Browsing Craigslist for my very first MTB ~$300. Please help :)

therightcoastrider
edited June 2018 in MTB buying advice
hey all, looking to find a used bike after having not ridden since i was about 16 (31 now).

i am assuming i want a rigid hardtail - something versatile enough for some NY/NJ trails but comfortable and smooth enough to ride to the beach or across town.

i am 5'11, ~190lbs but otherwise have yet be professionally sized.

i have come across the following, both on my own and from the helpful folks over in the 29er forum.

i look forward to learning - and even more, to riding. thanks!

https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/specia ... 88768.html

https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/trek-8 ... 61627.html

https://cnj.craigslist.org/bik/d/gary-f ... 52013.html

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/bik ... 69843.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/bik/ ... 22777.html

https://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/bik/ ... 34537.html

Comments

  • mattyfez
    mattyfez Posts: 638
    Just by looking I'd say the red specialzed or green trek or the black trek,
    The green one looks in very good condition but it's hard to tell from pictures sometimes.

    They all look fairly similar.. With second hand bikes you really have to view and ideally test ride them so you can judge...
    Does it fit you
    General condition.. Any squeeks, ticks, rattles or clunks?
    Are the wheels straight and spin freely without any resistance,
    Do the brakes operate properly
    Do the gears change properly

    It's all about condition and how well maintained the bike is with these kind of bikes really.
  • billycool
    billycool Posts: 833
    Loving the retro bikes!

    I love the Spesh, just because I had a couple of rigids back in the day.

    The green Trek does look quite shiny, but again, you need to loot at the condition and general wear and tear.

    For your height, theoretically a 19" frame should be about right or a bit bigger. You would need to try it for size though.

    These bikes are quite old and not sure what you mean when you say `trails`. The Spesh is rigid with no front shock so bear that in mind.
    "Ride, crash, replace"
  • mattyfez wrote:
    Just by looking I'd say the red specialzed or green trek or the black trek,
    The green one looks in very good condition but it's hard to tell from pictures sometimes.

    They all look fairly similar.. With second hand bikes you really have to view and ideally test ride them so you can judge...
    Does it fit you
    General condition.. Any squeeks, ticks, rattles or clunks?
    Are the wheels straight and spin freely without any resistance,
    Do the brakes operate properly
    Do the gears change properly

    It's all about condition and how well maintained the bike is with these kind of bikes really.
    thanks!

    do you know much about the models themselves - the Trek and Specialized?
  • Also, does $250 for that Spesh seem fair? Seems high to me but what do I know?
  • mattyfez
    mattyfez Posts: 638
    Also, does $250 for that Spesh seem fair? Seems high to me but what do I know?

    It's difficult to say, as most people on this forum are UK based, so we don't know what your local second hand market is like but converting the price into £ I'd say it's a bit expensive unless it's in absoutley showroom condition.