[therightcoastrider]

I missed out on a beautiful 2018 a few days ago.

This just popped up today:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/bik/d/lynbrook-surly-karate-monkey-ops-2014/6908383904.html

from what I've read, pre 2015 isn't exactly ideal. Is that true?

 

[jcd46]

Me again lol

Do it! Remember they move quickly!

Go into the KM thread here and read the feedback, look at pics. Yes, lot of fan boys in there but I'm quickly becoming one.

I do that when looking for a bike.

 

[therightcoastrider]

Me again lol

Do it! Remember they move quickly!

Go into the KM thread here and read the feedback, look at pics. Yes, lot of fan boys in there but I'm quickly becoming one.

I do that when looking for a bike.

Hey dude! Thanks lol but thought you said avoid anything pre 2015??

 

[jcd46]

Hey dude! Thanks lol but thought you said avoid anything pre 2015??

No, that wasn't me. The Geo will be slightly different, just get it and start riding, then you will really know what you like/need.

 

[therightcoastrider]

No, that wasn't me. The Geo will be slightly different, just get it and start riding, then you will really know what you like/need.

Any issue with it being single speed?

Also should I offer $600? $800 seems steep...

 

[jcd46]

Any issue with it being single speed?

Also should I offer $600? $800 seems steep...

That depends on how much climbing you are planning, didn't realize it was SS.

As for the price, he is moving so maybe 700. Looks really clean.

 

[mongol777]

Don'r rush. Pre-2015 KM are OK, any KM is fun in my books.
The one you posted:
- Makes sure you can get SS MDS chips (either included or if you can buy them). Running SS with tensioner on KM is fine if you are after specific ratio and want wheel to be slammed but SS chip in OPS will make cleaner setup
- Seller includes some gearing bits like RD and rear wheel does not look to be SS specific, just regular cassette with SS kit so should be easy to build it geared. You will need shifters and other small bits
- Tires - big apples are fine and you can ride them as is even on the trail but you'd want more thread for the type of trails you are planning to ride
- Headtube is 44mm so you can use suspension forks with tapered steerer in the future but will likely need to relace front rim to thru axle (unless you can find fork with QR which suits you or simply keep it rigid).
- Lots of wear on crank, grips, etc - does the chain need to be replaced? what about brake pads?

So consider points above, make sure it fits you and make an offer. Personally I would pay ~500-550 for what I see in the ad.

Good luck!

 

[mongol777]

This one is more "trail ready" - https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2578315/
The one you posted is essentialy starter kit - you can ride it as is but most likely will want to do upgrades pretty soon (nothing wrong with it) and will likely require some small things like chain, brake bleed and/or pads (as I mentioned in previous post).
What is your budget? If you can stretch it to $800-900 - pretty sure you can get the one from pinkbike I posted

 

[Muirenn]

This one is more "trail ready" - https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2578315/
The one you posted is essentialy starter kit - you can ride it as is but most likely will want to do upgrades pretty soon (nothing wrong with it) and will likely require some small things like chain, brake bleed and/or pads (as I mentioned in previous post).
What is your budget? If you can stretch it to $800-900 - pretty sure you can get the one from pinkbike I posted

That is the one he tried to buy, but someone beat him to it.

 

[Muirenn]

The problem is that buying used as a newbie is difficult because to get the perfect bike it really helps if you have a lot of bike experience and know exactly what you need. Most bikes will need upgrades and changes, so amount saved may be negligible. End of year sales complicate this as you can get a '19 for 20% off. And the desirable steal framed mountainbike are designed to last 20, 30 years and don't depreciate the way you are expecting. They are not cars.

Here is something, a Marin Pine Mountain is essentially a Karate Monkey for less than a grand. https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2019-mountain-hardtail-trail-27.5-plus-pine-mountain

And if you buy from a local shop, you will get set-up and at least a basic fitting to adjust stem, saddle, etc to make it more comfortable. You will have to pay for all these things separately if you buy outside of a shop. Plus, a lot of shops give you a discount on future purchases if you buy a bike. Sometimes for life. You can call around and see if anyone has one in stock to try in your size. Looking at the specs, I think the hubs have a cam release with thru axels. But I'm not positive. I was very tempted when I first discovered them. But I already had a KM.

https://www.marinbikes.com/find-a-dealer?near=new+york,+ny

 

[mongol777]

That is the one he tried to buy, but someone beat him to it.

Ah, got ya.

 

[mongol777]

The problem is that buying used as a newbie is difficult because to get the perfect bike it really helps if you have a lot of bike experience and know exactly what you need. Most bikes will need upgrades and changes, so amount saved may be negligible. End of year sales complicate this as you can get a '19 for 20% off. And the desirable steal framed mountainbike are designed to last 20, 30 years and don't depreciate the way you are expecting. They are not cars.

Here is something, a Marin Pine Mountain is essentially a Karate Monkey for less than a grand. https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2019-mountain-hardtail-trail-27.5-plus-pine-mountain

And if you buy from a local shop, you will get set-up and at least a basic fitting to adjust stem, saddle, etc to make it more comfortable. You will have to pay for all these things separately if you buy outside of a shop. Plus, a lot of shops give you a discount on future purchases if you buy a bike. Sometimes for life. You can call around and see if anyone has one in stock to try in your size. Looking at the specs, I think the hubs have a cam release with thru axels. But I'm not positive. I was very tempted when I first discovered them. But I already had a KM.

https://www.marinbikes.com/find-a-dealer?near=new+york,+ny

Good points and very good summary. On the other hand if you chase down specific frame and go on the hunt for specific components you will learn a lot about bike setup, will likely make some pricey mistakes, will be frustrated and/or filled with joy when things don't work/work as they should. For me personally I always take overall experience for building up something vs buying off the shelf. I bought complete new bike once just because frame option was not available in Canada and I wanted that specific bike here and now. Can't say I enjoyed experience much but yes - it was convenient, ready to ride, etc.
I think both approaches are solid and for OP - again, excellent summary from Muirenn and Pine Mountain could be a great first MTB

 

[therightcoastrider]

The problem is that buying used as a newbie is difficult because to get the perfect bike it really helps if you have a lot of bike experience and know exactly what you need. Most bikes will need upgrades and changes, so amount saved may be negligible. End of year sales complicate this as you can get a '19 for 20% off. And the desirable steal framed mountainbike are designed to last 20, 30 years and don't depreciate the way you are expecting. They are not cars.

Here is something, a Marin Pine Mountain is essentially a Karate Monkey for less than a grand. https://www.marinbikes.com/bikes/2019-mountain-hardtail-trail-27.5-plus-pine-mountain

And if you buy from a local shop, you will get set-up and at least a basic fitting to adjust stem, saddle, etc to make it more comfortable. You will have to pay for all these things separately if you buy outside of a shop. Plus, a lot of shops give you a discount on future purchases if you buy a bike. Sometimes for life. You can call around and see if anyone has one in stock to try in your size. Looking at the specs, I think the hubs have a cam release with thru axels. But I'm not positive. I was very tempted when I first discovered them. But I already had a KM.

https://www.marinbikes.com/find-a-dealer?near=new+york,+ny

Pretty cheap here but then I lose out on the LBS service

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com...8CXZVtNkvaMCj9r_U74VCFplon4j07Uwn4BoCAffw_wcB

 

[jcd46]

Pretty cheap here but then I lose out on the LBS service

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com...8CXZVtNkvaMCj9r_U74VCFplon4j07Uwn4BoCAffw_wcB

You really don't, any good shop will service any bike, and you can still build a relationship with them. The perks aren't that great just because you buy the bike at the shop.

 

[Cornfield]

From what I've read the Pine Mountain is a nice bike.

Don't forget about a helmet and gloves, if you don't have those already.

 

[Muirenn]

Bike shops make a lot of money from mechanical work. That is a great buy.

 

[Jake January]

I missed out on a beautiful 2018 a few days ago.

This just popped up today:

https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/bik/d/lynbrook-surly-karate-monkey-ops-2014/6908383904.html

from what I've read, pre 2015 isn't exactly ideal. Is that true?

Don't overlook the Surly Troll.
You could buy a new frame and kit it out with 'on sale' items like wheels, gearsets. Invest in a few special tools and build the bike yourself.
You would learn a heck of alot, and have a bike capable of going anywhere in the world, loaded however you want.

 

[Jake January]

Nice review on the newly improved Troll frame..
https://bikepacking.com/bikes/surly-karate-monkey-27-5-troll/

 

[Muirenn]

Trolls are cool, but more for loaded touring. And they cost more. He wants used, and those are mostly built with 26" wheels.

RCR, you might enjoy this Salsa and Surly Trader group on facebook. You usually have to be referred by a friend, but they will likely add you if you ask:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/salsaandsurlytrader/

 

[therightcoastrider]

Trolls are cool, but more for loaded touring. And they cost more. He wants used, and those are mostly built with 26" wheels.

RCR, you might enjoy this Salsa and Surly Trader group on facebook. You usually have to be referred by a friend, but they will likely add you if you ask:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/salsaandsurlytrader/

Thanks I actually joined them the other day.

I have my finger on the trigger for the Marin...