Calling all MTB experts

[hobbit712]

I am trying to research a new/used mountain bike purchase. I want to get into a entry level hardtail. With a new knee and the other with arthritis I don't expect to go hard core. I am thinking mostly of use on trails without a lot of difficulty. I have looked at a number of the entry level new bikes from the major manufacturers. Most of those run about $500 or so. I dont want to commit much more in case th knees cant take it.

I was hoping to rent a bike on our recent trip to North Carolina but no one in the area rented bikes.

So yesterday I started searching Craigslist and ran across a few possibilities. Anyone want to offer an opinion on the following bike?

2017 Fuji Nevada 1.0 LTD Pristine Condition - $650









Fuji 29er hardtail. The bike has rarely been ridden. High end Shimano components, clutched rear derailleur (Deore XT shadow plus), Rock Shox 100mm travel air fork, Hydraulic disc brakes. Bike is fast with excellent handling characteristics. I replaced the longish stem with a FUNN 45mm forged aluminum unit. I also installed bar-ends on the inside of the grips, great for longer distance rides. Please no low-ball offers. I'm not desperate to sell, bike just isn't being ridden and needs a proper shredder.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (copied from Fuji site)

FRAME
Fuji A2-SL custom-butted alloy front triangle w/ PowerCurve down tube, oversized seat tube, Fuji A1-SL alloy rear triangle w/ S-bend chainstays, post disc mount, cold-forged dropout and replaceable hanger

FORK
RockShox 30 Silver TK Solo Air 29, 100mm travel

CRANKSET
Shimano SLX, integrated spindle, 36/26T

BOTTOM BRACKET
Shimano, sealed bearing

FRONT DERAILLEUR
Shimano SLX, 34.9mm

REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano Deore XT shadow plus, 11-speed

SHIFTERS
Shimano SLX, Rapid Fire, 22-speed

CASETTE
Shimano SLX 11-42T, 11-speed

CHAIN
KMC X11 w/ MissingLink, 11-speed

WHEELSET
Vera Terra DPD22 rims 32h, Formula CL-25 sealed bearing front, Formula CL-52 rear disc hubs, 14g stainless black spokes

TIRES
Schwalbe Smart Sam, 29†x 2.1â€, 50tpi

BRAKESET
Shimano M365, hydraulic disc, 180/160mm rotors

BRAKE LEVERS
Shimano M365, hydraulic disc

HEADSET
FSA NO. 10, 1 1/8" semi-integrated, caged bearings

HANDLEBAR
Oval Concepts at bar, 6061 alloy, 9 degree sweep, 31.8mm clamp


GRIPS
Oval Concepts 600, single lock on, single density Kraton

SADDLE
Oval Concepts 200, steel rail

SEATPOST
Oval Concepts 300, 6061 alloy, 31.6mm diameter

[BacoNoir]

I've never seen anyone mount bar ends in the middle of the bars - so weird. Those are not "high end Shimano components" - they are middle of the road components. Here's the hierarchy of the Shimano groupsets.

https://www.evanscycles.com/coffeestop/ ... -hierarchy

Not sure what size that is, but you can beat that price brand new online with overstocks.

https://www.performancebike.com/fuji-ne ... bk/p915238

[hobbit712]

He's a bit of a triathlon kind of guy. So he mounted those bars when he was trying to reduce his wind drag he explained. They felt very weird when I tried them out when I test rode it.

I saw that like you linked to as well. Not quite the same bike. This is a 1.0 LTD. I can't seem to find much information on it. He hinted that he got a deal about $800 on it. Possibly originally priced around $1,000 to $1,100.


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[four20]

Does it come with the pedals or no? I'd offer him $50 less if it doesn't. If they are part of the package, offer $75 less and have him keep the pedals (then get yourself a good pair of flats)

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[BacoNoir]

Bicycle Blue Book doesn't show a 1.0 in 2017.

https://www.bicyclebluebook.com/SearchL ... odel=57476

Usually a bike is worth about 50% within a year or two and lower if the components are worn. Take it to a bike shop and have them look at the fork, drive train (Chain / sprockets) and brakes. Drive train looks dirty to me, which tell me it might not be well maintained. Mine gets cleaned and lubed every few rides and is definitely cleaned before I sell them.

[BacoNoir]

Personally, at that price point and component setup, if this one you want, I'd buy the one at the link below it it's the right size - not a LTD but brand new and no wear and probably just a different paint job

https://www.nashbar.com/fuji-nevada-1.0 ... 17/p911477

EDIT: says it's not available online - I'd give nashbar a call.

[JP Chestnut]

If I remember correctly, you’re a short guy. I wouldn’t suggest a 29 inch bike to someone shorter than me (5’8).

Most decent modern bikes will get the job done.

[hobbit712]

If I remember correctly, you’re a short guy. I wouldn’t suggest a 29 inch bike to someone shorter than me (5’8).

