Help identifying this bike. I’m new to mountain biking and looking for something cheap to see if I’ll even like it. He’s selling this one for $250
Posted Feb 7, 2023, 9:58 PM UTC
5640
Not a good intro, you’ll have more bike problems than fun
40
I’d recommend renting for a couple daylong rides. Ask at the rental shop about a good location for a new rider.
Buying anything before you’ve any idea if you’re interested is a mistake. And a crappy bike will make you hate it.
40
Adding to this - a lot of shops will allow you to rent bikes and if you end up buying one, they’ll deduct the amount you paid for the rentals from the purchase price.
12
If someone is looking at $250 bikes they absolutely should NOT be renting. Renting is expensive compared to low end budget bikes or older used bikes. They'd be better off saving for an entry level hardtail or finding a newer used one. You can have a lot of fun on a cheap bike that isn't exactly what you want, and if you can't afford exactly what you want anyway, what's the point in spending money to figure that out?
To anyone who really needs to try different types of bikes before buying one, but is still on a tight budget, figure out when your LBS does a demo day and go to it. But make sure you really want to do that first, because it's gonna suck falling for a $4k bike if your budget is $1k.
3
Your argument is not without merit, but we don’t really know OPs situation.
There are no $250 used bikes that represent what riding a modern entry level bike is like.
I guess the answer is “we can’t tell you if this bike makes sense for you because you haven’t told us anything about your goals, budget, or situation.”
If the question is is this the best $250 bike I can buy? then the answer is still no, don’t buy it.
At $250 I’d be looking for a 2018 or newer hardtail like a specialized rockhopper, trek marlin, or Marin bobtail.
2
How much does rent cost where you live? They are incredible in my place
2
$70 if you return same day $90 24 hrs for standard mtb.
$90/$130 “premium” at evo denver
2
Personally I’d start with a hardtail.
33
This. Entry level full suspension is a bad idea.
12
OLD entry level FS is a bad idea.
17
No
10
Google Polygon bikes. They are the best deal atm. Get a $900 full suspension.
7
I have had my Polygon, t7 (retails for about 2000 ) for about 5 years now, It handles the double blacks at my local park very well (Alafia River State Park)
2
Yup, If I was new I'd check sales but probably get a Polygon. Best bike at the price point. Heavy, sure but for beginners they are a great place to start.
1
Just googled it, dude those are amazing value. Fox suspension front and rear for $2200
1
Friend of mine broke the frame within a year though. They’re cheap-ish but heavy and maybe some of their welds are suspect.
0
Disagree. I don’t doubt a frame broke, that can happen to any bike (hence the warranty), but polygon and Marin are the same company and produce great bikes at reasonable prices. They consistently get great reviews from bike magazines and also have very high end bikes like any other top brand. Don’t hesitate to buy one. I have a Marin and it is a beast. Out of my two bikes I always seem to go that Marin, it’s got great geometry and feels great to ride.
1
thousand oaks?
5
Was thinking the same.
2
Riverside actually
2
Gross dude. You will definitely not like mountain biking if you ride that thing. Try renting a real mountain bike and seeing if it's worth it. A lot of bike shops offer to wave the rental cost if youm decide to buy something. Check out entry level full suspension options like Specialized's Status or a Trek Fuel EX 5. If you want to save money look at Pinkbike's buy/sell and you should be able to find a deal.
5
That would be a pretty good guarantee that you aren’t going to like it. But I bet if you search for an older 26” hardtail in that price range you can find a decent bike that will put a smile on your face.
3
What are the things I should be looking for when buying a used bike?
1
If you are looking to spend 250ish you are likely looking at a hardtail 26”er, and with luck you can fine one with a decent suspension fork and that has been well maintained. I just donated an 08 Marin Nail Trail to our local nonprofit bike shop because I didn’t want to deal with selling it, but there are a lot of older bikes out there that are perfectly fine, just a bit obsolete. Keep an eye on Craigslist and see what pops up. It’s a buyers market now and you may even luck into a 29er. Maybe something like a Rockhopper Comp.
1
Looks a whole lot like a 2007 Diamondback Coil Ex 07
Picture for reference
1
[deleted]
1
This bike is called "the money pit", the pivots, transmission and brakes likely need maintenance and updating, it will ride like crap and the suspension won't adjust to what you prefer
1
Yikes! 50$ tops. That bike will not do you any favors. Find something newer and save another $250.
1
With 100 more you can have something like a used marlin. Not this piece of shite.
1
This will ruin your experience on the trail—hard pass.
1
get a used Giant Talon, I've seen people in my town do some light AM on that bike
1
Hard tail
1
diamond back full suspension. is a good entry level bike and cant beat the price.
1
Start on a cheap ish Hardtail
1
Diamondback coil ss, this model is from the 2000s but is in great condition but it isnt worth $250 more like $120 becuase of the age
1
Diamondback Coil SS from early 2000's
absolutely not worth $250
http://www.bikesdetails.info/Diamondback\_Coil\_SS\_2003.html
Max ~$150 if left as stock with no cosmetic issues, unless the seller made some upgrades on parts.