Little context I’m new to mtb just looking for a different hobby, 31 yr old, 5”11, 75kgs. Need something to get me out the house and used to love bmx dirt tracks/jumps back in the day.
On my area all main hardtail brands around 300-500 used depending on which spec model.
Merida big 7 or 9. Norco storm. Scott aspect. Entry level stuff.
Seen this bike at 500 and got him down to 400aud , very easy to communicate with and well rated seller, seems to know his stuff and service his bikes.
I’m just not sure on the age of it, it’s carbon fiber and not sure how that feels compared to alloy.
Is it worth the point to just get on a bike and get out there.
I’m in Adelaide , South Australia.
Not really sure what to call the trials near me but mix of beginner and intermediate I’d day. Plus just daily cruises and flatter paths, trails.
Any advice much appreciated, thanks
by Wide-Focus2755
1 Comment
You’re spending $400 so stuff like how carbon vs alu rides is not what you should be concerned with here (on an FS MTB there is basically no difference I have both).
What you should be concerned more about is stuff like the quality and condition of the components, things like the suspension fork and brakes, this bike all the parts are very good quality (better than entry level tier). If the bike is thrashed it’s not a good buy obviously, you need to check any bike out in person and test ride.
It is not that new (about 10-12 years old I’d estimate without taking the time to search) but as an XC bike it’s a lot less dated than if it was a trail or enduro bike since XC geometry has changed much less, and how bikes are looked after and how much they are used matters more than age for the condition.
For $400 if you’re happy with an XC type bike (which the Merida/Norco hardtails also are) you could do a lot worse than this if condition checks out. I’d much rather ride and own this than some Merida Big 7/Nine or similar even if those were years newer. Also less like to depreciate to being totally worthless in a few years than those bikes