Most decent modern bikes will get the job done.

I'm 5'10 with 30" inseam. The bike I rode might be a touch big but it felt good.

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[hobbit712]

EDIT: says it's not available online - I'd give nashbar a call.

I chatted with them. The bike is only available at their Chico CA store



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[JP Chestnut]

If I remember correctly, you’re a short guy. I wouldn’t suggest a 29 inch bike to someone shorter than me (5’8).

Most decent modern bikes will get the job done.

I'm 5'10 with 30" inseam. The bike I rode might be a touch big but it felt good.

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Ok, sorry. It should work.

If I were you, I’d check out the FS section of mtbr.com. Lots of lightly used genuinely nice stuff for cheap.

[BacoNoir]

If I remember correctly, you’re a short guy. I wouldn’t suggest a 29 inch bike to someone shorter than me (5’8).

Most decent modern bikes will get the job done.

I'm 5'10 with 30" inseam. The bike I rode might be a touch big but it felt good.

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Ok, sorry. It should work.

If I were you, I’d check out the FS section of mtbr.com. Lots of lightly used genuinely nice stuff for cheap.

MTBR and Pinkbike are great online sales forums.

https://classifieds.mtbr.com/

https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/

[justsellbrgs]

most areas in the US have a local IMBA group - mine is CAMBA (Cleveleand Area)..... those groups have FB groups and members sell bikes, and talk trails, etc.
shops don;t give much in trade --- shipping a bike sucks... so local deals are great.

In terms of HT --- salsa is having a sale on new Timberjacks. Raleigh is also having a big sale and they now ship to consumer direct. Marin is another that runs sales quite often.

wheel size seems to change like the weather... 29 was hot for a while..... 26 seems vintage --- many have gravitated to 27.5.

personally I ride a fat bike year round.... (and a gravel bike).....

mtbr.com is like watchuseek, etc for the MTB crowd.

[dnslater]

I will put a vote in for going to your local brick and mortar bike shop.... especially given your knee/joint pain. Most good shops will spend time with you doing a proper fitting with seat adjustments, stem adjustments, etc... Some will also swap out seats, stems, etc... to fine tune your fit on a new bike. Find a good one and build a relationship. Most bikes in the $500-$600 range will suite you well and be a good entry level bike for light trail riding. You might pay a tad more at a bike shop, but the fitting will be worth it and they sometimes throw in a few freebies like water bottles, etc... They will also usually give you a free tune up after a few months when the bike is broken in.

[gamecock111]

+1 for local store for all the reasons listed above. I would figure out where you intend to ride ( or want to ride ) and make sure your bike is a match. Sand or heavy rocks, plus size will make you happy.

But, light trails or heavy technical and you might something else. Again, local bike folks can help there.

Just make sure the bike fits. Get fitted at bike store and then you know when looking at used

[hobbit712]

I went to a couple of local bike shops yesterday. Sales persons at both shops kind of recommended going the full suspension route due to having to be up out of the saddle more on a hardtail. One local shop rents hardtail and their sister shop rents full suspension bikes. I think I am going to rent each and see if I cant make a more informed decision.

[dnslater]

I went to a couple of local bike shops yesterday. Sales persons at both shops kind of recommended going the full suspension route due to having to be up out of the saddle more on a hardtail. One local shop rents hardtail and their sister shop rents full suspension bikes. I think I am going to rent each and see if I cant make a more informed decision.

What types of trails will you be riding? At $600, the price of the full suspension frame means that you will get lower end components everywhere else on the bike - so a lot more compromise overall. Salesmen are probably just trying to upsell you.

Depending on where you are riding, you also might try renting a fat tire. They are heavier, but the rides are pretty buttery with the large low profile tires soaking up bumps. If your health issues are primarily leg and not back, then the full suspension won't help much and added weight could work against you.

[BacoNoir]

FS are comfy for going over rocks/roots, but you lose some pedaling efficiency and add weight and maintenance. I still ride FS but live in Colorado where we are routinely dealing with a lot of rocks and roots on the trails we ride. Hard tails are lighter and cheaper. I'd only go FS if you you have a lot of obstacles to go over on the trails you ride.

Renting is a great choice to get the bike that fits your needs well. I rented several that looked awesome on paper reading the specs, but didn't work for me - others sing their praises though. Bikes are unique to each rider, kind of like watches. Good luck with the search.

[CGSshorty]

I see no reason for a full suspension bike in South Florida.

[justsellbrgs]

if you go FS -- read the reviews on Marin Hawk Hill...

[BacoNoir]

I see no reason for a full suspension bike in South Florida.

Oh, didn't know the location - 100% agree.

[hobbit712]

I see no reason for a full suspension bike in South Florida.

Oh, didn't know the location - 100% agree.

It might see some time in NC too.

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