Mdl

Would anyone know the value of a vintage Kona AA mountain bike?

I came across it on one of the usual sites and haven't checked it out in person yet. The ad says only that it's vintage and that it has Rock Shox 21's.

The attached pic is the only one listed; I can't make out the other components. However, I suspect it's a 1996 model based on the shocks.

I'd like to go mountain biking (for the 1st time) with some buddies, and I'm look for a decent beginner bike. It would be great to know whether it's worth taking a ride to see it.

Asking price is $250 here in the NY/NJ market
. I just missed out on a Specialized Hardrock Disc 29er (~2013-2014) for the same price (got to the seller just after it was sold). So, I realize the Kona's shocks may not be as good a modern bikes. However, it also seems to have been a $1200 bike back in the day so I'm wondering whether we think it holds up today.

Thanks!

katsup

I'm not familiar with the component level on this bike, but the shifters look entry level so it would be on the high side of value. Expect to have to rebuild the suspension which can be expensive.
No way. Not only has mountain bike suspension improved, so as geometry. If your buddies are on modern mountain bikes, you will regret having this bike. This is assuming actual technical single track and not just gravel or fire roads.

LesterOfPuppets

If it's a 1997 and those are stock shifters, then they're probably LX ST-M060, so a hair above entry level. BUT those push-push shifters sucked. That's why Gripshift was so popular back then. When Rapidfire Plus came out, that's when triggers really took over.

Unfortunately the XT deraileur has been swapped out for an STX

LesterOfPuppets

I wouldn't wanna pay much more than $100ish for it. I prefer the steel offerings from Kona from this time period.