Old vs New - mountain bikes
Discussion
So my lad has talked me into getting a bike and joining him on some rides. I've been looking at new using the Cylcle2work etc, I've been looking at used on the likes of eBay. Not too sure on budget, just weighing everything up as I know very little about them.
I do have a mate who was seriously into his biking so I've been picking his brains but he's now thrown a spanner in the works and offered me his bike, all the spares, stands etc for a £500ish. Thing is, it's probably from the early 2000s. Back then he spent about £8k on the bike. It's a Rotwild frame, full Shimano GTR groupset, carbon handlebar, Raceface seat pin and cranks, Hope front hub, DT Swiss rear hub, Hope hydraulic brakes. Park stand, lots spares and so on. Everything has been serviced regularly, replaced when needed. It's very light and feels incredibly well built but I've no idea how the best technology from that era compares to anything today? I would like a dropper (well, my lad days I do) and 27 gears seems about 15 too many to me.
Alternatively there's this near me https://www.billnicksoncycles.co.uk/product/gt-sen... I could go more using the Cycle2work scheme. I just don't know!
I do have a mate who was seriously into his biking so I've been picking his brains but he's now thrown a spanner in the works and offered me his bike, all the spares, stands etc for a £500ish. Thing is, it's probably from the early 2000s. Back then he spent about £8k on the bike. It's a Rotwild frame, full Shimano GTR groupset, carbon handlebar, Raceface seat pin and cranks, Hope front hub, DT Swiss rear hub, Hope hydraulic brakes. Park stand, lots spares and so on. Everything has been serviced regularly, replaced when needed. It's very light and feels incredibly well built but I've no idea how the best technology from that era compares to anything today? I would like a dropper (well, my lad days I do) and 27 gears seems about 15 too many to me.
Alternatively there's this near me https://www.billnicksoncycles.co.uk/product/gt-sen... I could go more using the Cycle2work scheme. I just don't know!
Bike ergonomics and parts have come a long way in 20 years. Have all the components been maintained, serviced, some parts might have become brittle and plastics deteriorated, especially in a 20year old bike.
Personally I wouldn't buy anything older than the last 5 years. Lots of bargains around on new bikes.
Just be careful with GT as they are selling all their stock before they pause the brand, so they might not be around after 2025.
Personally I wouldn't buy anything older than the last 5 years. Lots of bargains around on new bikes.
Just be careful with GT as they are selling all their stock before they pause the brand, so they might not be around after 2025.
I sold my custom built 2014 carbon Specialized StumpJumper Evo last year for £700 on eBay. [Was £5k when new]
All it really needed was a dropper seat post to make it current.
Bikes in the last 10 years have adopted larger wheels, 26 inches was the standard for a long time, then they moved up to 27.5 and now 29 inches is the norm.
Larger wheels roll better over rough terrain, but smaller lighter riders may find 29" too large and prefer 27.5 wheels.
Other MTB improvements over the last 10 years
-> Internal cables - A cleaner look but harder servicing
-> Slacker frame angles - makes the bike feel more stable on steep downhills
-> Wider handle bars - less twitchy at higher speed
-> Single chain ring up front - no need for a left hand shifter, so helps simplify changing gears
Also depends what you are intending to ride
Canal tow paths can be ridden on most bikes , but downhill courses need something stronger.
Shop around - there are some great deals to be found
My old StumpJumper Evo - this did all of the Wales and Scotland MTB Trail centers and up & down Snowdon 3x
2014 was when single front chain rings started to become available, so this was 10 speed, which worked great.
I'm now riding a 2024 eMTB : A carbon Trek Rail, aside from the motor, it has more suspension travel, larger wheels but weighs 2x more. I think you would only notice the riding differences if you rode them back to back
All it really needed was a dropper seat post to make it current.
Bikes in the last 10 years have adopted larger wheels, 26 inches was the standard for a long time, then they moved up to 27.5 and now 29 inches is the norm.
Larger wheels roll better over rough terrain, but smaller lighter riders may find 29" too large and prefer 27.5 wheels.
Other MTB improvements over the last 10 years
-> Internal cables - A cleaner look but harder servicing
-> Slacker frame angles - makes the bike feel more stable on steep downhills
-> Wider handle bars - less twitchy at higher speed
-> Single chain ring up front - no need for a left hand shifter, so helps simplify changing gears
Also depends what you are intending to ride
Canal tow paths can be ridden on most bikes , but downhill courses need something stronger.
Shop around - there are some great deals to be found
My old StumpJumper Evo - this did all of the Wales and Scotland MTB Trail centers and up & down Snowdon 3x
2014 was when single front chain rings started to become available, so this was 10 speed, which worked great.
