"Todd Nappi" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi, I've been to mtbreview.com classifieds, pretty good but sort of out of my price range. I'm
> looking at the $600 range, maybe a little more, so I was considering a used bike because that
> won't seem to buy me much new and everything is out of that price range. Right now I have a
> Diamonback Response, which I like, and just want to upgrade on it a little. I'm not a hard core
> off roader and I need something that is good in the urban environment. I was thinking full
> suspension. Any ideas or classifieds, or even better anyone selling anything in the NJ area?
> Thanks for the read,
Todd, are you handy with tools? Don't mind rebuilding wheel bearings, replacing cables, patching
tubes, trueing wheels? If so, and if you have space in which to work, I recommend a lightly-used
bike from Ebay or elsewhere. $600 should buy you a very nice 2 or 3 year old bike with high-end
components. Shop smart. Know exactly what you're looking for. Ask a *lot* of questions, and demand
straight answers (and photos to prove it). Honest sellers won't mind being helpful. Avoid all of the
other sellers.
MTBR.com is a pathetic shadow of what it was in the Good Old Days. I used to trade heavily on MTBR
when the ads were free, and found some amazing deals, like a Voodoo Bizango frameset for $70 (it was
scratched up; but no metal damage). Nowadays, the asking prices are ridiculous. Ebay is much more
reasonable. If you're looking for a light high-end hardtail, and you don't mind 8-speed rear mechs,
you can buy 'em for a song. There are hundreds and hundreds of beautiful older moutain bikes with
under 100 miles on them that are essentially new, but selling for 1/5 of their retail value (or
less) on Ebay.
What is true of all auctions is true of Ebay: Bidders often bid too much. Don't fall into that trap.
My technique is to look for auctions that end on weekdays at odd hours (when nobody is surfing
Ebay), and bid low on auctions with no reserve. You'd be amazed how many times a low bid will win a
bike, especially if it's missing key parts like a front wheel, saddle, etc. I bought a nice Wheeler
hardtail, complete, for $36 a few years ago. I used the wheels and components on 3 different bikes,
and sold the frame for $125. See what I mean?
If this isn't your cup o' tea, have a look at the thread from yesterday about the Giant Rainier.
It's a sweet bike for the money, and it's in your price range.
Best of luck on your quest.
Barry
