Restarting MTB - What do I need? Is anyone selling?

**Franz Klammer** · 04-23-2006, 07:02 PM

Alright boys and girls,

After many summers abroad in far away places, it seems like I'm finally going to stay in New England this summer. I haven't been biking regularly for about 7-8 years (except for my daily bike commutes around Boston) so I'm not quite sure what I need. Just give me a couple of suggestions.

Obviously I'm also looking for a ride so if you have a cheap (and I mean REALLY cheap) setup that would suit a 6'3'' 190lbs rider, let me know.

**mtnbikerskierchick** · 04-23-2006, 07:06 PM

Two bikes on this thread, although not sure of their size
http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=52013

**Franz Klammer** · 04-25-2006, 12:02 AM

Come on, boys and girls, help me out!

**Spats** · 04-25-2006, 12:47 AM

What's your inseam? I've got a 19" I'm looking to sell, but it might be slightly too small for you if you've got long legs.

**biggins** · 04-25-2006, 08:37 AM

I have a 20" Cannondale hardtail with a 4" travel fork (Marz Z-5) that I might be willing to part with. Its 6 years old, but I've taken meticulous care of it and even put new wheels on her (Mavic 519s- pretty tough for a bigger guy). I'm 6'3" so the size should work well for you. I live in Cambridge so there'd be no shipping necessary. Won't be absurdly cheap, but we could definitely discuss how cheap I can go. PM me if you're interested.

**tradygirl** · 04-25-2006, 08:38 AM

My husband is selling his bike. Trek 8000 frame, Judy race fork, LX shifters and Crankset, XT derallieurs, Avid 2.0 V-brakes, Rolf Satellite wheels. light!!!!
The frame is a medium. He was thinking around $400. No rear suspension.

**Franz Klammer** · 04-25-2006, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by Spats

What's your inseam? I've got a 19" I'm looking to sell, but it might be slightly too small for you if you've got long legs.

Inseam is 34 so, yes, I have long legs.

**jayfrizzo** · 04-25-2006, 09:24 AM

I'll sell you my AS-X. It will put you in good cardio shape.

**bagtagley** · 04-25-2006, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by jayfrizzo

I'll sell you my AS-X. It will put you in good cardio shape.

You're not selling the AS-X!

**CantDog** · 04-25-2006, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Franz Klammer

Inseam is 34 so, yes, I have long legs.

I can vouch for Franz's legs. They are long and shapely.

**Spats** · 04-25-2006, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by Franz Klammer

Inseam is 34 so, yes, I have long legs.

Can you measure seat-to-pedal distance on your commute bike? Drop the pedal down so it's in line with the seatpost, and measure from the pedal spindle straight up to the top of the seat, in line with the seatpost.

That'll give everyone with a bike to sell an idea of whether you'll fit...if the seat is six inches above the bars when we set that distance, or the seatpost is beyond minimum insertion, the answer is "no".

Then there is the question of how long a top tube and stem you prefer, but that's hard to diagnose over the Internets.

**jayfrizzo** · 04-25-2006, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by bagtagley

You're not selling the AS-X!

I might, actually. I could get a trail bike and pedal fast, since I don't go fast downhill.

**Franz Klammer** · 04-26-2006, 03:38 PM

Sprocket Girls and Boys,

Thanks for the info so far. I went for a little restart at Lynn Woods this morning with my PhD supervisor who has a couple of spare bikes. The bike was too small for me, but it was enormous fun and as it turns out I haven't forgotten everything (and I have added a couple of bruises to the temple that is my body ...).

However, given that not as much of a muppet as I thought I would be, I am thinking of getting a full-suspension bike (or maybe I don't need need that?). CantDog, didn't you say you were thinking of selling your bike?

I'll try to find some measuring tape to measure my legs.

**shmerham** · 04-27-2006, 04:32 AM

If I was going to be riding the greater boston area, I'd want full suspension. Obviously if you can't afford it, you can make do with a hardtail. I'm a pussy though and I'd probably just not ride.

