REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Buying used and trying to decide between a few-

2712 Views 32 Replies 14 Participants Last post by EmmaPie, Jan 4, 2022

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · Dec 17, 2021

Hi there,
Im new to this game, having tons of fun on my old beat up schwin but do realize there is a reason a sticker on my bike says "not used for off-road riding". I have 3 young ones (9, 7, and 5) that I have recently upgraded to decent rides for trails (at least for a beginner) and now im looking for something to keep up. We ride trails almost exclusively. 3-5xs a week, riding green sometimes blue trails. We also travel full-time in an RV so I cannot have an expensive bike or one that will break down quick bc of weather (we currently store our bikes under a tarp when not used. These are the ones in our current area that fit my price range and I THINK are decent. I know they arent perfect but just needing something decent for now that i can lug around and have fun.

Marin Bobcat Trail 3 2020 (like new listed for $450)
2020 Marin Bobcat Trail 3 - Specs, Reviews, Images - Mountain Bike Database (mtbdatabase.com)

Marin Bobcat trail 4 (good condition, listed for $650)
looks like some things were upgraded --Cup installed for tapered tube, cane creek crown race, Maxxis tires, rock shox 120 front suspension, rock Shox mud flap, KS dropper post, Raceface front wheel (ultra light) grips and pedals
Marin Bikes | Bobcat Trail 4

Jamis Durango A1 (like new, listed for $600)
Jamis | Durango A1 | Mountain Bike | 2021 (bikeattack.com)

Rei Co-op drt 1.2 (listed for $700, looks like-new)
Co-op Cycles DRT 1.2 Bike | REI Co-op

Would love any direction! Im 5'6 130lbs female if that helps any??

1 - 20 of 33 Posts

Bathrobianwizard

· #2 · Dec 17, 2021

In regards to how you store your bike, do you store them outside? If so you might want to consider better security measures, when getting a more desirable bike like the ones listed above

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 17, 2021

Bathrobianwizard said:
In regards to how you store your bike, do you store them outside? If so you might want to consider better security measures, when getting a more desirable bike like the ones listed above

I do store them outside locked to the frame of our travel trailer with a cover. i do not (or will not) have any other option while we are traveling. Hense not wanting something super expensive.

kevine1785

· #4 · Dec 17, 2021

If the Marin Bobcat trail 4 comes with the dropper, new tires and upgraded fork (hopefully an air shock).. I would go with that one hands down!

Reactions: 1

eb1888

· #5 · Dec 17, 2021

I'd also go with the RockShox Marin if it fits you. Which model fork is it? Which size bike? 29?

Old Marine

· #6 · Dec 17, 2021

Bathrobianwizard said:
In regards to how you store your bike, do you store them outside? If so you might want to consider better security measures, when getting a more desirable bike like the ones listed above

Do you enjoy micromanaging other peoples lives, or do just have an incurable chronic disease that disables all of your pre-presumptuous filters.

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 17, 2021

eb1888 said:
I'd also go with the RockShox Marin if it fits you. Which model fork is it? Which size bike? 29?

its a 27.5 which i think i may like better anyway, i need a medium frame with how long my legs are and felt like the 29s i didnt have as much control over. ill ask about the model fork.

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 17, 2021

kevine1785 said:
If the Marin Bobcat trail 4 comes with the dropper, new tires and upgraded fork (hopefully an air shock).. I would go with that one hands down!

im just concerned im too new to see if he did his upgrades properly, what if he jacked it up and i cant tell till it starts breaking down on me, is that possible?

Taroroot

· #9 · Dec 17, 2021

Honestly it comes down to fit, true condition, and price. Theyre all pretty comparable and will handle the type if riding.the Marins have the positive of stainless spokes, much preferable than the galvanized in the jamis. Esp stored out in elements, galvanized will get ugly then corrode faster.

Reactions: 2

driven916

· #10 · Dec 17, 2021

mysticnomad said:
im just concerned im too new to see if he did his upgrades properly, what if he jacked it up and i cant tell till it starts breaking down on me, is that possible?

I also think the Marin with upgrades and dropper is a good choice, provided it fits you, and the modifications were done properly. Do you know anyone who is knowledgeable about bikes that can accompany you to asses the bike and ask questions? Or maybe a local bike shop (LBS) would be willing to help you out? Meet the seller there and maybe throw the LBS some business for their assistance. Win-win.

Reactions: 1

BrianU

· #11 · Dec 17, 2021

Old Marine said:
Do you enjoy micromanaging other peoples lives, or do just have an incurable chronic disease that disables all of your pre-presumptuous filters.

Bathrobianwizard was asking a very valid question and brought up an issue that really does need to taken seriously. The OP mentioned that he is relatively new to this sport and may not realize the current problem with bikes being stolen. Even buying the relatively inexpensive mountain bikes he mentioned will still be a major financial loss when stolen, and I hate to say it, but considering the method he plans to store and secure them, is very likely.

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 17, 2021

BrianU said:
Bathrobianwizard was asking a very valid question and brought up an issue that really does need to taken seriously. The OP mentioned that he is relatively new to this sport and may not realize the current problem with bikes being stolen. Even buying the relatively inexpensive mountain bikes he mentioned will still be a major financial loss when stolen, and I hate to say it, but considering the method he plans to store and secure them, is very likely.

Thanks so much, and appreciate your concern. We know the possibility of stolen bikes, we have been on the road a bit over a year now and have met a few people that have had it done to them. We are not unfamiliar with stolen items. However in our current circumstance we are doing the best we can to store them properly and secure the best we can. I am not ready to just give up biking for fear of a stolen bike if that makes sense. I am just hoping for good suggestions on the bike itself and am well prepared and aware of the consequences. thanks again!

Reactions: 1

julianw

· #13 · Dec 18, 2021

if your legs are long and your upper body is short, or if you have short arms, a small might work for you. i would size the bike according to your reach because if you are too stretched out it will be hard to maneuver the bike. if the sellers have different length stems you can try that would help you too.

Reactions: 1

eri

· #14 · Dec 18, 2021

I love that you’re getting into it and are experiencing the limits of your current bike. Good stuff.

you’ve ridden some, you’ll ride more and learn more. buying a used bike can be fraught. You really need a trusted expert to help.

driven916 said:
I also think the Marin with upgrades and dropper is a good choice, provided it fits you, and the modifications were done properly. Do you know anyone who is knowledgeable about bikes that can accompany you to asses the bike and ask questions? Or maybe a local bike shop (LBS) would be willing to help you out? Meet the seller there and maybe throw the LBS some business for their assistance. Win-win.

This is solid advice. Pay the shop to look the bike over, check for stolen vin, etc. These bikes are complex and there’s a lot that can go wrong, good modern bike can last many years of riding.

Reactions: 1

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 18, 2021

eri said:
I love that you’re getting into it and are experiencing the limits of your current bike. Good stuff.

you’ve ridden some, you’ll ride more and learn more. buying a used bike can be fraught. You really need a trusted expert to help.

This is solid advice. Pay the shop to look the bike over, check for stolen vin, etc. These bikes are complex and there’s a lot that can go wrong, good modern bike can last many years of riding.

Thats my plan! i agree, sounded like a good idea to me. I think im going to go for the Marlin Bobcat 4 and am now requesting we meet at a local bike shop. Thanks so much for your input!

Reactions: 1

BrianU

· #16 · Dec 18, 2021

mysticnomad said:
Thanks so much, and appreciate your concern. We know the possibility of stolen bikes, we have been on the road a bit over a year now and have met a few people that have had it done to them. We are not unfamiliar with stolen items. However in our current circumstance we are doing the best we can to store them properly and secure the best we can. I am not ready to just give up biking for fear of a stolen bike if that makes sense. I am just hoping for good suggestions on the bike itself and am well prepared and aware of the consequences. thanks again!

Glad you are sticking with it and with your traveling, be able to hit some great places to ride. I was not trying to turn you off from getting a better bike and apologize if that was the way it came across, but just wanted to make sure you were aware of a very, unfortunately, common problem these days. Here in the Oklahoma City, Tulsa area and probably everywhere for that matter, it is crazy how bold the thieves are.

Good advise on the Marin posted above.

If you are ever in my neck of the woods, give me a holler and I'll show you around!

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 18, 2021

kevine1785 said:
If the Marin Bobcat trail 4 comes with the dropper, new tires and upgraded fork (hopefully an air shock).. I would go with that one hands down!

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #18 · Dec 18, 2021

4

Tire Bicycle Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Wheel Crankset

Bicycle Wheel Tire Land vehicle Bicycles--Equipment and supplies

Bicycle Tire Wheel Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Crankset

Bicycle Tire Wheel Bicycles--Equipment and supplies Bicycle wheel

Okay, it’s a rock shox air fork. Also has a thru-axle installed.
i have no one that i know that is experienced in mountain bikes. I am planning to ask this guy to meet me at a local bike shop but unfortunately I dont know this place and am going only off of google reviews so hopefully its reputable. The only downside is that it is 45 minutes drive for this guy, not sure if its going to be too much to ask. From what yall see in pics does it look like the guy knew what he was doing with upgrades? He claims he did the upgrades himself "but done right. All simple upgrades. Nothing with gearing or anything that could cause real problems. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable doing that myself lol"
not sure what other questions to ask before asking him to commit to a drive (if he's willing to!!)
Thanks guys so much for anyone taking the time to help me out!!!

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eb1888

· #19 · Dec 19, 2021

Spacers under the stem looks good. He didn't cut the fork steerer tube too short. Ask for the fork pump. You'll need one to adjust the air pressure in the fork for sag. It's a high pressure hand pump. You can't use a regular tire pump.
It looks good. Feel all the spokes to see if any are loose. Spin the wheels to check for true.
If you go to a shop ask them to check for chain stretch. And look at the teeth on the front and the larger rear gears. If they're pointy too much they're getting worn.

Reactions: 2

mysticnomad

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 19, 2021

eb1888 said:
Spacers under the stem looks good. He didn't cut the fork steerer tube too short. Ask for the fork pump. You'll need one to adjust the air pressure in the fork for sag. It's a high pressure hand pump. You can't use a regular tire pump.
It looks good. Feel all the spokes to see if any are loose. Spin the wheels to check for true.
If you go to a shop ask them to check for chain stretch. And look at the teeth on the front and the larger rear gears. If they're pointy too much they're getting worn.

awesome, will do! thanks tons!

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