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Baby's first mountain bike

Old 11-09-20, 11:06 AM
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dobrosailor
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Baby's first mountain bike

So, I am 6' 205 and wanting to get into a mountain bike. I don't have a lot of $$$ and am looking to ride trails to get rid of my Covid Pack (weight put on by sitting at home since Feb). I have been watching for $100-$200 bikes and along comes a friend with a 2016 Motobecane 29" wheels, 18" frame Fantom hardtail. Its clean and basically perfect with rockshox with a handle mounted fork lock that appears to work. I have ridden a few bikes but this one made me feel free, I rode as fast as I could and loved every min. Sooooooo, questions: he wants $400 for the bike.

WIll it fit, the calculator says I should have a 19,

is it the right price, should I try and work it or???

Good value helmet and any other riding paraphernalia suggested?

Thanks,
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Old 11-09-20, 11:23 AM
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CargoDane
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Originally Posted by dobrosailor

Good value helmet and any other riding paraphernalia suggested?

Thanks,
Good helmet. Value is what you want to pay. As with everything, there is a point where it's a question of diminishing returns. Also: Gloves. Always gloves. They protect against the sun if you get the right ones, and they protect your palms when you fall.
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Old 11-09-20, 12:51 PM
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Price right is hard to guess. But probably not bad. A bike like that is at or over $1000 new, and bikes have been scarce this year.

This being November, consider some lights. It's easy to get caught out after five.
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Old 11-09-20, 02:47 PM
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You should be on a large or XL frame. You will feel pretty cramped on this bike on long rides. We used to think riding a smaller frame size made the bike better handling off road. The reality is we ran longer stems and long setback seatposts trying to compensate for a bad fit. Price doesn't matter if it isn't the right size.
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Old 11-09-20, 02:54 PM
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You rode it, it feels good. A friend is selling it, so that de-risks the deal quite a bit. You're ready to go. You really think that some $150 "who's got my miracle?" is hiding around the corner? Stop thinking.
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Old 11-10-20, 05:39 AM
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dobrosailor
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Originally Posted by Darth Lefty
Price right is hard to guess. But probably not bad. A bike like that is at or over $1000 new, and bikes have been scarce this year.

This being November, consider some lights. It's easy to get caught out after five.
He paid $800 4 years ago. I rode a couple of Gravities in a shop, both hardtail and dual, they were 19" frames, 29" wheels. They felt cramped, I felt like I was over the front wheel, like if I hit the brakes too hard I could go over. I didn't like it but thought it was just too long since I rode. When I got on the Moto, it was an entirely different feel, I just wanted to go fast, and fast I did go - what a great feeling! I'll try riding some other bikes but frankly $400 is a stretch for me, and buying a helmet will be tough - kind of stretch.

Originally, I was thinking I would get a wanmart special from CL for 1-200 used. They are a dime a dozen, but then a work collegue started talking about MBing and he is the guy with the Moto. Turns out its like buying a computer, the add-ons just pile on and cheap is an illusion.

He is not pressuring me to buy it at all but he will sell it...

Thanks for your thoughts,

M
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Old 11-10-20, 08:27 AM
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Gravity is a cheap bike... about $1,000 cheaper and has a shorter wheelbase... about 2 inches shorter.
If you like this "MOTOBECANE" buy it. But you should be on a 19-21 inch frame.
But like I say.... if it feels like a good fit, buy it.
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