Newbie needs advice!

Pavel Spirine

Hi everyone,

First post here, so do forgive me if it's in the wrong section (there appears to be an overwhelming selection).

Could somebody please advise me if a dent such as this one is a reason for stepping away from a purchase?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0371595495



I'm looking for a used hard-tail in the 300-350 pound range to go trail riding with my girlfriend (just very mild terrain, I've ridden lots [albeit not hardcore mountain biking] but she's a beginner biker). I've in the past had a Y27 Trek (budget bike), which served me well but was crap!
So I'm looking for something that won't break, and that's an all rounder (don't want a climbing racing machine). I'm looking at things like Trek 6000-6500 series, Scott Aspect, Rockhopper, and XTC models... My main requirements are as nice a fork as possible, at least deore components and disc brakes (don't mind if the bike is a V setup but with disc hubs like the old 6500SLR). Would prefer to get something with a good frame too so that upgrades in the future aren't a waste of money.

I intend on upgrading to a proper full suspension bike in the 1250 pound range next year.

Just wanted to clarify whether superficial dents like that are anything to worry about?

Also, how easy is it to assemble a bike by myself? (I'm very handy with spanners etc., work on cars LOTS, just never dealt with setup of deraillers etc.)


King regards
Pavel

rustncogs

Welcome to the forum!

It looks like a pretty minor dent and if you’re only going to be using it for some light trail riding I wouldn’t worry. If it was intended for some extreme down-hilling over rough terrain or something I’d hang back and see what the experts say. To qualify my statement, I do most of my riding in the city, but I’d have no problem riding that frame on or off-road.

As far as building a bike up yourself goes; if you’re in any way mechanically minded, go for it! You’ll enjoy it, you’ll learn a lot, and when you’re out riding and something goes wrong, you’ll know how to fix it. A bike is a lot less complicated than a car after all, and there is loads of help on here and on other sites if you get stuck. Deraileurs etc. just take a bit of patience, and small adjustments.

Good luck!

Stephen-Hawking

Frame looks a good-un. the dent's fukc all as we say in engineering terms.

supersonic

The second hand market can be a good way to get some great bargains, but you have to know what you are looking for, are positive the parts are in good working order and are mechanically minded enough to put all the bits together and/or service them. You say you are a newbie which concerns me, but your experience and mechanical nunace may see you through. Also be aware that you will have no warranty.

I would look at the 08 and 07 bikes that are in sales. For instance this:

http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/products.p ... T_XTC_4.5_

Comparable frame and forks to that Hopper, full build with 27 gears and hydro discs, full warranty and will be built and set up for you.

Pavel Spirine

Thanks for the replies everyone, very helpful so far!

I would like to clarify at this point that I have no reservations about my mechanical ability to build up a bike from scratch, and maintain it. Rebuilding engines and gearboxes is also somewhat fiddly and precise!

I guess I was more interested in knowing what kind of superficial frame damage is acceptable (I haven't a clue about the wall thickness of the tubes used in the latest alum bikes)

Thanks for the link to the sale bikes, that XTC 4.5 looks mighty tempting.

The reason for looking at used bikes really is that I don't mind tinkering about with one, and rather enjoy working on things, so some TLC isn't a problem for me if I can end up with a good all round package with good components for a decent price.

If my gf and I take up biking more seriously, next year I'll be buying a decent full susser, and that will be purchased brand new, so at the moment I'm really limiting myself to 300-350 pounds for something to hold me over till then!

Pavel

supersonic

The dent does look superficial, but I wouldn't pay too much over the current price, even with the forks (they are quite old and may need a good service or bits replacing). Most cracks are from the weld areas.

Park Tools website has lots of guides on bike set up - you will need some specific tools to fit certain components.