Is this a bike forum?

[shera]

I haven't lurked. I haven't done a search. I only have a budget of $200-300. But I need a bike with front suspension. Used is just fine. Can you guys help me figure out what to get?

[biggins]

local classifieds. Nothing new for that little cash will be worth anything. Try Denver Craigslist (you're in Summit county right?). They have a sizeable listing of bikes under the For Sale category.

Used in that price range, I'd stick to big name brands like Trek, Specialized or Gary Fisher. Look for at least a Shimano Alvio groupo ( derailers, cranks, brakes) and something along the lines of a Rock Shox Judy fork or a Manitou Six. These a inexpensive spring-coiled shox that will work for a while (hence would be a decent used buy).

Don't be thrown by the discussion of $3-4000 bikes on here. Fun can be had for very little scratch.

Good Luck

[Artie Fufkin]

Don't be thrown by the discussion of $3-4000 bikes on here. Fun can be had for very little scratch.

More fun can be had with alot of scratch

I would imagine that there have to be some shops in the Bouldenver area that sell used bikes on consignment. That might be another option with a limited budget.

[bagtagley]

Don't be thrown by the discussion of $3-4000 bikes on here. Fun can be had for very little scratch.

Good Luck

True, but to have fun "little scratch" typically means at least $500. I'm sure money is tight SheRa, but it's well worth throwing down the couple hundred extra for something that isn't just going to frustrate the hell out of you.

Go used.

[biggins]

but to have fun "little scratch" typically means at least $500. I'm sure money is tight SheRa, but it's well worth throwing down the couple hundred extra for something that isn't just going to frustrate the hell out of you.

Go used.

True and true. For $500 you can actually get something pretty trail-worthy. It can be found for $300, but you'll have to get pretty lucky.

Again- craigslist, a lot of people who bought a nice bike, rode it for a while in their neighborhood/around some resevoir with the kids, don't really use it anymore, will sell it cheap.

[jayfrizzo]

Again- craigslist, a lot of people who bought a nice bike, rode it for a while in their neighborhood/around some resevoir with the kids, don't really use it anymore, will sell it cheap.

That's how I got my Kona Muni-Mula with 20 road miles on it for $200 </brag>

[yentna]

I got my little Marin Hawk Hill hardtail for $460 a couple years ago, rode the hell out of it last year, and it held up well, only issues came from banging it up in wrecks (anyone say derailleur sucked into the spokes?). Still rideable now, though I'm moving up the food chain with bigger and bigger suspension. Love that Marin though, climbed well, handled drops well. This year's version is about $550 or so, but comes with disc brakes (a nice upgrade). Bet you could get a slightly used one for less.

[skiguide]

Still rideable now, though I'm moving up the food chain with bigger and bigger suspension. Love that Marin though, climbed well, handled drops well. This year's version is about $550 or so, but comes with disc brakes (a nice upgrade). Bet you could get a slightly used one for less.

hehe...good thing I'm loving the Marin right now for her, so it doesn't feel scorned

it is a good bike, but kinda on the heavy side, I wonder if this year's is lighter too

[gravitylover]

SheRa you should be able to find a Specialized Hardrock Sport for about $330 new. It's a bit heavy but has (almost) acceptable parts. The disc brakes on it make it a pretty good value. The fork is definitely nothing special but at least it's a 100mm travel.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=9345

[shera]

Yes!!! I knew it. Maggots rule, even when they're not skiing.

Well, I did something right. I checked the Summit Daily classifieds before I posted here. There were a number of used bikes in the $200-300 range. But I have absolutely no clue what constitutes a good buy. And today I can't even get onto the classifieds. http://www.gocolorado.net/cmnm-class...b=10&class=mer

Don't I need to figure out the size of bike for my body? Length of my leg? I'm about 33" in the inseam judging from three lengths of paper.

I've never done the craigslist thing before. I had a quick look at the Denver bike section - it's huge! http://denver.craigslist.org/bik/

Seems like used would be better than new, considering my budget. Sorry I can't spend more. I'm just going to tear it up anyway. I'm awfully hard on my toys.

I'll pick up a hardcopy paper and see what they've got that's the right size/price. Then hopefully I can ask you guys if the hardware is decent?

Many, many thanks for helping me out. I did a little singletrack last year and it was pretty much mindblowing fun. And a perfect match for the climbing/skiing I like to do. Plus I want to ride to work a few miles down the road on asphalt. Make Mir strong.

edit - ok, maybe $400. But it better be made of solid gold, er titanium, or whatever.

