I've been wanting to get into mountain biking, but on a pretty low budget. Due to said budget, I was looking at buying a used hardtail. However, I saw this bike on Facebook Marketplace near me for only $400, and was wondering:
1) Does this appear to be a good deal/decent bike for a beginner?
2) What should I look at/inspect on the bike before purchasing?
By the way, I'm willing to do repairs and don't mind a bit of a project, as long as it's not insanely time consuming/expensive. Also, if I bought this I'd probably immediately buy flat pedals to switch out for the clipless ones.
Thanks in advance for any advice/help!
Here's the lister's description:
For sale is a used Jamis Dakar XCT 650 Pro. Bike appears to have fully functioning brakes, shifters, and suspension but I am not an avid biker nor the original purchaser of this bike so I cannot fully guarantee it is in perfect condition to take on a trail without a tune up. Buyer is welcome to test drive before purchasing.
17” size
the seat appears to have been replaced. there is overall paint scratches and dents from hard use. tires have held air while in storage. definitely appears to have a lot of miles on it.
please ask any questions. like i mentioned i am not a bike expert and the buyer is allowed to fully inspect in person before paying.
https://mtbdatabase.com/bikes/2014/jamis/dakar-xct/2014-jamis-dakar-xct-650-pro/
by Horror-Assumption217
10 Comments
I’d recommend you get something more modern.
Maybe.
If you buy an older dual suspension mountain bike be prepared to spend some money (any time). Likely the suspension needs servicing and the drivetrain probably needs some love. You could easily spend another $400 making the bike happy.
I would stick with your original hardtail plan.
If you’re looking to get an xc bike, you’re better off getting a hardtail first than an old full suspension, especially the dakar with their stressed rear triangle that snaps in half
No, unless you know what to look for used full suspension bikes are a bad idea (namely bad pivot bearings and evidence that the suspension was serviced). Get a newer hardtail.
This bike is worth 200 bucks at most.
The suspension needs to be serviced more than likely, that can be very difficult/expensive, and the brakes that are on it are not exactly known for being reliable.
You are better off with a hardtail that is slightly newer if you’re just starting out. You’ll cut the maintenance costs by a decent amount and it will be nicer.
Dude, I was literally scrolling marketplace for a bike earlier and saw this listing.
I am not sure but wouldn’t getting more modern hardtail be better?
POS
Nope
I’d rather get the Ozark Trail FS Slalom brand new for around that price
But, I would probably as actually go for the Ozark Trail Ridge hardtail in that price range.