**CantDog** · 04-27-2006, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Franz Klammer

Sprocket Girls and Boys,

Thanks for the info so far. I went for a little restart at Lynn Woods this morning with my PhD supervisor who has a couple of spare bikes. The bike was too small for me, but it was enormous fun and as it turns out I haven't forgotten everything (and I have added a couple of bruises to the temple that is my body ...).

However, given that not as much of a muppet as I thought I would be, I am thinking of getting a full-suspension bike (or maybe I don't need need that?). CantDog, didn't you say you were thinking of selling your bike?

I'll try to find some measuring tape to measure my legs.

Sorry FK, but I was thinking you wanted a roadish bike, I was considering selling my 'cross bike and building up something new.

**MassLiberal** · 04-27-2006, 08:09 AM

Franz, very cheap full suspension ride? what are you looking for, a huffy?

**Yeti** · 04-27-2006, 08:25 AM

Along these same lines: what FS MTB setups (used or new) would the collective recommend if I had $500 to spend? 1000? If I had $300 to spend, am I better off fixing up my old Mongoose Hilltopper with front shocks and new components?

**Franz Klammer** · 04-27-2006, 09:05 AM

I have now accepted that I should buy a FS for around $1000. Anyone selling in that range?

**flowtron** · 04-27-2006, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by Franz Klammer

I have now accepted that I should buy a FS for around $1000. Anyone selling in that range?

Both you and Yeti should consider buying a new Specialized FSR XC. Its one of the best deals in affordable entry level full suspension out there.
I think msrp is right around $1000-$1100. A very nice frame, proven suspension design. Parts are kind of so-so, but for $1000 full suspension you can do a whole lot worse.
Find the biggest, most abhorent, bike-mega-store Specialized dealer in your area and go haggle. They may not be able to come down too much on price, but will prolly be able to cut you deals on accessories and stuff. And by going to one of these stores you don't have to feel bad about haggling with some small bike shop's ever shrinking margin on Specialized stuff.

edit: MSRP looks to be $1200 FWIW

**shmerham** · 04-27-2006, 10:01 AM

Craiglist, ebay, bike forums

Buy a 3 year old bike used - should be good and less expensive

My friend has a Jamix XLT 2.0 that he got 3 years ago. Great bike for the money. He's 215 lbs and hard on stuff and he did break one section (can't remember what and how serious).

I'm not an expert by any means. Just some ideas.

**Franz Klammer** · 04-27-2006, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by Spats

What's your inseam? I've got a 19" I'm looking to sell, but it might be slightly too small for you if you've got long legs.

Spats, I'm interested. What'ya got?

**biggins** · 04-27-2006, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by shmerham

Craiglist, ebay, bike forums

MTBR.com is a good place to hit up daily. Check the 'latest ads posted.' After 2 months of looking, I found exactly what I was looking for, local, for a great price.

Also if all else fails, there's a 20" hardtail available for around $400.

I'll throw in a second set of wheels with slicks for commuting too. I understand the desire for a fully, however. Happy hunting.

**shmerham** · 04-27-2006, 11:14 AM

I bought my bike from the mtbr classifieds. Worked out quite well.

Kinda neat, the woman I bought it from (it wasn't a woman's bike, btw) worked for Fox. Some of the parts came in a box for a fork that was used to deliver Brian Lopes's fork. It had his name written on it with the settings. Unfortunately it was just a recycled box and not his fork, bike, etc.

**Franz Klammer** · 04-27-2006, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by biggins

MTBR.com is a good place to hit up daily. Check the 'latest ads posted.' After 2 months of looking, I found exactly what I was looking for, local, for a great price.

Also if all else fails, there's a 20" hardtail available for around $400.

I'll throw in a second set of wheels with slicks for commuting too. I understand the desire for a fully, however. Happy hunting.

Thanks for the advice. I now know how to waste away the next month on ebay and mtbr.com.