Tobias_MTB

Hello everyone,

I’m new to mountainbiking and therefore looking for a little advice regarding a new bike.

I’ve been offered a Trek Top Fuel 9.9 (Carbon) from 2013 with full Shimano XTR gear group, that haven’t been used that much, for what seems to be a GREAT price.

Seeing that it is an older bike however the original gear system is 27-speed and the wheel size is 26” and I’m therefore wondering if it would just be better to go for a cheaper alternative (new bike) with 12-speed and 27,5” which I think would be my preferred wheel size?

I do not have the option to purchase a high end full suspension bike as a new bike, so this “old” Trek is really talking to me :-)

Need help fairly quickly considering that I only have today to consider the Trek bike, before he will sell it elsewhere!

Thanks in advance

Maelochs

If you are new to mountain-biking it is very unlikely that an older high-end bike would hold you back at all.
I bought a 2007 Cannondale--24 speeds, 26" wheels--but it also had a full Fox Float suspension, and was in superb condition. The bike has capabilities way beyond what I need .... and maybe won't ever need.

It all depends on whether the bike fits, first and foremost .... and what shape the bike is in, not just superficially. Make sure the suspension is in good shape--you can buy a cheap bike and steal the drivetrain, but you cannot buy cheap suspension. if the forks and shock are in good shape, the bike fits, and the ancillary systems work, it might be a good deal.

c_m_shooter

If it is the correct frame size, get it. Don't fall for number of gears marketing. If you have the gear range (biggest and smallest) you need, it doesn't matter if it is 8, 9, 10, or 11 speeds. I shave been riding single speeds for 20 years, they still get me around just fine.

Maelochs

Yup. Unless you are racing at a level where your bike is free from a sponsor, a few extra ratios won't make your ride better. He has been riding single speed in the mountains of Texas. He'd be walking if he tried to ride up an actual mountain.

(not trying to be mean .... but if your mountains do rise up into the clouds, 42/17 isn't going to get you there.)

c_m_shooter

I've been all over the country.

Iride01 

Well seeing how you posted in the General Discussion instead of the Mountain Biking sub-forum, I'll assume you want to generally discuss this and get the views of everyone.

So....

Are you nuts? Get a road bike instead!


No, I'm kidding. If you want a mountain bike and will be off the paved roads and paved paths, then go for it. However generally, I have no idea what to recommend but probably a higher percentage of those that go into the mountain biking sub-forum will have an idea.

Tobias_MTB

Thank you all for your replies :-)

i bought the bike and it feels amazing!

kahn

Fully enjoy it.