Hi guys.
I want to try mountainbike, so i currently looking for a used bike just to try it out. And then buy a more expensive one if the sport catches me.
I’m looking at this specialized Epic comp from 2013 on Facebook marketplace, is this a good buy? Or is it better to look for a hardtail?
by SSB_1990
6 Comments
Depends on the price and on whether the suspension has been serviced and is still serviceable. This was a nice bike in its day, and if it were super inexpensive (like, a couple hundred USD), it might do for a bit, but bikes have changed a great deal since 2013. I would recommend a newer used hardtail. At least it will have more updated geometry, wheel size and component standards. This way, if you decide to get another bike, you can use the hardtail as a backup ride or run it with slick tires as a city bike.
Also, this was an XC race bike. Will be significantly less comfortable than a more general purpose trail bike.
Final thought… starting with a cheaper ride to see if you like it makes some sense, but another option is to commit in advance. go in with the attitude that you are going to get into riding and figure it out, despite the fact that it is hard at first. This way you can jump in with a solid, modern bike and get a much better sense of how mountain biking works. (New bikes are just way, way better and easier to ride than older bikes.)
Any decent hardtail from within the last 3-5 years will outperform this bike. I would find a hardtail with disc brakes, a dropper, thru axles front and rear, and an air fork.
I’m a total newbie.. what is a thru axle?
Is there any models you recommend.
I were just looking for fully bikes because I thought it would be more off and allround choice? I might be wrong, please teach me..
Use a piece that goes through the wheel instead of quick release lever or screw on and off. It’s great that you’re getting into the sport! I know this is a little off-topic but if you want to get into XC racing in the next few years there might be leagues in your state. In my home state of Wisconsin, there is WORS (Wisconsin Off-Road Series.) It is a super welcoming league ( again I don’t know if this is in your state) but there is a whole newbie class that you can race in (just one lap.) Sorry I went a little off topic there I will attach a picture of thru axel.
NX is sram’s mid level drivetrain
Check the endo stem out