Join (and help?) me as I search Craigslist for my first mountain bike (<$300)
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Join (and help?) me as I search Craigslist for my first mountain bike (<$300)
hey all, new here (obviously).
haven't had a bike since maybe 16. living in NJ and NY, i have ridden a bunch of beach cruisers and such since but now it's time to splash out for my own.
what i am hoping to find is a versatile bike that can handle street/urban just as well as some basic trails native to NY and NJ all for <$300.
my preliminary search has led me to the following brands:
i also don't really know my size - i probably should get professional fitted but i am just super busy of late. i am 5'11 with ~30" inseam which seems to put me in the realm of ~17-19" frame.
i plan on using this thread to post my finds, gather your input and advice and buy something within the next couple weeks.
i hope you enjoy my journey.
haven't had a bike since maybe 16. living in NJ and NY, i have ridden a bunch of beach cruisers and such since but now it's time to splash out for my own.
what i am hoping to find is a versatile bike that can handle street/urban just as well as some basic trails native to NY and NJ all for <$300.
my preliminary search has led me to the following brands:
- Specialized
- Trek
- Giant
i also don't really know my size - i probably should get professional fitted but i am just super busy of late. i am 5'11 with ~30" inseam which seems to put me in the realm of ~17-19" frame.
i plan on using this thread to post my finds, gather your input and advice and buy something within the next couple weeks.
i hope you enjoy my journey.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: North Central Wisconsin
Posts: 4,624
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2975 Post(s)
Liked 1,181 Times
in
771 Posts
$300 for a Giant, Trek or Specialized is going to get you junk or something really old and outdated.
You need to increase your budget to around $1000.
$300 is your run of the mill Walmart Bike.
You need to increase your budget to around $1000.
$300 is your run of the mill Walmart Bike.
#4
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Grass Valley, Ca
Posts: 387
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Specialized Enduro Pro, Lemond Tourmalet
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 192 Times
in
94 Posts
Just be patient. $300 picked me up this less then a year old Trek a couple weeks ago. Good workable bike.
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Hudson Valley, New York
Posts: 481
Bikes: 2014 Giant Roam
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 84 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
^^^Nice bike for 3 bills though looks like a marlin starting at $450 to begin with.
Ride it, shift through the gears make sure they work smoothly or smooth enough. make sure the tires aren't dried out cracked and old. People may not even tell you the year of the bike but can deduce by the paint job and probably serial number. All have a $400-500 entry level you can get a used fairly new one of for under 300 or much older $1000 bike for under $300 maybe. MTB could take damage so look for bent frames or wheels/ spokes. Check the crank for cracks misalignment or something should notice that pedaling but check for damage or cracks that may not effect the pedaling. I'm sure there are bike buying guides. In terms of damage I'd also look for jacked up handlebars, not straight, loose. I've heard people have had problems turning so make sure it feels right while riding. Wheels obviously should not wobble and should spin straight. Try to bring someone more experienced with you and research prospective bikes online to make sure it wasn't a cheapo discount bike or something. And be aware its not a kids bike before you waste time going to look at it.
Ride it, shift through the gears make sure they work smoothly or smooth enough. make sure the tires aren't dried out cracked and old. People may not even tell you the year of the bike but can deduce by the paint job and probably serial number. All have a $400-500 entry level you can get a used fairly new one of for under 300 or much older $1000 bike for under $300 maybe. MTB could take damage so look for bent frames or wheels/ spokes. Check the crank for cracks misalignment or something should notice that pedaling but check for damage or cracks that may not effect the pedaling. I'm sure there are bike buying guides. In terms of damage I'd also look for jacked up handlebars, not straight, loose. I've heard people have had problems turning so make sure it feels right while riding. Wheels obviously should not wobble and should spin straight. Try to bring someone more experienced with you and research prospective bikes online to make sure it wasn't a cheapo discount bike or something. And be aware its not a kids bike before you waste time going to look at it.
#6
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Grass Valley, Ca
Posts: 387
Bikes: Surly Cross Check, Specialized Enduro Pro, Lemond Tourmalet
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 105 Post(s)
Liked 192 Times
in
94 Posts
The Marlin 5’s are $525 or so. This one had a bunch of upgraded Race face parts, and the fresh pro shop tuneup. I figure 1/3 off the new price for an eight month old bike that was immaculate was a pretty darn good deal! It did include a Valentino Rossi sticker. Ok by me, a favorite MotoGp rider!