alright so i bought a 2009 specialized rockhopper last year around christmas from my lbs for 300$ SPECS; http://specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2009&spid=38432&menuItemId=0&gold_ses= I used the bike for a daily commuter to classes and back for around 2 months and then started riding some local trails with some friends. I fell in love with mountain biking. I believe I Ride enough to start looking for a used upgrade. Well I found a guy who works for trek and he wants to sale me a 2002 trek fuel 90 disc for 450$ SPECS; http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?Year=2002&Brand=Trek&Model=Fuel+90+Disc&Type=bike I know this is a better bike but what I am asking is it worth 450$ and is it that much better of a bike than my rockhopper since it is almost 10 years old? the bike is in great shape and feels like it just had a tune up. should I sale my rockhopper for 250$ and put around 400 with it and try to find a newer bike for around 650$ or should i pull the trigger on the trek? thanks for the help.
right upgrade for me?
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Tough call...
Definitely not a bad buy for $450.00 provided the bike has been well cared for and it's current drivetrain component mix is newer (at 10 yrs old, the drivetrain components could have been replaced 1 or 2 times). The problem is, you really don't know how it was ridden, and how well it was maintained. I would say that if the seller agreed to you taking in to a mechanic to inspect it, I would at least give serious consideration to the purchase. $650.00 doesn't buy a whole lot of bike (if you're buying new), and if the Fuel is in decent condition, it may be a decent buy.
I would also recommend going into the Trek Forum here and doing a search on "Fuel". Check out the threads and see if historically, there have been any issues with the frame. If there have been significant issues, pass on the purchase.
I hope this helps.
Bob
Definitely not a bad buy for $450.00 provided the bike has been well cared for and it's current drivetrain component mix is newer (at 10 yrs old, the drivetrain components could have been replaced 1 or 2 times). The problem is, you really don't know how it was ridden, and how well it was maintained. I would say that if the seller agreed to you taking in to a mechanic to inspect it, I would at least give serious consideration to the purchase. $650.00 doesn't buy a whole lot of bike (if you're buying new), and if the Fuel is in decent condition, it may be a decent buy.
I would also recommend going into the Trek Forum here and doing a search on "Fuel". Check out the threads and see if historically, there have been any issues with the frame. If there have been significant issues, pass on the purchase.
I hope this helps.
Bob
what Im now thinking is take the 400$ and upgrade my rockhopper...I really like the sram x5 rd, but not in love with the altus fd. Maybe I can get a x9 fd, and either an upgraded fork or a set of disc rims with some disc brakes. on a side note I rode the trek and it is in great shape, shifts like a dream. only problem is the front brake needs to be bled. Im just a little turned off by the 2002/2003 age of the trek. Which of the two would you guys recommend doing? and if I should upgrade the rockhopper, what should be the uprgrade?
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You're trying to compare apples and oranges to some extent (hardtail vs dualie). The Trek Fuel has always been a good bike and if the seller works for Trek, it probably was well taken care of (might not be his only bike).
You have to ask yourself what you want the bike for? Do you think you need a full suspension bike?
I think the Trek is worthwhile pursuing since you have ridden and seen the bike. It is much less a leap of faith than buying on eBay, which is done all the time. You could ask the seller how much has he put into the bike and what has he changed, plus approx mileage.
It sounds like you will probably upgrading soon and this seems a reasonable venue.
You have to ask yourself what you want the bike for? Do you think you need a full suspension bike?
I think the Trek is worthwhile pursuing since you have ridden and seen the bike. It is much less a leap of faith than buying on eBay, which is done all the time. You could ask the seller how much has he put into the bike and what has he changed, plus approx mileage.
It sounds like you will probably upgrading soon and this seems a reasonable venue.
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