mountain bike

sageadvice

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I've been wanting to replace my stolen mt bike(s) for some time and yesterday came across what i think was a pretty good deal on a used one. It's a 12 year old name brand bike in like new condition, original everything, aluminum frame and shocks on the front and back, weighs 27 lbs.

My old bikes never had the shocks. It feels a little mushy as i'm a big guy, over 300lbs, but i understand the shocks, manitou, are adjustable so maybe i can stiffen it up some. I am going to put new heavy duty tires on it, original ones on it look new but on close inspection are weather cracked, but other than that, the plan is to ride the heck out of it on our mountain roads, a few not too rugged trails, and around town. Hopefully this will aid in losing some additional weight and getting in better shape for the coming hunting season.

What do you think? Will the bike hold up under my weight?

Joey
 
LAST EDITED ON Apr-10-09 AT 10:13PM (MST)[p]A few years back I thought that I was going to start mt. biking so I put together a pretty sweet bike out of a Cannondale frame, I'm actually into it quite a bit of money. I rode it like once, apparently mt. biking is quite a bit of work...
 
I hope i get more use of it than that. In any event, i'm having trouble just getting motivated for going on long hikes, without fishing or hunting involved, so hoping this will seem more appealing :)

I rode it to the bike shop yesterday to get air in the tires and buy a adapter so i can put air in with a regular nozzle pump. Turns out, the bike shop owner actually sold the bike to who, spoiled rich kid, i bought it from. Said it cost $1399 new... i paid $250 for it on a steal of a deal so can't go wrong. The shop owner said i could easy get 8-$900, for it on Ebay. It's a Marin Nail Trail FRS

I'm going to need a wider seat, Yikes, Friday i think, and then will give er a go for a good ride. If i don't like it for some reason, i may trade it in for a Townie Cruiser, That's probably more my style a bike for my size and age.

Joey
 
Joey,

I know what you mean about getting motivated...A few years ago I wanted to do some hiking to get in better shape so I bought a decent digital camera and kinda got into photography a little bit..Anyway taking the camera along on hikes in hopes of snapping some wildlife or scenery photo's is pretty fun also...

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Thanks Bucksnort! I appreciate the understanding. Age doesn't effect all people the same way but for me, after putting in a good day like i finally have these past couple weeks, i'm beat. Once i'm out the door and on my way it's fine, i can do what i want to do, be it a bit slower, but it's just getting the gumption to get out from the puter, away from the TV, and out that door.

It's all MonsterMuleys Fault!!

Joey
 
I would think twice about a 12 year old bike. Like many other things, bike technology has come a long way and prices have come down.If it has been ridden a fair amount, a 12 yr old mtn bike probably has seen its better days. Fatigued frame, worn drive train, worn shocks, etc... If you are a big guy, you should consider a 29er. That is a mtn bike with 29" wheels instead of 26" wheels. The bigger wheels just plow right over rocks, roots etc. and most have front shocks with a lock out.
 
Thanks for the advice. I've had it checked by two bike shop owners, they both say, i can't see anything different, that it's old but "brand new." One of them said that i could "ride the heck out of it and then one day plan on passing it down to my grandkids, it's that kinda quality"

I still haven't gotten a comfortable, read; one that doesn't feel like it's gonna split me in two, seat for it so i've been limited to short rides. A buddy has laid claim to it if i want to sell or trade. Thanks! 29er, i'll check that out!

Joey
 
sage,

You can always remove the seat and replace it with a 15" saddle...lol



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Disclaimer:
The poster does not take any responsibility for any hurt or bad feelings. Reading threads poses inherent risks. The poster would like to remind readers to make sure they have a functional sense of humor before they visit any discussion board.
 
LAST EDITED ON Apr-26-09 AT 10:50PM (MST)[p]I got kicked out by Ramone in the wilderness so I gave up on the idea!

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Rackmaster
 
Joey,

A lot of older bikes are 'serviceable'. They will be ok for most types of riding. If you ever get serious about it you will want something a little more modern. I had an older Marin Mt Vision suspension bike with a manitou shock for about 8 years. I thought it was a pretty fair bike, and it was in it's time, until I upgraded. Now I wouldn't ride anything without full suspension and hydraulic disc brakes. In fact I just finished my thrice weekly night ride around Horse Mountain. It's too hot to ride during the day and riding with LED night lights is a kick in the pants.

Bean
 
Bean, This bike has both front and rear manitou shocks with cool looking braking system but i do agree with you in that there must have been great improvements since this bike was made.

Update; the bike is sitting in the back room, still sitting were i put it since i brought it home from being appraised-assessed at the bike shop. It doesn't really fit me and the back shocks are too spongy for my liking. I had it sold to a friend for $500. and was going to buy an Electra townie type 7 speed but my bud's work slowed way down, mine too, so he backed out the deal which is fine. I'm hoping sell it to help with this years Wyoming Muley-Antelope trip or trade it, another bike or maybe a spotting scope.

Joey
 

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