Advice Required - can I get a trade in do you think?

Snelly

Hi,

I have got two bikes, a Bianchi Via Norone road bike - very nice but I just don't use it. Also have a Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc 09 which is about 4 weeks old.

The situation is this....I got the road bike through C2W a year ago and have barely used it. Frame s a bit too big basically. It is in almost new condition.

When that round of C2W finished, I got the MTB and it has been just fantastic. I live in the middle of the South Downs in Sussex and love riding it, love the bike and it has enabled me to meet plenty of new mates in the village I live in too as there is an MTB club.

My problem that I would like advice on though is this..... the riding I am doing makes me think that I would be much better off with a full-suss MTB as I get a bit of back ache when I ride over 20 miles in a morning on chalk bridleways and this lasts for a while.

This, coupled with my (surprise to myself) level of enthusiasm for mountain biking has led me to think that I should try and swap my new MTB and barely used road bike for a decent full suss MTB as this will be much more in line with my needs.

My questions then are:

Do local bike shops go for trade in deals? If the Bianchi and the Specialized MTB were £700-ish each and in very good nick, what should I hope to get for as a trade in value? Am I just better off selling them and getting the cash and then buying what I want? Lastly, if I went for a Specialized FSR XC Comp, is this a good choice and if so, what should I look at contributing to the deal in ££ terms if I traded both my current bikes in for this?

I appreciate that this is a few questions in one but am quite new to current MTB's and am looking for friendly advice which seems to be in abundance on this forum!

Thanks in advance,


Snelly

nicklouse

some do some dont.

Back ache is more likely to be position.

Sus will not help. A well set up Full (XC) feels just like a hard tail. Except when standing up decending. Note standing up as you would be on an HT with your legs doing the work.

Snelly

Thanks - seat may be a bit high but back ache is probably due to the fact that I am over 35 and not all that fit. I am hopeful that it will go in time as the muscles get stronger.

Maybe I just feel the need for full suspension!?!

bomberesque

I suppose your bikes are worth about half new value. Sorry

most shops I know would take one bike in PX against a new one but wouldn't really want 2. they do PX to secure the sale tbh, not because they like selling 2nd hand bikes. Chances are you'd do best to PX one in against the new bike and ebay / classified the other one.

Plus, ^ what nick says about XC FS bikes and backs. You could go with a longer travel bike (5-6") but, well, let's just say at 38 I decided not to (although that may be partly due to me being banned from bringing any new 2 wheelers into the house this year.... :roll: )

About your back pain. If lower back then, like me, you probably have hamstring trouble. It's common amongst cyclists. Get into a decent stretching routine before you ride and you will notice a world of difference. A step further take up Yoga, the first half of the Astana Yoga set is almost all Hamstring stretches.

And for sure your riding position may be making it worse. Perhaps try a higher rise stem or riser bars. A decent LBS should be able to help you with rider position.

Snelly

Bomberesque - you are spot on. My LBS wants the Rockhopper but suggests selling the Bianchi. Back pain - yes I am certain hamstrings are part of the problem.