Second hand full sus recommendations? #2

add595

Hi all.

Following on from my previous post, I have realised my budget was way off.

Think I can scrape together, and justify, spending up to £700.

I have spent hours looking at various bikes on Ebay, and reading Bike Radar reviews, I am confused and going cross eyed!

I think about 110-120mm of travel would be ideal, and something that is not too hard on the uphill sections and reasonably lightweight.

I have been looking at:

Giant Trance X 2009>
Specialized Camber Comp 2011
Boardman Team FS 2010

Any more recommendations and/or advice would be appreciated.

cooldad

Where can you get the Spesh for £700?

rockmonkeysc

Trance X. Solid frame with bearings that last well. Giant's warranty also covers the frame for up to five years even if you weren't the original owner.

supersonic

Giant's warranty also covers the frame for up to five years even if you weren't the original owner.

Where does it say that?

The Northern Monkey

There is a mongoose teocali comp at pauls cycles new for £700?

add595

cooldad wrote:

Where can you get the Spesh for £700?

Ebay, second hand.

The Northern Monkey wrote:

There is a mongoose teocali comp at pauls cycles new for £700?

So there is... I will look into it.

supersonic

Without knowing the condition is hard to advise. Can you see the bike, try for size, and check it over? Have the skills to set it up? Remember 2nd hand bikes have no warranty.

add595

I am looking for ones that are listed as having little use, and will be inspecting the bike closely on collection.

I have been building, maintaining and tinkering with bikes since I was old enough to hold a spanner. Therefore I don't mind buying second hand and aren't too concerned about a warranty.

I have been to bike shops and every medium/18" bike I have ridden from the mentioned brands fitted perfectly.

I lost interest in biking about 2006 though, and I am only just getting back into it, so out off the loop on modern bikes and hence after some good advice from you knowledgeable chaps.

paul20v

supersonic wrote:

Remember 2nd hand bikes have no warranty.

in all fairness nor do second hand cars but we spend thousands on them and they have so many things to go wrong with them unlike bikes which are simple in comparison

supersonic

Aye, but if your frame cracks after 2 weeks, is a big loss!

Briggo

supersonic wrote:

Aye, but if your frame cracks after 2 weeks, is a big loss!

If your engine blows up its a big loss!

supersonic

Of course. But I don't drive lol. The risks of buying 2nd hand should be pointed out though. Especially when new old stock can be had for good prices from some places.

Holyzeus

RockmonkeySC wrote:

Trance X. Solid frame with bearings that last well. Giant's warranty also covers the frame for up to five years even if you weren't the original owner.

Love mine but not everyone loves the bearings.
Think you'll find ONLY if your the original owner

Briggo

supersonic wrote:

Of course. But I don't drive lol. The risks of buying 2nd hand should be pointed out though. Especially when new old stock can be had for good prices from some places.

Oh I agree, but as Paul says people buy 2nd hand stuff all the time and dont bat an eyelid at the thought that it doesn't come with warranty, however the warranty seems to be a big issue on here for some.

add595

Holyzeus wrote:

Love mine but not everyone loves the bearings

By bearings, do you mean the rear suspension bearings? How are they faulty, don't last long or just rubbish?

2nd hand concerns noted.

Holyzeus

Not rubbish just some people say they don't last however just as many say they do.
I wouldn't be put off buying 2nd hand personally

tsenior

leave enough in your budget for a fork/shock service, or at least the consumeables and any tools needed if you can DIY

I got a 5 year old marin attack trail for £550 a couple of years ago and had to spend £150 straight away: still a great buy though 8)

1mancity2

add595 wrote:

Holyzeus wrote:

Love mine but not everyone loves the bearings

By bearings, do you mean the rear suspension bearings? How are they faulty, don't last long or just rubbish?

2nd hand concerns noted.

Bearings lasting depend on treatment of the bike, has it been thrashed or pottered on? you take the risk but its not an overly expensive fix.

For £700 you can pick up new old stock as previously stated, if buying second hand ask for service receipts etc and try and take someone along who knows a bit about bikes.

In my dealings with ebay most are honest folk selling unwanted items, check their feedback and see what they have sold previously and what comments have been left.

turnerjohn

paul20v wrote:

supersonic wrote:

Remember 2nd hand bikes have no warranty.

in all fairness nor do second hand cars but we spend thousands on them and they have so many things to go wrong with them unlike bikes which are simple in comparison

car dealer has to supply 3month warrenty by law....some offer more

paul20v

turnerjohn wrote:

paul20v wrote:

supersonic wrote:

Remember 2nd hand bikes have no warranty.

in all fairness nor do second hand cars but we spend thousands on them and they have so many things to go wrong with them unlike bikes which are simple in comparison

car dealer has to supply 3month warrenty by law....some offer more

your right car dealers offer a 3 month warranty , but most cars/vans i buy have been private no warranties
its like everything you take it as you see it if the 2nd hand bike looks like a dog it probably is .

add595

Getting back to bikes...

I have bought an '09 Giant Trance X5... within my original budget! Looks like it has had little use. 'Octalink' stickers still on cranks, original tyres still have loads of the small spikes on, no puncture repairs on the tubes, paintwork in excellent condition etc. Very happy with it.

Been out on it today, oh wow, it is a world apart from my Zen1. Geometry feels much better for me, front forks are in a different league, the maestro suspension system seems great.

It is a keeper... Until something else tempts me anyway.

Thanks for your help folks.

386ka

Great, may great trails come under the wheels of your new pride, just update your signature

add595

Signature updated.

Now, when can I get to Dalby...

paul20v

Glad your a happy person 8)