Help deciding, please !!

34marin77

From my £400 max budget, I am left with a few choices... i'm just looking for a little guidance and advice.
There may be things that are obvious to you but not so to me.

So, I present to you 2, sorry..now 4 choices

1) 2005/6 Trek Liquid 55 (all original components)
2) 2007/8 Marin Eldridge Grade hardtail (all original components)

3) 2009/10 Carrera Fury in white

4) Specialized Centrum hybrid hardtail that has been rebuilt


I am looking to start viewing them tomorrow and finish over the weekend.

My cycling habit is going to be mostly commuting but once spring comes I am going to be searching for some nice out of the way common or forest tracks to enjoy.

Thanks you for your time and help, it willing be much appreciated.

:-)[/i]

cooldad

Doubt many people have the specs for all bikes memorised.

34marin77

From Trek website..

http://www.trekbikes.com/uk/en/bikes/20 ... e/liquid55


From bikelist...

http://www.thebikelist.co.uk/marin/eldr ... 2007/specs


From gumtree...

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/speci ... m/90013995


Thanks

cooldad

The Marin for the fork alone. Providing it's been looked after.

Giraffoto

I got a 2011 Hardrock Sport Disk for that budget, lovely machine. Just to confuse the issue further

34marin77

cooldad wrote:

The Marin for the fork alone. Providing it's been looked after.

Is the fork that good ?

Apologies for the stupid question...things have moved on alot since i was last into cycling.

The example being, i have an early 90,s Marin Muirwood (yellowish/ green frame) that 6 years ago i decided to upgrade virtually everything... i felt it ashame to leave it and couldn't bring myself to spend hundreds on a new bike.

I'm going to wonder off a little here so bare with me...

I had an 8 speed shimano LX cassette fitted
Deore XT rear derailleur
Shimano LX front crank
Truvativ Isoflow front gears
Deore LX front derailleur
Deore LX v-brakes
Deore LX shifters and brake levers
Mavic X221 rims with Continental road tyres

After all that i rode the bike for less than a year and now i realise it's near prehistoric and i need to get updated especially as i want to ride more !

I stopped keeping current with bikes and technology around them back in 2004/5, so i'm really playing catch up now.

Thanks for your patience.

Out of curiosity, what's the Trek like and the components it has....i can hardly find any type of review on the bike itself.

supersonic

That Trek is old - I wouln't be happy with a 6 year old, flexy full susser, and is overkill for the riding you suggest. The hybrid though may limit you.

The Marin has the best spec. If it fits, and is in good condition, it would be my choice.

cooldad

Sell the old Marin on www.retrobike.co.uk

34marin77

Thanks for the help.
:-)

I'm going to see the Marin tomorrow, with regard to the fork, is there anything I should look out for.

Much appreciated.

cooldad

You could check that it's been serviced.
Make sure all the adjustments work, it holds air, feels smooth. Has no cracks.
If the bike looks thrashed or badly maintained, walk away.

34marin77

Right,

Saw the Marin yesterday evening...

It is not standard

Has Mavic X223 wheels with road tyres, Deore XT front and Rear mecs, no longer running Truvativ Firex front groupset (shimano deore, if I remember rightly).

The fork feels smooth...as it describes 'float'.

My only concern is there is a tiny amount of play on the back wheel, not in the sense that it's warped but perhaps more like the hub is tired or something to that effect.

Otherwise the bike rides very smoothly, brakes are delicate (I mean that in a good way), gears smooth.

Servicing wise, it's had the mechanisms and chain cleaned and tuned. The bike for the last couple of years has only been used for commuting.

Any further views, opinions welcome..


Now, I have another dilema..
a
Carrera Vengeance Ultimate Ltd with upgraded RockShox Reba SL fork, Hayes trail disc brakes, standard wheels & tyres plus Mavic 317 wheels with Panaracer fire x tyres, Hope skewers, bar ends and plugs. Pro Koryak finishing kit. Rest is standard. Comes with pump, lock, lights and gloves.


What is better Fox 32 F100R or RockShox Reba SL?
For a matter of £60 difference what would make the best proposition?

vinnn

Hubs take a few mins to tighten, shouldn't be a problem there.
Any reason why you're buying an MTB for commuting? Is your commute off-road or are you trying to make it harder for yourself?

Pudseyp

Depends on the condition of the forks....If the Marin is in good condition and the fork stancions have no sign of wear, that's where my money would be.

34marin77

Got it for a few notes under £400.

Frame has usual marks that would be expected on any bike a few years old. Fork feels fine, will have to increase the air pressure in them as i'm a good 10kg heavier than the last owner

It has Deore XT front crankset.

I figure the bike will need a little tune up and set up to match me better.


Thanks again guys.