I'm now riding a 2024 eMTB : A carbon Trek Rail, aside from the motor, it has more suspension travel, larger wheels but weighs 2x more. I think you would only notice the riding differences if you rode them back to back
Edited by SDK on Friday 7th February 10:02
Bikes have come on a lot, but I think there's an amount of change for changes sake, it's a very fashionable sport, so what cost 5K new could be worth 2.5K in a year but does that mean that your year old bike is useless.
Plus unless you want a killer new bike and you can exploit everything from it, do you really need the latest and greatest?
Plus unless you want a killer new bike and you can exploit everything from it, do you really need the latest and greatest?
Bikes depreciate like nothing else. I'd expect something from the early 2000's to be practically worthless, unless it's some rare classic. I sold my 2014 Scott Genius a few years back and had to reduce it to £450 before I could get rid.
For £500 you'll find something much, much better. If you up the budget to £1000 you can get something really nice and only a few years old.
For £500 you'll find something much, much better. If you up the budget to £1000 you can get something really nice and only a few years old.
What sort of riding will you be doing as that’s one of the most deciding factors which which bike is right for you?
As others had said technology has changed hugely in the last 20 years within bikes that even a 5 year old bike can be old hat (more to do with compatibility of newer technology than say it can’t be riden down the same trails). Also what most people don’t understand is that forks, shocks and dropper post need regular maintenance (not just a regular clean) of which seals, bushings, oils and lubricants will need changing - say 2 to 4 times a year depending on mileage covered (manuals always say every 50 hours worth of use but that’s the very extreme end). If it doesn’t get done you will need replacing the whole part. Secondly a warrentry is worth it if something goes wrong, something you will not get second hand. A great 1st time proper bike is the bossnut calibre, not as good valve as the older model but big improvement in overall package
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/first-look-2025-cali...
As others had said technology has changed hugely in the last 20 years within bikes that even a 5 year old bike can be old hat (more to do with compatibility of newer technology than say it can’t be riden down the same trails). Also what most people don’t understand is that forks, shocks and dropper post need regular maintenance (not just a regular clean) of which seals, bushings, oils and lubricants will need changing - say 2 to 4 times a year depending on mileage covered (manuals always say every 50 hours worth of use but that’s the very extreme end). If it doesn’t get done you will need replacing the whole part. Secondly a warrentry is worth it if something goes wrong, something you will not get second hand. A great 1st time proper bike is the bossnut calibre, not as good valve as the older model but big improvement in overall package
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/first-look-2025-cali...
I bought something similar as my first proper MTB a couple or three years ago - a 2010 carbon fibre Trek Elite 9.8 for £500. It was a fantastic bike in near perfect condition.
Unfortunately, I thought an MTB was an MTB was an MTB, but I was wrong - this was a pretty top end racing cross-country hardtail, twitchy AF and really aimed at experienced riders. I didn't enjoy it at all as it was scary for me to ride as a total noob with zero skillz, then it chucked me OTB... and I sold it on and got a modern Long Low Slack bike instead which I'm still rubbish on but I am not terrified all the time.
What I'm trying to say is, your mate's £500 bike may well be brilliant, but understand exactly what kind of thing you're buying before committing.
Unfortunately, I thought an MTB was an MTB was an MTB, but I was wrong - this was a pretty top end racing cross-country hardtail, twitchy AF and really aimed at experienced riders. I didn't enjoy it at all as it was scary for me to ride as a total noob with zero skillz, then it chucked me OTB... and I sold it on and got a modern Long Low Slack bike instead which I'm still rubbish on but I am not terrified all the time.
What I'm trying to say is, your mate's £500 bike may well be brilliant, but understand exactly what kind of thing you're buying before committing.
Thanks for the replies. I've ruled it out. Probably go for something new through a cycle scheme. The Calibre Bossnut as mentioned above gets really good reviews as a starter bike that can be upgraded as you go along but is out of stock everywhere. I'm going to visit a few shops and get a feel for whats available,
Sounds like you've not had a bike for a while. What if you get an expensive bike, give it a go, and realise it's not your bag?
Any chance you could borrow your friends bike for a few rides to see if you like riding enough to shell out for a new bike?
Appreciate this is the cycling forum so it may be an unpopular way to look at it, but if this does happen you'll be on the wrong side off the depreciation being covered in other posts in this thread.
Any chance you could borrow your friends bike for a few rides to see if you like riding enough to shell out for a new bike?
Appreciate this is the cycling forum so it may be an unpopular way to look at it, but if this does happen you'll be on the wrong side off the depreciation being covered in other posts in this thread.
Stu78 said:
Thanks for the replies. I've ruled it out. Probably go for something new through a cycle scheme. The Calibre Bossnut as mentioned above gets really good reviews as a starter bike that can be upgraded as you go along but is out of stock everywhere. I'm going to visit a few shops and get a feel for whats available,
Those calibre things weigh a lot and have crude forks.Some of my inlaws bought them during covid when bikes were in short supply.
There are plenty of good used bikes now.
The C2W thing does distort the market though, and if you really want a new bike it's easy to justify.
If you're not keen on fettling a used bike, buying new can make a lot of sense.
If you're happy to put a few hours in with a spanner or two, you can get used bargains with quality components.
There are lots of people enjoying older bikes.
Just to add on to what SDK posted about wheel size.
Some bikes come with what is called the "mullet" set up which is 29" front wheel and 27.5" back wheel.
There are pros n cons to each way, depends what you prefer. Some frames have ways of adjusting the rear to allow you to change the wheelbase to accommodate different wheel sizes.
I've still got our 2004 bikes in the garage. They ride very different to our current 2024 e mtbs... Still enjoyable, cept going uphill. And I put slicks on my old bike for using to get to my marshal post at the GP for a few years. Now I can't find new 26" knobbly tyres to put back on. They can be found, but v limited and not always in stock
Some bikes come with what is called the "mullet" set up which is 29" front wheel and 27.5" back wheel.
There are pros n cons to each way, depends what you prefer. Some frames have ways of adjusting the rear to allow you to change the wheelbase to accommodate different wheel sizes.
I've still got our 2004 bikes in the garage. They ride very different to our current 2024 e mtbs... Still enjoyable, cept going uphill. And I put slicks on my old bike for using to get to my marshal post at the GP for a few years. Now I can't find new 26" knobbly tyres to put back on. They can be found, but v limited and not always in stock
As others have said, the biggest changes in MTB since that older bike you're offered is geometry (including wheel size).
I too think you need to go ride a few bikes, try them out and work out what you want from them. I would not dive in by spending lots on anything just yet.
I've an old 26" bike which is a whole daft bit of silliness a few times a year, but for all else my modern 29er is so much more comfortable, faster, safer....
I would also add that cycling is in a really odd place at the moment, and some really really good second hand, barely used, great quality bikes are just not selling and as such prices are very depressed second hand. I bought a 5 ride used / 1 year in garage bike for 65% off RRP
I too think you need to go ride a few bikes, try them out and work out what you want from them. I would not dive in by spending lots on anything just yet.
I've an old 26" bike which is a whole daft bit of silliness a few times a year, but for all else my modern 29er is so much more comfortable, faster, safer....
I would also add that cycling is in a really odd place at the moment, and some really really good second hand, barely used, great quality bikes are just not selling and as such prices are very depressed second hand. I bought a 5 ride used / 1 year in garage bike for 65% off RRP
The biggest issue with that Rotwild is probably that they only made daft heavy downhilly stuff didn't they? Modern stuff will go down hill as enjoyably, but will also pedal up fine.
26" wheeled bikes are where the value for money is though, they're basically worthless now, some epic value out there if you know what to look for. I stopped riding a lot just before the industry went nuts, so all my bikes still have the correct sized wheels, I have no problem finding 26" tyres, don't forget that they just moved 26" down to the largest kids bikes so everyone gets to enjoy the clown-bike ride!
26" wheeled bikes are where the value for money is though, they're basically worthless now, some epic value out there if you know what to look for. I stopped riding a lot just before the industry went nuts, so all my bikes still have the correct sized wheels, I have no problem finding 26" tyres, don't forget that they just moved 26" down to the largest kids bikes so everyone gets to enjoy the clown-bike ride!
mrtomsv said:
Yep, just to add a bit of weight to the previous poster’s comment, MTBs have come on significantly in 20 years. Even a bike from last decade can feel antiquated now. One from the 00s would feel unridable to me now.
Yep, but that is because you have been riding modern frame geometry, so older-style bikes would feel really odd. The OP hasn't ridden any, so whatever bike he gets (old or new) now will feel normal and "right".
OutInTheShed said:
Those calibre things weigh a lot and have crude forks.
Some of my inlaws bought them during covid when bikes were in short supply.
There are plenty of good used bikes now.
The C2W thing does distort the market though, and if you really want a new bike it's easy to justify.
If you're not keen on fettling a used bike, buying new can make a lot of sense.
If you're happy to put a few hours in with a spanner or two, you can get used bargains with quality components.
There are lots of people enjoying older bikes.
The latest Bossnut is a new design and only came out end of '24, it is around 16kg though which is on the heavy side. Cant get one for love nor money and no idea when back in stock. Some of my inlaws bought them during covid when bikes were in short supply.
There are plenty of good used bikes now.
The C2W thing does distort the market though, and if you really want a new bike it's easy to justify.
If you're not keen on fettling a used bike, buying new can make a lot of sense.
If you're happy to put a few hours in with a spanner or two, you can get used bargains with quality components.
There are lots of people enjoying older bikes.
I've used a Giant Stance 29 and that felt nice to ride. I could get one of them but I think there's better VFM.
I'm okay with a set of spanners on a bike as I maintain my lads and other family bikes. I have a decent stand, plenty of tools, quite happy spending a few hours tinkering away.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff