[taikuodo]

I'm 15, looking for a mountain bike.
Are used bikes still able to keep up with the new ones?
Ie. the old 1998/2000 models vs the 2006/2005 ones.
Im looking at the Trek 820, 3500 [New]
And looking at the Trek 820, Gt outpost, and not sure of others - used. [1998-2000]

Would it be better to buy a new bike, I only have three more years until i move away to college, or is a used bike better for my needs?

bascially, riding on trails, some downhill.
small budget = i want a bike 200 and under but new costs 250

 

[dogonfr]

Unless you are prepaired to work on a used bike & buy the parts to maintain & upgrade as needed i would recomend buying new. It is generally cheaper in the long run to buy new. I would save up more money any way possible. Check out Ibex Bikes they have the best bang for the buck being a net company. :cornut:

The Alpine 450 is $399 & the 550 is $499 but comes with disc brakes.

https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes-Hub-MTB.html

https://www.ibexbikes.com/Bikes/ALP-550-Details.html

 

[Call_me_Clyde]

Buy used

Your $200-$250 will go much further if you buy used. Look around very carefully and have someone who knows something about bikes go with you when you look at used bikes. There are too many bikes to be had that have been bought by someone, ridden a few times, then stored in the garage collecting dust. You can find one of these if you look hard enough. It will get you through the next few years, and possibly even your college years as a campus beater bike. Once you graduate, if you're still into the sport, save your money and buy something new.

Just my twisted logic on things as always.

Bob

 

[fred3]

So since you recommend this bike then you must know... how good are the Tektro mechanical disc brakes? There are no reviews at mtbr for this brake and in my experience just because they are "disc" brakes doesn't mean they'll work all that well. So feedback is a must.

 

[notrelatedtoted]

I agree...

Your $200-$250 will go much further if you buy used. Look around very carefully and have someone who knows something about bikes go with you when you look at used bikes. There are too many bikes to be had that have been bought by someone, ridden a few times, then stored in the garage collecting dust. You can find one of these if you look hard enough. It will get you through the next few years, and possibly even your college years as a campus beater bike. Once you graduate, if you're still into the sport, save your money and buy something new.

Just my twisted logic on things as always.

Bob

I bought a nice road bike off of craigslist for $500.00. It was close to $900.00 when she bought it and unless she cleaned it meticulously, it was BRAND NEW. Not a mark on it. You have to be patient, know what you're looking for, and be able to act when the time comes.

Otherwise, keep saving your money - I recommend setting aside $500.00 for a decent hardtail + accessories.

 

[notrelatedtoted]

I have tektro discs

So since you recommend this bike then you must know... how good are the Tektro mechanical disc brakes? There are no reviews at mtbr for this brake and in my experience just because they are "disc" brakes doesn't mean they'll work all that well. So feedback is a must.

The Tektro disc brakes aren't great, but they're not that bad, either. I've been riding them for about a year and a half, and there are some minor issues, but nothing that has me wanting to upgrade right away.

 

[dogonfr]

So since you recommend this bike then you must know... how good are the Tektro mechanical disc brakes? There are no reviews at mtbr for this brake and in my experience just because they are "disc" brakes doesn't mean they'll work all that well. So feedback is a must.

For it's intended use they work fine :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: