Seen a Mongoose Teocali for sale.... yay or nay

[Louisa911]

I'm looking for a full susser to replace my hardtail GT, for trail riding etc.

I've seen a Mongoose Teocali for sale online, 2006 or 2007 model, mint condition bar a few cable rubs for £350. Is this a good buy? A good bike? I can't find how heavy that years model is- I know the 2008 was around 33lbs which is a little heavier than I'm really looking for.

Any info at all would be fab. Thanks

[anonymous-user]

something like this?
http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/product/22652/Mo...

looks like a lot of bike for trail riding, thats a lot of travel going on there... its going to be hard work on single track and the climbs. if thats your budget i would be looking for a second hand rockhopper or something, there is still a lot to be said for hardtails for general trails and things, a good rider can get one flying downhills and you learn a lot about weight position.

full sus is nice but cheap or long travel full sus can be hard work and time spent going down is inevitably much shorter than time spent going up or level....

[Louisa911]

Its this one: http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/684515/

Ideally a little less travel would be ideal, just saw this and thought it was pretty cheap for what you get. Ideally I'd be looking for something like a second hand stumpjumper, or a felt compulsion. Something more FS XC, rather than a hardtail- I've been riding a year on a hardtail now with my boyfriend who's been riding 17 years, and he recommended getting a full suspension as my next purchase.

If anyone has any other suggestions they'd be very welcome. My budget would be around £600 tops as I'm a poor student

Thanks

[Roman]

With some gradual upgrading (lighter tyres, 2nd hand Fox forks from ebay, lighter wheels from Merlin) you should get the weight down to 30lbs. You could do the same with a Giant Yukon - great offer on new ones here:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b...

Alternatively a good second hand Trek Fuel, Specialized FSR or GT I-drive would be lighter to start with.

[anonymous-user]

sorry didnt realise you had put a price up, for £350 it will be a real giggle, go for it!

[Louisa911]

Would the Giant Yukon be a decent buy considering it would have to be my main bike for at least a year or two? I plan on being able to tackle more difficult red runs with small jumps and dropoffs by then, so don't want to invest in something that won't match my ability when it comes to progressing technically.

Or would you go for something like that Mongoose? it does seem very cheap, clean condition and would probably last me a little longer.

Edited by Louisa911 on Friday 10th September 16:49

[Roman]

Louisa911 said:

Would the Giant Yukon be a decent buy considering it would have to be my main bike for at least a year or two? I plan on being able to tackle more difficult red runs with small jumps and dropoffs by then, so don't want to invest in something that won't match my ability when it comes to progressing technically.

Or would you go for something like that Mongoose? it does seem very cheap, clean condition and would probably last me a little longer.

Edited by Louisa911 on Friday 10th September 16:49

Yes the Teocali does look a better buy with longer travel for 'all mountain' riding. It leaves you with a decent amount to upgrade some parts (principally wheels, tyres & forks) to shed a few pounds too. Is it the right size for you though? It looks pretty big to me.

[alfaman]

Louisa911 said:

Would the Giant Yukon be a decent buy considering it would have to be my main bike for at least a year or two? I plan on being able to tackle more difficult red runs with small jumps and dropoffs by then, so don't want to invest in something that won't match my ability when it comes to progressing technically.

Or would you go for something like that Mongoose? it does seem very cheap, clean condition and would probably last me a little longer.

Edited by Louisa911 on Friday 10th September 16:49

that Mongoose looks VERY heavy - think it is one of the basic models, and the rear shock isnt that good : wont be that well damped.

also bear in mind the teocali's frame and suspension has a very different set up to most bikes - the bottom bracket "floats" a bit : not to everyones liking .

Also - some mongoose frames have a reputation for snapping ( not sure which year of manufacture ).

personally I'd suggest getting a 2nd hand Trek / Spec. / Giant / or maybe GT bike : a Spec stumpy , Trek fuel are both good bikes