I have an 80s Schwinn road bike, but want something else for rougher terrain and potentially bike packing. Shopping for an older steel MTB or hybrid that I can ride around and upgrade/modify as I learn more about repairs (perhaps drop bars down the line). I’d like to add racks and bottle cages, too. I’m factoring in distance for pickup into the cost due to time & fuel.
Anything I’m overlooking? Any of these bikes far superior in quality or a better bargain?
1. Giant Rincon (1993?) – talked down to $100, looks to be in good shape, easy pickup
2. Specialized Rockhopper (1993?) – $200, a little far to pick up, has 1x conversion, some wear/scratches on frame and bars
3. Trek Mt Track 830 (1996?) – $150, easy pick up, some rust on stem/bars maybe drivetrain, sold by someone who knows about bikes if that matters at all
4. Schwinn CrissCross (1992?) – $99, grip shifters, not too far to pick up
5. Univega Alipina Uno (1990?) – $200, 2hr drive to pick up, lots of scratches, giving r/xbiking vibes, seller knows bikes, new accessories/cleaned up
by softhittingquestions