[Phatstix]

I was looking here in Denver a couple weeks ago for a friend and saw quite a few bikes (some even with full suspension) in that price range at the numerous pawn shops. It sounds strange (I know), but they were actually in pretty good shape. FYI.........

[chaka]

SheRa- Friends have recommended VeloSwap to me in the past. http://www.veloswap.com/ Used to be a Bay Area only thing but it appears it is coming to Denver this year also. Granted, October timeframe probably is death for you, as that means missing several months of prime riding, but the venue is somewhat unique in that you can see a bunch of used rigs side by side, and probably ride them also. I have no idea what the price ranges are like either.
Good luck.

[funkendrenchman]

I was looking here in Denver a couple weeks ago for a friend and saw quite a few bikes (some even with full suspension) in that price range at the numerous pawn shops. It sounds strange (I know), but they were actually in pretty good shape. FYI.........

Yea the thieves usually pick the nice looking ones to steal and pawn.

[Phatstix]

Yea the thieves usually pick the nice looking ones to steal and pawn.

yeah, the last thing anyone needs is bad karma while flying down some rocky mountain side. However, having been broken into before the cops told me that everything that goes to a pawn shop is SUPPOSE to be checked for serial numbers and theft. Who knows for sure though with those folks.....

[shera]

Pawn shops in Denver...I guess that would be ok, if I get down there sometime soon. I don't know what's good or not, maybe Zach or somebody would help me out. Hey Z! I'll buy you beers! Oh, wait - not 21.

At the end of August or so, all the bike rental places up here will be ready to sell.

The ads in the summit daily have dried up completely.

Saw these though:

bicycle STUFF: Trek bike $150 (as is), shorts $5.00 ea. pants $10, jackets $15 ea. wind suit $20 (970) 333 4484
Bicycle: 19 Specialized Stump Jumper, $300. (970)468-6750 ask for Kyle.

I don't know what a "Trek bike" or a "Stump Jumper" is. Such a freaking JONG here. I've been able to ride a bike since I was seven though!

[biggins]

Bicycle: 19 Specialized Stump Jumper, $300. (970)468-6750 ask for Kyle.[/i]

Thats a big bike, but a very decent hardtail.

Do yourself a favor, go down to a shop (the bigger the better) look at the various lines of MTBs they stock. Try to get a sense of what entry-level hardtail is ($3-500), entry-level fully is ($5-700) and every level thereon up. Then get whatever catelogues they have handy and study up on the component spec at each price level. Then you'll be able to better judge how much of a deal a used bike'll be. For instance, if that stumpjumper is say, less than 5 years old and not too beat up that'd be a good deal (though still prob. too big for you- unless you're 6' tall?) 'cause its a higher-end production (not boutique or hand-made) hardtail with a good component spec.

Also, waiting on shops to sell their demos is a good idea, as then you're assured of a pretty new bike. And pawn shops- I dunno, does kinda feel like joining the chain of thieves (and as mentioned before- baaaaad karma).

Good luck.

[focus]

while you're at that shop see if you can't take a few on some test rides.... if nothing else you'll get a better idea of what size you'll need.

[Art Vandelay]

Supergo in Westminster and wheatridge cyclery have lots of bikes. Might be worth it to make a day of trying out tons of bikes at both shops. I'd avoid getting advice from the supergo staff though because they're idiots.

[biggins]

I'd avoid getting advice from the supergo staff though because they're idiots.

Seconded. But lots and lots of bikes indeed.

[Z]

Pawn shops in Denver...I guess that would be ok, if I get down there sometime soon. I don't know what's good or not, maybe Zach or somebody would help me out. Hey Z! I'll buy you beers! Oh, wait - not 21.

not funny. seriously.

ill be on the lookout for you, it seems like the pawn shops ive been in have some no suspension bikes in pretty good condition. Bicycle village and other bike shops sell used stuff and demos too i think.

[shera]

not funny. seriously.

ill be on the lookout for you, it seems like the pawn shops ive been in have some no suspension bikes in pretty good condition. Bicycle village and other bike shops sell used stuff and demos too i think.

Front suspension, er shocks, or whatchamacallit.

How's this look:
BIKE: Diamond Back 18" 24 speeds, Rock Shox, New: V-Brakes, Shifters, Chain, Cassette, Stem, and seat. $200 negotiable. (970) 333-0210

Still wondering about the frame size. When I just get on bike I can generally ride the same size as somebody almost 6' tall because my legs are sort of long, proportionally anyway. 33" at the inseam.

Do either of those shops mentioned have consignment/used bikes? I could give them a call today...