May 20:30

Edited by justanother5tar on Friday 15th May 21:47